How to keep your pet’s behaviour on track.
Learn about setting rules for your cat or dog - and how to stick to them. And get top dog training tips from TV’s Graeme Hall.
Published: 27 February 2026
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Who’s really the boss - you or your pet?
Pets bring love and joy into our homes, but they can also take over the house if we’re not careful. Whether you live with a confident cat or a cheeky pup, most of us have moments where we wonder who’s really in charge.
In this guide, we explain:
- why so many pet owners become ‘pet pushovers’why so many pet owners become ‘pet pushovers’
- how emotional reactions can make dog and cat training harderhow emotional reactions can make dog and cat training harder
- what you can do to create a calmer, happier home - for both you and your petswhat you can do to create a calmer, happier home - for both you and your pets
Are we a nation of pet pushovers?
If you’ve ever given in to a whining dog or a purring cat asking for ‘just one more treat’, you’re not alone. According to our research*:
- 50% of pet owners claim to be strict with their cats and dogs. And yet 38% of owners say they always let their pet break the rules.50% of pet owners claim to be strict with their cats and dogs. And yet 38% of owners say they always let their pet break the rules.
- 55% admit they usually give in when their pet whines.55% admit they usually give in when their pet whines.
- 32% feel guilty saying "no" to their pet.32% feel guilty saying "no" to their pet.
It’s perhaps no surprise that a pet’s behaviour often causes tension at home. 31% of couples and 42% of parents say they argue several times a week about their pet’s behaviour. Usually because one person gives in, and the other tries to stay firm.
Your pet’s training needs - and yours
Just like children, pets become confused when the rules keep changing. And confused pets are more likely to display unwanted behaviours - like jumping up, demanding food or making noise. This kind of confusion can also cause aggressive behaviour in cats.
So, while 88% UK pet owners think their four-legged friends are well behaved, maybe dogs, cats and their humans all need a bit more training!
Good intentions vs emotional reactions
Most people have good intentions when it comes to dog or cat training. But emotions often get in the way, especially when you’re tired or stressed. And it’s easy to succumb to cat cuddles or big, sad puppy-dog eyes.
For example:
- you know feeding scraps from the table encourages begging, but it’s hard to resistyou know feeding scraps from the table encourages begging, but it’s hard to resist
- you want to stop your cat scratching the sofa, but you feel bad moving them mid cuddle.you want to stop your cat scratching the sofa, but you feel bad moving them mid cuddle.
- you intend to stick to puppy training tips, but your dog looks so sad when you tell them “no”.you intend to stick to puppy training tips, but your dog looks so sad when you tell them “no”.
This ‘pet parent guilt’ doesn’t make you a bad owner, it just means your pet has learned what works. And animals will always repeat behaviours that get results.
The good news? A few simple changes to the way you deal with your pet’s behaviour can make a big difference.
How to stay in control of your pet household
You don’t need harsh discipline or complicated techniques to stay in control. Most pets simply need:
- clear rulesclear rules
- calm leadershipcalm leadership
- the same responses from everyone in the homethe same responses from everyone in the home
Here are some easy ways to start:
Set simple household rules
Decide things like:
- Is the sofa allowed or not?Is the sofa allowed or not?
- Are mealtime scraps allowed?Are mealtime scraps allowed?
- When and where is playtime?When and where is playtime?
Stick to these rules. And make sure everyone else who looks after your cat or dog does too.
Reward good behaviour straight away
Pets learn by linking the action to the outcome. Reward within 2 seconds so they know what they did right.
Redirect unwanted behaviour
Instead of just saying “no”, show them what they should or could do.
For example:
- a scratching post instead of the sofaa scratching post instead of the sofa
- a chew toy instead of shoesa chew toy instead of shoes
- their bed instead of jumping uptheir bed instead of jumping up
Keep your tone calm
Excitement can wind dogs up and stress cats out. Calm, steady instructions work best.
Consistency is key to successful training
Graeme Hall - The Dogfather - says the biggest behaviour problems come from mixed messages. If you allow something one day and correct it the next, your pet won’t know what you expect of them.
Consistency helps with:
- reducing stress for anxious or unsure petsreducing stress for anxious or unsure pets
- preventing cat behaviour problemspreventing cat behaviour problems
- improving puppy training and training for adult dogsimproving puppy training and training for adult dogs
- supporting long-term good habits for house cats and kittenssupporting long-term good habits for house cats and kittens
If you live with a partner, kids, or even visiting grandparents, try to agree on the same rules and responses. A united household makes for a calmer pet.
Make it easier for you and your pet
- 1 plan for all. Family, housemates, dog walkers, even visiting grandparents. Same rules, same rewards.1 plan for all. Family, housemates, dog walkers, even visiting grandparents. Same rules, same rewards.
- Keep it calm. Most behaviour wobbles come from over excitement. Lower the energy, and training lands better.Keep it calm. Most behaviour wobbles come from over excitement. Lower the energy, and training lands better.
- Train life, not just tricks. Practise real life moments: doorbells, prams, visitors, the post. 2 minutes here and there beats 1 big training session.Train life, not just tricks. Practise real life moments: doorbells, prams, visitors, the post. 2 minutes here and there beats 1 big training session.
Graeme Hall, The Dogfather, says:
“It’s vital that every member of the household is on the same page regarding the rules. If family members chop and change the rules, you’ll end up confusing your dog. They need to know that the rules are consistent, regardless of which person is giving the command.”
Learn more in our special dog training guide - Dog training tips from The Dogfather.
The Dogfather’s top 3 dog training tips
If you’re looking for puppy training tips, or need to teach an old dog new tricks, here’s Graeme’s top dog training advice.
1. Be calm and consistent
When it comes to training your dog, being calm is key. Most problems are caused by a dog being overexcited. To deal with that, you need to be a calm, assertive leader.
Most importantly, you need to be consistent with your rules. Don’t confuse your dog by letting them jump on the sofa one day and then tell them off the next.
In summary
- Keep calmKeep calm
- Be a leaderBe a leader
- Always follow the same rulesAlways follow the same rules
2. Timing is everything
If you reward your dog, or correct their behaviour, it’s best to do it within 2 seconds of what the dog’s done. That’s so your dog understands what the reward or correction relates to.
Example
If your dog stops barking, you need to praise them as soon as they’re quiet. Good timing is the only way your dog can make the link between action and reward.
In summary
- Reward or correct within 2 seconds of the dog’s actionReward or correct within 2 seconds of the dog’s action
3. See things from your dog’s point of view
Try to understand why your dog’s behaving the way they are. They aren’t doing it to annoy you - they’re doing what works for them.
It’s often driven by instinct, anxiety or confusion. And a little empathy goes a long way.
Remember, it’s easier to improve your dog’s behaviour if you understand why they’re doing it. Once you know the reasons why, you can then work on what to do and how to fix it.
In summary
- 1. Why are they behaving like that?1. Why are they behaving like that?
- 2. What can you do about it?2. What can you do about it?
- 3. How do you fix it?3. How do you fix it?
You’ll find more dog training and dog behaviour tips in our special guide - Dog training tips from The Dogfather.
For more advice about looking after a dog, see our guide - Looking after dogs.
Understanding cat behaviours
Cats can be mysterious, but their behaviours often have simple explanations. Understanding them can help prevent stress, tension and unwanted habits.
Common cat behaviours explained
Scratching furniture
Cats scratch to stretch, mark territory and stay calm. Give them a sturdy scratching post and reward them for using it.
Night-time zoomies
Many cats - especially young ones - are naturally more active at dawn and dusk. Add extra playtime during the day to release their energy.
Aggressive behaviour in cats
This could be caused by fear, overstimulation, pain or frustration. Look for triggers like:
- being stroked for too longbeing stroked for too long
- loud noisesloud noises
- seeing outdoor cats through windowsseeing outdoor cats through windows
If aggression is new or sudden, speak to your vet to rule out a medical problem.
House cat behaviour
Indoor cats need:
- climbing spacesclimbing spaces
- toystoys
- hiding spotshiding spots
- scratching postsscratching posts
- predictable routinespredictable routines
These things help to prevent boredom and common cat behaviour problems, especially in kittens.
If you want more help understanding your cat’s personality and habits, take a look at our guides:
Have you got pet insurance?
Even the best-trained pets can have accidents or illness - and treatment can be expensive. Behaviour-related incidents can also lead to unexpected vet bills. For example, accidents caused by over-excitement, mischief or stress.
Tesco Pet Insurance can help to protect both your pet and your pocket, with:
- Cover for any age of cat or dog. We provide pet insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit.
Cover for any age of cat or dog
We provide pet insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit. - 24/7 vetfone helpline. Get advice for your pet by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems.
24/7 vetfone helpline
Get advice for your pet by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems. - Direct payments to your vet. We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses applyDirect payments to your vet
We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses apply
Your options with Tesco Pet Insurance
With Tesco Pet Insurance, you can choose from 3 different types of cover:
- Lifetime Pet InsuranceLifetime Pet Insurance
- Maximum Benefit Pet InsuranceMaximum Benefit Pet Insurance
- Time Limited Pet InsuranceTime Limited Pet Insurance
You can save money on all our Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard. And if you insure more than one pet with us, you’ll get a multi pet discount on each policy.
You can learn more about the benefits of pet insurance in our guide - Why should I get pet insurance?
Help for Pet Insurance customers
Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.
Important information
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
About our research
*An online survey was conducted by WALR among cat and dog owners. Fieldwork took place from 8-13 October 2025. Data was collected in line with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, to make sure it was done ethically and accurately.
Learn more about Pet Insurance
Find cover for your four-legged friend and save money with your Clubcard. Choose Lifetime Pet Insurance, Maximum Benefit or Time Limited.