This blog post delves into the complexities of aggression in dogs, highlighting how stress, fear, and anxiety often underlie this behavior. Drawing on recent research, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing early stress indicators like yawning, trembling, and excessive attention-seeking as precursors to aggressive responses. The blog discusses the detrimental impact of punitive measures, which can exacerbate anxiety and escalate aggression, and instead advocates for trust-based, positive reinforcement methods.

This blog post explores how idiopathic epilepsy (IE) in dogs affects not only their physical health through seizures but also their behavior and emotional well-being. A recent study highlights that dogs with IE often exhibit heightened excitability, attention-seeking behaviors, and cognitive impairments, which can be influenced by the neurological condition and its treatments.

This blog post explores a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, which examined how well dog owners can identify pain-related behaviors in their pets. The study revealed that many owners struggle to recognize subtle signs of discomfort, particularly in older dogs where behaviors may be mistaken for normal aging.

This blog post explores the connection between discospondylitis, a painful spinal condition in dogs, and the sudden development of thunderstorm phobia in three case studies, including my own dog, Oakley. Diagnostic challenges, including the limitations of X-rays, are discussed. Treatment, involving antibiotics, pain management, and reduced activity, led to behavioral improvements in all three dogs, though recovery timelines varied.

We explore how a dog’s discomfort during car rides may not just be anxiety but a sign of physical pain or discomfort. Dogs experiencing stress during car travel often undergo subtle strain from the vehicle’s movement, needing to make constant balancing adjustments that can exacerbate any underlying pain, particularly in dogs with joint or muscular issues…

The case study of A, a 2.5-year-old Feist mix, illustrates how persistent behavior issues often have deeper, underlying causes. Despite extensive training, A continued to struggle with aggression, pulling on walks, and inconsistent eating. A key observation of A's unusual hind-leg skipping led to further investigation. This was when a Dynamic Dog Assessment, an approach that considers the whole dog's physical health, behavior, and environment, revealed subtle discomfort signals that changed A’s life.

We explore the often-overlooked connection between pain and undesirable behaviors in dogs. It provides a comprehensive guide on recognizing the subtle signs of pain, such as changes in sleep patterns, mobility, and social interactions. By understanding how pain can impact a dog's behavior, owners can take proactive steps to improve their dog's well-being. The article includes practical advice on tracking symptoms, consulting with veterinarians and Dynamic Dog Practitioners, and managing pain effectively…