Does Your Dog Have BIG Feelings?

How Emotions Affect Dog Behavior

As pet parents, we often consider our four-legged companions as more than just pets—they're cherished members of our families. But what do you do when your dog's behavior goes haywire (picture a honey badger on caffeine)?

From thunderstorm meltdowns to leash-walking tornadoes, some pups turn everyday situations into behavior nightmares. If your fur baby has been labeled aggressive or reactive, goes hysterical when you leave, or turns into a whirlwind at the sight of other dogs, your pup is experiencing some BIG feelings.

Trust me, you're not alone!

This pup has BIG feelings!

What in the World Are Big Feelings?

We've all been there—when our dog’s behavior is enough to make us crawl into a hole and hide. It's embarrassing walking a cyclone of uncivilized mania through the neighborhood. It's frustrating when our precious pooch get kicked out of daycare or training class because they just couldn’t play well with others.

We feel defeated when vet visits become a battle of wills, and we cringe at the thought of going to the groomers.

Where did we go wrong? We know there's a good pup in there; we see it every day. What in the world happened? How can we "fix" them?

Just like us, our dogs can experience a wide range of emotions such as joy, fear, and frustration. Sometimes these emotions can be overwhelming (especially when stress, anxiety, or fear enter the picture).

Big feelings are expressed in dog's behaviors, which come in all shapes and sizes. From a trembling ball of nerves seeking refuge under your bed to a lunging, snarling whirlwind at the end of their leash, these big feelings can manifest in various ways. Understanding these emotions is crucial in helping our furry friends navigate the world around them.

Here's the thing: whether it's barking at the TV or going bonkers when we leave, sometimes our pups' emotions take over, and their behavior reflects those emotions. It's how they communicate. Their behavior tells us what’s going on inside those adorable heads of theirs. Unfortunately, our furry pals aren't exactly experts in rational thinking—they're more like emotional toddlers with wagging tails. But these behaviors do serve a purpose, even if they seem strange or outlandish to us; they are communicating volumes.

What causes these BIG feelings?

Why do our dog go from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye? What stirs these canine feelings? A good behavior consultant or trainer will tell you... it depends. There are so many variables and lets face it, behavior doesn't exist in a neat, tidy box with a pretty red bow. there is no one size fits all, cookie cutter, magic wand answer that I can give you...(I know, what a bummer). But, the 3 biggies I run into when helping clients decode their dog's behavior are hyper-arousal, trigger stacking and unmet needs. Let’s dig into the three culprits behind those “big feelings” that shape a dog’s behavior.

Hyperarousal: The Overloaded Circuit

Sometimes, our pups are living in a constant state of high arousal. This could be due to over excitement as well as continuous stress or anxiety. These dogs are always “fired up”, or they "just can't calm down". Their emotional thermostat is stuck on “high”and their thinking brains took a vacation. They aren’t trying to be naughty, difficult, or stubborn, they literally can’t think straight. It’s like a lightning storm in a teacup and your dog may have some pretty big feelings to even simple, minor things. 

Trigger Stacking: Please Not One More Thing

Trigger stacking occurs when multiple”monsters”and big feelings hit your dog all at once, or in rapid succession. These triggers stack on top of each other and their emotional cup topples over causing some serious  overwhelm. Even minor triggers added up can provoke a supersized reaction.  Strangers, ringing your doorbell, during a thunderstorm can easily tip over into a roaring avalanche of barks or growls.

Unmet Needs:

Again, just like us humans, dogs have basic needs that must be met for them to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. When our dog's needs are left hanging like a threadbare toy, it's like playing with fire, stirring up a tempest of emotions. This can lead to distress and those problematic and frustrating behaviors. Providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation, security, social interaction, and even calming, down time are essential for addressing these big feelings and preventing behavior shenanigans.

6 Ways to Navigate the Big Feeling Rollercoaster:

When our furry companions are caught in the whirlwind of big emotions, how can we  help guide them safely through the storm? 

With understanding, compassion and a few simple tactics , we can help them  navigate those rough waters. Here are six essential strategies to support our dogs when they're grappling with big feelings:

1. Read the Signs: Learn to decode your dog's body language to understand their emotional state and avoid potential meltdowns.

2. Distance Is Your Friend: Respect your dog's boundaries and comfort zones,. Give them the space they need (and are probably asking for) especially when faced with their scary monsters )whatever they may be).

3. Create a Safe Space: Designate a “calm zone” or a Zen den in your home where your fur baby can unwind and de-stress when needed.

4. Predictability: Predictability and consistency lower stress levels and build confidence. When our pups know what to expect, their big feelings are less likely to creep in.

5. Practice Patience: Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is your dog's emotional well-being. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and show them compassion and kindness. Remember, those big feelings are real for our pups, even if they don't make sense to us.

6. Get Help From A Pro: If your dog's big feelings are turning life upside down, seek help from a professional that specializes in BIG feelings.

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Ready to be proud of your dog? Let's work together to address those big feelings. Book your free 15-minute call with The Quirky Canine now.

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