Behavior Modification and Training of Emotional Dogs
I define an “Emotional dog” as one that exhibits generalized concern, fear, anxiety, and/or aggression. Aggression is usually fear-based.
Emotional dogs have difficulty adapting to our world, whether in the home environment, outside the home, or a combination.
This population of dogs is dear to my heart because they need more of our understanding, knowledge, and care to thrive as members of our families.
They are also the most rewarding cases to work through. Teaching and training emotional dogs is so rewarding because appropriate interventions can improve their lives, and as a direct result, the client’s quality of life improves.
As a pet parent of an emotional dog, you must be well-versed in the challenges of supporting them. In all my years of working with pet parents and their dogs, I’ve seen the toll it takes on the families that love them. Yet, emotional dogs can live their best lives with the proper knowledge and support.
Typical behavioral cases may include
- Generalized fear of people, other dogs, grooming, etc.
- Stranger fear or fear/ aggression,
- Separation anxiety/distress,
- Phobias such as noise phobias,
- Compulsive behaviors such as spinning, chasing shadows, and the like
Ready to get some help?