a holistic approach to dog behaviour
When we think about dog behaviour, it’s tempting to focus only on what we see in the moment — the barking, the pulling, the chewing, the growling. But behaviour is never just about the surface. A holistic approach means looking deeper, considering the whole dog and their world, so we can truly understand why they behave as they do and how best to support them.
What Do We Mean by “Holistic”?
A holistic approach recognises that behaviour doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Instead, it’s influenced by many interconnected factors, including:
Health and Pain – Physical discomfort, illness, or underlying conditions often lie at the root of behaviour changes. A sore back, dental pain, or skin irritation can all trigger reactivity or irritability. Veterinary involvement is essential.
Emotions and Stress – Fear, anxiety, frustration, or excitement shape behaviour just as much as training history does. A holistic view recognises behaviour as an emotional response, not stubbornness or spite.
Environment and Lifestyle – Dogs are shaped by their daily routines. Lack of rest, over-stimulation, or insufficient outlets for natural behaviours (like sniffing or chewing) can all lead to challenges.
Learning History – Every dog carries past experiences into the present. Positive reinforcement builds confidence, while harsh methods or traumatic experiences can create long-lasting fear or defensive behaviours.
Breed and Individual Needs – Genetics play a role too. Some dogs are more sensitive, others more driven, and each needs their individual traits respected.
Why It Matters
Looking at behaviour holistically means we don’t just treat the symptom — we identify and address the underlying cause. For example:
A dog that growls when touched might not be “naughty” but may be in pain.
A dog that pulls on the lead may not need a harsher collar, but more time to decompress, sniff, and walk at their own pace.
A dog labelled “stubborn” may simply be too stressed or tired to learn effectively.
This approach shifts the conversation from blame to understanding. Instead of asking “How do I stop this?” we ask “What’s driving this, and how can I help?”
The Role of Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training is a key part of a holistic approach because it respects the dog’s emotional wellbeing. By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we help dogs feel safe, confident, and willing to try. UK research has shown that reward-based training is linked to better obedience, fewer behaviour problems, and improved welfare, while punishment-based methods carry welfare risks and often create more issues.
Supporting the Whole Dog
A truly holistic plan might combine:
Veterinary checks to rule out pain or illness.
Management strategies (like baby gates or secure leads) to reduce stress in daily life.
Reward-based training to teach alternative behaviours.
Environmental enrichment such as sniffing walks, puzzle feeders, or chew items to meet natural needs.
Rest and routine to ensure the dog has adequate sleep and predictability.
Owner support — because your wellbeing, confidence, and clarity matter too.
Final Thoughts
A holistic approach to behaviour means treating dogs as the complex, feeling beings they are. It’s not about quick fixes, but about understanding, compassion, and tailored support. By considering health, emotions, environment, and learning history — alongside kind, reward-based training — we can help dogs not just behave better, but feel better.
Because when dogs feel safe and understood, true behaviour change becomes possible — and the bond we share with them grows stronger than ever.
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