Understanding Canine Behaviour Challenges
A Compassionate, Professional Approach
Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite or stubbornness. Behavioural challenges are usually a sign that a dog is struggling to cope with their environment, emotions, or past experiences. As a professional canine behaviourist, my role is to identify the cause of the behaviour — not just the symptoms — and to support both dog and owner with empathy, clarity, and evidence-based solutions.
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Common Behavioural Issues in Dogs
Fear, Anxiety & Phobias
Dogs may experience intense fear in response to noises, unfamiliar environments, people, or handling. This can result in hiding, trembling, shutdown behaviours, or panic responses.
Impact:
Fear severely affects a dog’s quality of life and can lead to defensive behaviour if the dog feels threatened or trapped.
Separation Anxiety & Isolation Distress
Some dogs find being left alone deeply distressing. This may present as vocalisation, destruction, pacing, or toileting when the owner is absent.
Impact:
This is emotionally painful for the dog and can cause significant stress for owners, neighbours, and households.
Aggression & Defensive Behaviour
Aggression is most often rooted in fear, frustration, or resource guarding rather than dominance. Dogs may growl, snap, or bite when they feel unsafe or overwhelmed.
Impact:
These behaviours can pose safety concerns and place dogs at risk of legal consequences, rehoming, or euthanasia if not addressed appropriately.
Reactivity on Lead or in Public Spaces
Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, or appear “out of control” when encountering other dogs, people, vehicles, or busy environments.
Impact:
Walks become stressful, owners lose confidence, and misunderstandings with the public are common.
Compulsive or Repetitive Behaviours
Behaviours such as tail chasing, shadow fixation, or excessive licking often indicate chronic stress, frustration, or unmet needs.
Impact:
Left untreated, these behaviours can worsen and lead to physical injury or long-term emotional distress.
Puppy Behaviour Concerns
Early issues such as biting, fearfulness, poor socialisation, or over-arousal are often signs that a puppy needs clearer guidance and emotional support.
Impact:
Without early intervention, small issues can develop into significant adult behaviour problems.
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How Behaviour Issues Affect Owners and the Wider Community
Living with a dog who is struggling behaviourally can be exhausting and isolating. Owners often feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or judged, while neighbours and members of the public may feel concerned or unsafe. Sadly, many dogs are relinquished simply because the right help was not accessed early enough.
A Compassionate Behaviourist Makes the Difference
A professional canine behaviourist does far more than “train” a dog.
I work to:
Understand the emotional and environmental causes of behaviour
Support owners without judgement or blame
Use ethical, force-free, science-based methods
Improve safety while protecting the dog’s welfare
Restore trust, confidence, and enjoyment in everyday life
Behaviour change happens when dogs feel safe, understood, and supported — not punished.