Understanding Your Dog's Behaiours

Sylvia Koczerzuk Koczerzuk Author

Mar 26, 2025 |

Educational handout for dog guardians on behaviour, stress, training strategies, and building strong, positive relationships with their dogs.

WALKABOUT CANINE CONSULTING
Helping You and Your Dog Thrive

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG'S BEHAVIOUR

Dogs are constantly learning from their environment. Their behaviour is shaped by genetics, experiences, and reinforcement. Understanding your dog's behaviour is key to creating a positive and fulfilling relationship.

BEHAVIOUR IS FLUID

• Dogs are not robots; their responses change based on context and emotional state.
• Training should be adaptable, considering both external influences and internal emotions.

THE STRESS BUCKET MODEL

• Think of your dog's stress like a bucket filled with various experiences.
• Positive stress (play, training) and negative stress (fear, frustration) both contribute.
• If their stress bucket overflows, behavioural issues like barking, lunging, or avoidance may emerge.
• Strategies to 'drain' the bucket include passive calming activities, structured rest, and confidence-building games.

HELPING YOUR DOG FEEL SAFE AND SECURE

A dog that feels safe is more likely to engage in learning and exhibit positive behaviours. Here’s how to support their emotional well-being:

🐾 Ditch the Bowl: Use food for training, engagement, and mental stimulation. Scatter feeding, puzzle feeders, and hand-feeding can increase focus and reduce anxiety.
🐾 Safe Zones: Create a quiet retreat where your dog can relax undisturbed. Respect their need for rest and decompression.
🐾 Predictability: Routines create security. Consistency in training and interactions builds confidence.
🐾 Avoiding Overstimulation: Fast play and repeated high-arousal activities can increase stress levels. Balance excitement with calm moments.

ENGAGEMENT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Training is more than teaching commands—it’s about developing a meaningful relationship. Key elements include:

✅ Reinforcement-Based Learning: Reward behaviours you want to see more of. Ignore or redirect unwanted behaviours. 

✅ The Power of Disengagement: Teach your dog that walking away from distractions is valuable. Disengagement from triggers is a critical skill for reactive dogs. 

✅ Choice & Consent in Training: Empowering your dog to make good choices leads to greater confidence and willingness to learn. 

✅ Body Language Awareness: Understanding canine body language helps prevent miscommunication and stress.

BEHAVIOURAL CHALLENGES & HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR DOG

Every dog faces struggles at some point. Here are some common challenges and ways to support them:

🐶 Reactivity: Build positive associations with triggers using Distraction-Mark-Treat (DMT) and distance work.
🐶 Resource Guarding: Manage environments, reduce stressors, and teach cooperative behaviours rather than forcing exchanges.
🐶 Separation Anxiety: Build independence through gradual desensitization and structured missions.
🐶 Impulse Control: Games like 'It's Your Choice' and 'Find It' help dogs learn self-regulation.

NEXT STEPS IN YOUR TRAINING JOURNEY

Training is an ongoing process. Keep sessions short, positive, and engaging. Celebrate small wins and adapt to your dog’s needs.When things are not going the way you feel is right, stop, think and make a can do plan for focus.  This is how change truly happens.

📅 Schedule a Follow-Up Session: Book Here
📧 Email: walkaboutcanineconsulting@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.walkaboutcanineconsulting.org

Your dog is always learning—let’s make sure they are learning the right things in the right way!
🐕 Helping Dogs and Their Guardians Walk Through Life Together!

Categories: : behavior consultant, behavior modification, Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant Dog Behaviour Consultant Dog Training and Behaviour Animal Behaviour Consulting Fear-Free Dog Training Positive Reinforcement Training Dog Trainer and Behaviourist Pet Behaviour Solutions Dog Aggression Management Anxiet