Feeling stressed out lately? You're far from alone. We humans are getting better at understanding how anxiety affects us, and we are perpetually coming up with new and more effective ways to alleviate it. 

But what about our dogs? Like us, our dogs can suffer from anxiety in both small and large ways. Most dog behavior consultants like me are getting increasingly concerned, as we have noticed a significant uptick in the number of anxiety cases we see. Daily tasks like going for walks, having guests over, hearing certain noises, or looking out the window can trigger some dogs' anxiety. When a dog responds to seemingly innocuous things in an anxious way, he/she may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The good news is that, as with humans, dogs can benefit from behavior modification training to reduce anxiety and give them happier, healthier lives. Watch my interview on AKC TV's Ask the Expert to learn the ins and outs of dog anxiety. 

Even for professionals, growling can be scary. Perhaps you approached your dog while chewing a bone, and were met with a hard stare and low growl. Or maybe your dog isn't sure about your houseguests, hanging back and growling whenever they move around the room. If you find yourself face-to-face with a growling dog, keep a few things in mind. 
​
Click Read More if you don't see the text below.

1. Growling is communication. It's neither good nor bad, but rather a way for your dog to communicate his feelings at that moment. And although we wish your dog didn't feel the need to growl, we appreciate his ability to communicate his feelings before it turns to snapping or lunging.

2. Growling is often a warning. If you're in a heated conversation with a friend, there's a chance it could lead to an all-out screaming match. But wouldn't it be wise if your friend said, "Look, I'm getting pretty agitated and I think we should take a breather before I say something I'll regret." Well, your friend just growled at you! A growl can indicate a warning to an approaching person or other animal, essentially saying, "I don't want to hurt you, but if you keep approaching me, I will." Heed the growl and give your dog some space.

3. Do not punish a growl. Remember, growling is an important form of communication. If your dog is having negative feelings at that moment, punishment won't make those feelings go away. Many dog professionals worry that, by punishing a growl this time, the dog may skip the growl and go straight to a bite next time. Rather than punish, heed the growl, and slowly and calmly back away. Once you're safely out of the situation, take careful notes of what happened, and contact a certified trainer or behavior consultant to help you choose a training plan, moving forward. 

Watch my interview on AKC TV's Ask the Expert to learn more about the good, the bad, and the growly.

One of the most pervasive myths about dog behavior is that dogs should be friendly with everyone -- humans and canines alike -- nearly all of the time. While it's true that dogs are an incredibly social species, putting such pressure on them is unfair. 

Think about another very social species: humans. Imagine if we were expected to be friends with all other people, in all situations. Yes, including that coworker who drives you crazy. And uh-huh, even that stranger on the bus who looks at you just a little too long and gives you the creeps. Thanks, but most of us would pass. 

Click Read More if you don't see the text below.

Does your dog snarl when you try to take a toy from him? Growl when another dog approaches his food bowl? Or perhaps "protect" you from passing people or dogs on the sidewalk? If so, you may have a resource guarder.

Resource guarding is a normal phenomenon in the animal world. A feral dog that doesn't guard his food is likely to starve. Even people guard what they find valuable. We set up security cameras around our properties, lock our valuables in safe places, and may refuse to share our hard-earned money with others. While our dogs don't have expensive jewelry or savings accounts, they do have items that are valuable to them: food, toys, chewies, sleeping spots, and beloved family members. And they don't want to lose their treasured belongings any more than you do.

Click Read More if you don't see the text below, and check out my interview with AKC TV for resource guarding tips.

When my private training clients are faced with their dog’s behavior issue, we address it through behavior modification, a sort of “doggie therapy,” if you will. But when does a dog need “therapy,” as opposed to regular manners training?

Do versus Feel
Typical dog training is intended to teach your dog good manners: staying on his dog bed while you eat dinner, walking on a loose leash, or sitting while you open the door for him. This kind of obedience training prepares dogs to be polite members of your household and community by teaching them what behavior is acceptable and what is not. For instance, a well-trained dog is able to sit calmly when being pet by a stranger, rather than jump up on him. In essence, training teaches your dog to do something, whether it’s a sit-stay or recall. 

Then there is behavior modification. The purpose here is to encourage your dog to feel something rather than do something. Just as many people look to a therapist to help them overcome an emotional hurdle, lots of dogs can benefit from behavior modification to address unhealthy behaviors. Common issues include: leash aggression towards other dogs or people, resource guarding, fearful displays such as hiding or shutting down, separation anxiety, reactivity to loud noises, or intense barking at triggers such as the doorbell. When dealing with any behavior issue, we have to consider the underlying emotions that are driving the unwanted behavior. That is, how can we make your dog feel better? By focusing on the feelings associated with the barking rather than the action of barking itself, you can address the underlying problem.
Click Read More if you don't see the text below.

Dog trainers, behavior consultants, vet behaviorists, oh my! When your puppy needs training or your dog has developed a behavior issue, it can be confusing to know which kind of professional you should contact. To complicate matters, dog training is currently an unregulated field, meaning that anyone can call him or herself a trainer or behavior expert with no substance to back it up. 

If your only exposure to dog training has been through TV shows, you might be surprised to find that science-based, humane training methods are actually quite boring to watch. The goal of good training is to prevent and avoid conflict, not to let it happen and then "correct" the dog.

When looking for a dog trainer or behavior specialist, qualifications count. While there may be excellent dog trainers out there without any certifications or formal education, I always feel more comfortable knowing that a professional has made the effort to earn certain credentials. Let's break down the different kinds of trainers and behavior specialists, so you can find the right professional for your needs.