01/15/2025
Why does my dog ___?
We get this question a lot, especially when it comes to complex behaviors like fear, reactivity, or aggression. And as humans, we want (desperately!) to find a clear label as the reason for this behavior.
We often hear “he must have been abused by a large man who wore hats because he’s so scared of them,” “he dislikes strangers because of his breed,” or “it’s all in how you raise them.”
The reality is that numerous factors contribute to a canines behavior. Even the most skilled scientists struggle to identify the exact origins of a particular dog’s actions. A fearful dog might be affected by genetics, inadequate maternal care, or stress during their early development (including in the womb). They may have faced a traumatic event, experienced hormonal imbalances, or have physical pain. Additionally, learned associations over time or specific brain structures may influence their fear response.
So what’s really important to know here?
1️⃣ behavior causes can be very complicated
2️⃣ anyone who says that behavior is all because of learning, or breed, or socialization, or whatever- is misinformed.
3️⃣ in many cases, you’re just not going to be able to identify the “cause” of complex behaviors like fear, reactivity, or aggression. Get comfy with not knowing.
4️⃣ not knowing the exact cause doesn’t prevent us from working on behavior!! We can make educated guesses and use management and treatment plans and involve vets to help us treat what we can’t easily train.
If you're struggling to figure out what your dog needs, we'd love to help! Visit our website to schedule a behavior consult or reach out for support!
