When the Dog is not the Problem.

It’s easy to look at our dogs’ behaviour and think, “Why is my dog such a problem?” Maybe they’re bouncing off the walls, pulling on the lead, barking at visitors, or getting a little too wild with the kids. But sometimes, what looks like a “dog problem” is sometimes a human misunderstanding of what our dogs need from us.

Dogs aren’t deliberately trying to be difficult. They’re just being… dogs. And when their natural needs for exercise, stimulation, and social interaction aren’t being met—or when they’re put into situations they can’t reasonably handle—it can come across as a problem to us.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Examples of “dog problems”… that may not be

• Practical tips

• An invitation to the September Social Walk! 👀👀😉😉

A lively young dog becomes overstimulated when children are running and squealing around him. He jumps, chases, or barks.

• The temptation: Label the dog as “naughty” or “out of control.” “He needs to learn to be calm around the kids.”

• The reality: It’s not realistic to expect a teenage dog to know how to stay calm in a high-energy situation. Effectively managing the environment is the first step, as otherwise we are setting our dog up to fail. A learner driver might do fine in a quiet car park, but asked to merge in a busy motorway the level of challenge becomes overwhelming. Dogs also need to learn to manage arousal in less challenging circumstances before we rightfully expect them to be able to think clearly amidst chaos.

Your dog pulls like a train on walks.

• The temptation: Blame the dog for being stubborn or not listening.

• The reality: There are a few possibilities here. Sometimes anxious dogs pull because they want to get out of what they perceive to be “danger.” Sometimes dogs don’t get enough physical outings, so it is unfair to not expect them to be crazy with excitement when they finally see the outside of the section. Many dogs need more physical outlets than a slow amble around the block. I love to help people teach their dogs to walk nicely on a lead, but if the dog is not getting enough exercise then it’s going to be a losing battle.

Your dog barks at the fence when dogs and people go by.

• The temptation: Call it bad behaviour or a personality flaw. We just want it to stop.

• The reality: Once again this comes back to management and getting enough stimulation. Management means you won’t leave your dog in a situation where it can go mental at passers-by. Consider sight-lines and preventing access to fence rushing. And getting adequate stimulation means that your dog is not living for the only novelty in its day (eg. fence-terrorising passers-by).

Practical Tips

✔️ Appropriate physical outlets: Many dogs need more activity than we think. I often find that people underestimate the amount of activity their dog needs. Opportunities to get the beans out of the system can really help a dog calm and think more clearly.

✔️ Mental Stimulation Counts: Training sessions, puzzle toys, or scent games are great for cognitive exercise. The canine brain is only 2% of the dog’s mass, but can use 10% of their daily energy needs.

✔️ Set Realistic Expectations: Just like kids, dogs will struggle to stay calm in chaotic environments. Manage the setting as far as realistically possible instead of blaming the dog.

✔️ Social Interaction: Dogs are social animals, with individuals varying on just how sociable they want to be with other dogs or people. Understanding your dog’s personality and preferences helps to develop their social confidence.

✔️ Training is Key: Often dogs are expected to behave in certain ways, yet they have never been effectively taught to do so. Rather than focusing on the negative about what you don’t like, teach what you do want. This is where a trainer can help get results.

Time for some safe dog/dog socialisation! 🐕🐕

You’re invited to the next social walk on Saturday, 27 September at 9 am. The venue will be Taitua Arboretum, 55 Taitua Road, Templeview. (Dogs will be around other dogs, all on-lead and in a controlled manner. We meet in the Taitua Arboretum carpark. (Please see the rules of the walk below).

Cancellation due to weather will be notified on my Facebook Page.

Register Here

Rules of the Walk

• Dogs must stay on the lead at all times

• No dog-to-dog greetings without the owner’s consent, please. Not all the dogs will welcome random dogs in their space.

• Pick up all poop (goes without saying, but there, now it’s said).

• Respect pedestrians and other dog walkers on the path. Make way for people as appropriate, so we’re not road-hogs.

• Remember to act as good ambassadors of the dog-owning community at all times (not everyone likes dogs - weird huh?)

If you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. Most of us benefit from a fresh set of eyes and a solid plan. Let’s make your life with your dog less frustrating and more fulfilling— for both of you.

Book a free discovery call with me here: Free Call

Tony the Dog Trainer
Helping people and their dogs live better lives together.