14/01/2025
A super write-up to help describe what is happening to your companions and not to label them with just a word.
Thank you Confident Canine with Sonia Catherall
Labels Don’t Define Your Dog – Look Beyond Them 🐾
We often use labels to describe our dogs, and while they can be helpful at times, they can also simplify the complexities of their behaviour. Labels like "shy," "high-energy," or "reactive" can provide some insight, but they don’t always capture what’s really happening beneath the surface. Relying on labels might prevent us from truly understanding the underlying emotions or needs causing their behaviour and can influence how we, and others, respond to them.
Here’s the thing: labels often do more harm than good. They can overshadow the unique individual in front of us and limit our ability to truly understand and support our dogs.
Why Labels Can Be Problematic 🐕
🔸They Don’t Describe the Behaviour
When we label a dog as "stubborn," what does that actually mean? Are they unsure? Distracted? Struggling to understand what’s being asked of them? Labels like these miss the why behind a dog’s behaviour, which is often where we can find the key to supporting them.
🔸Labels Can Be Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Calling a dog "naughty" or "aggressive" might unintentionally shape how we interact with them. Worse, it could affect how others treat them, too. Over time, the label reinforces itself, and we might miss the opportunity to uncover what the dog really needs.
🔸They Close the Door on Understanding
When we use labels, we may stop asking important questions:
- What is causing my dog’s behaviour?
- What can I do to support them?
- How can I help my dog to feel safe and understood?
By focusing on the label, we can overlook potential solutions or miss seeing the dog as a unique individual.
What You Can Do Instead 🌟
🔸Describe, Don’t Define
Instead of saying, “My dog is aggressive,” try describing the specific behaviour: “When my dog is near other dogs, they tend to bark and lunge.” This shift in language opens the door to understanding and problem-solving, allowing us to better identify what causes our dog’s behaviour. Rather than labelling, we can focus on the behaviour our dog is demonstrating and work towards helping them feel safe and secure in different situations or environments.
🔸Reframe Your Mindset
Be mindful of the language we use about our dogs. Labels like "difficult" or "reactive" can unintentionally reinforce negative feelings or frustration, but changing the language we use can encourage a more understanding and supportive approach. For example, instead of saying "reactive," try thinking of your dog as "sensitive to their environment." This shift helps us approach their behaviour with empathy and opens the door to more effective solutions.
🔸See the Dog in Front of You
Every dog is unique, and they, like us, are constantly learning and adapting. Rather than focusing on labels, let's appreciate their individuality, embracing their quirks, celebrating their strengths, and recognising how awesome they are each day.
The language we use matters. It shapes how we see our dogs, how others perceive them, and how we approach their care. When we let go of labels and focus on understanding the unique dog in front of us, we create opportunities for trust, connection, and understanding.
💬 Have you ever shifted the way you think about or describe your dog? What difference did it make?
The "Unlabel Me" graphic was created by Dr. Susan Friedman and Behaviour Works.
