Unleashed Joy Dog Training

05/04/2025

Dogs aren’t “misbehaving”. Their brains might be more like ours than you think… and the evidence continues to support a new approach to training.

Could your dog’s hyperactive behavior actually mirror ADHD in humans?

A comprehensive Finnish study surveyed over 11,000 pet dogs, and discovered striking parallels between canine behaviors and human ADHD symptoms, specifically hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Nearly 1 in 5 dogs displayed pronounced inattentive behaviors, and about 15% exhibited significant hyperactivity and impulsivity, far beyond typical puppy energy.

Like humans, these traits were more common in younger dogs and males, with social isolation amplifying the symptoms.

Breed differences also emerged: Dogs historically bred for active roles (like terriers and working breeds like German Shepherds) showed higher tendencies toward hyperactivity and impulsivity, while companion breeds showed lower levels. Interestingly, breeds not specifically selected for intense tasks often scored higher in inattention, which is evidence that selective breeding can shape canine cognition significantly.

Still, it’s really important that we don’t oversimplify this. Every dog is an individual, and breed alone never tells the whole story.

Beyond genetics, the environment plays a substantial role. Dogs left alone frequently exhibited increased hyperactivity and attention issues, highlighting the importance of enrichment and social engagement.

Moreover, this research unveiled critical links between “ADHD-like” behaviors and anxiety-related issues in dogs, including obsessive-compulsive tendencies and aggression. Dogs displaying extreme impulsivity or inattention often showed coexisting anxiety or fear-based behaviors, so there could be a potential underlying neurobiological connection. This mirrors findings in human ADHD, where anxiety and compulsive behaviors often coexist.

Why is this significant? It underscores the critical need for compassionate, positive, neuroaffirming training methods rather than outdated, punitive approaches. Aversive techniques, such as leash corrections or shock collars, have been shown to heighten stress and exacerbate behavioral problems, making ADHD-like symptoms worse.

Conversely, structured, positive, enrichment-focused approaches help these dogs channel their energy constructively, significantly improving their focus and emotional stability.

It’s important to clarify that “ADHD-like” doesn’t mean your dog has human ADHD. It’s an analogy that helps us understand their behavior better without anthropomorphizing. Recognizing these behaviors allows us to better support dogs struggling with focus and impulsivity, and improve their quality of life through targeted, humane training.

This research invites us to shift our mindset: Dogs often labeled as “stubborn” or “unmanageable” might actually be neurologically predisposed to hyperactivity or distraction.

Rather than applying harsher discipline, we should lean into empathy, structure, and enriching activities. This evidence supports what many trainers and behaviorists already advocate: understanding and positive engagement, not punishment, bring out the best in our dogs.

Source: Sulkama, S., Puurunen, J., Salonen, M. et al. Canine hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention share similar demographic risk factors and behavioural comorbidities with human ADHD. Transl Psychiatry 11, 501 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01626-x

"Training methods based on punishment compromise dog welfare, study finds." ScienceDaily, 17 December 2020. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201217095536.htm

Related: Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S. et al. Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Sci Rep 10, 2962 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z

A couple of articles discussing the study referenced in this post:
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/931717
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211015184215.htm

12/03/2025

When transitioning from aversive, traditional dog training methods (methods involving pain, fear, stress, discomfort) toward modern approaches, one of the most critical shifts is in our MINDSET.

Rather than focusing exclusively on external obedience or immediate compliance, we must prioritize nurturing the dog’s emotional and mental well-being.

Think of BEHAVIOR as a reflection of a dog’s internal emotional state, desired behavior emerges naturally when a dog feels safe, secure, and motivated.

Our goal as trainers and guardians should be to promote this positive emotional state, effectively bringing desired behaviors from the inside out. When a dog feels good on the inside, great behavior naturally follows on the outside.

Instead of asking, “How can I stop this unwanted behavior quickly?” we should first ask, “Why is my dog engaging in this behavior, and how can I help address their underlying needs?” “What can I do to safely manage them while I address these underlying needs?”

By prioritizing our dog’s emotional and psychological well-being, we can create conditions under which they naturally offer behaviors we want to reinforce.

Here are some of my best tips for those who are evolving beyond aversive methods.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language, energy levels, and environment to understand their emotions and motivations. This awareness lets you proactively address their needs, preventing unwanted behavior before it even starts.

Secondly, every interaction is an opportunity to build or erode trust. Opt for interactions that reinforce safety, comfort, and predictability, steering clear of those that cause stress or fear.

Next, give your dog opportunities to make decisions and offer consent when possible, such as stepping away if uncomfortable. Choice builds confidence and reduces frustration.

Instead of strict obedience as your ultimate goal, consider success as your dog’s growing comfort, engagement, and happiness. A dog who feels safe and connected is naturally more receptive to learning.

Shift your methods to focus on reinforcing behaviors you want through rewards like food, play, and affection. Consistently rewarding desired behaviors enhances learning and maintains emotional well-being.

Remember, changing methods doesn’t imply a personal failure, it’s an evolution toward kinder, more effective strategies.

Prioritizing emotional health is not only ethical; it leads to more profound and sustainable behavior changes.

09/03/2025

Dear public, if you reach out to a dog trainer and they proudly call themselves “balanced,” run the other way.

Why? These methods rely heavily on choking, shocking, and intimidating your dog into compliance.

“Balanced training” isn’t genuine balance, it’s harm masked in appealing language, fundamentally incompatible with modern behavioral science and humane ethical standards.

Unlike truly science-based methods, it relies on suppressing behavior through pain, fear, and intimidation, directly contradicting what we now know about canine psychology, learning theory, and animal welfare.

It’s not just another style; it’s outdated, unnecessary, and actively harmful.

Remember, dog training is entirely unregulated, anyone can slap on a label and start shocking, choking, or intimidating your dog without any accountability, leaving your dog’s emotional and physical health in the hands of novices with zero qualifications and zero oversight.

Research published in the journal Anthrozoös analyzed language from 100 popular dog training websites, revealing that trainers using aversive methods frequently employ specific euphemisms and jargon, such as calling shock collars “e-collars,” referring to painful electric shocks as “static corrections” or “stimulation,” and using terms like “pack leader” to justify outdated dominance-based methods.

These phrases are chosen PRECISELY to conceal the harsh reality of their practices.

Another common tactic employed by these folks is making bold guarantees and unrealistic promises, such as “guaranteed results in one session” or “instant off-leash freedom.”

Such claims exploit desperate guardians, promising quick fixes that rely on painful corrections and aversives to suppress, rather than genuinely resolve, behavioral issues, methods scientifically shown to worsen stress, fear, and aggression in dogs.

But their methods are not aligned with modern ethical standards upheld by any leading behavior science and animal welfare organizations.

Every credentialed veterinary behavior organization worldwide, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), explicitly condemns their methods because overwhelming scientific evidence strongly supports they directly cause significant psychological harm, dramatically increasing stress, anxiety, fear, and aggression in dogs.

These harmful techniques can severely damage your relationship with your dog and lead to new, more complex behavioral problems over time.

In stark contrast, modern dog training and behavior methods embrace humane, neuro-affirming practices that prioritize your dog’s emotional health, cognitive development, and individual personality.

Neuro-affirming teaching isn’t just about rewards or reinforcement, it’s a commitment to understanding and nurturing your dog’s emotional health, cognitive abilities, and individual personality. It demands a profound respect for dogs as sentient beings whose well-being deserves absolute protection.

You deserve a trainer who doesn’t just claim results, but who is educated enough to foster genuine trust, resilience, and emotional safety, someone committed to transparency, compassion, and scientific rigor. Anything less is failing both you and your dog.

When searching for dog trainers, beware of euphemistic and ambiguous marketing language. Look critically at claims of instant fixes or guaranteed results and be cautious of websites using terms like “e-collar” without honestly explaining that they mean shock collars.

Instead, choose trainers who are transparent about their methods, clearly state their reliance on humane approaches, explicitly reject the use of aversive tools, and openly discuss the long-term, compassionate, and scientifically validated approaches they use.

I realize this post will ruffle the feathers of "balanced" trainers, and while our community warmly welcomes those ready to cross over to humane methods, the violence and denial in this profession must stop.

For those still digging in their heels, here are a few questions you owe it to the public, yourself, and to dogs, to honestly answer:

If your methods aren’t abusive, why do you need to use devices designed specifically to inflict pain, fear, or discomfort on dogs?

If causing pain or fear is truly unnecessary, how can you justify repeatedly choosing tools and methods proven to cause psychological trauma?

Why do you continue using methods explicitly condemned by credentialed animal behavior experts as unethical and harmful, if you’re genuinely interested in the well-being of dogs?

Learn more:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fellow-creatures/202304/you-have-to-read-dog-trainers-websites-closely-study-says

03/03/2025

Do you have a reactive dog?
Are you having a hard time walking your dog?
Does your dog bark or go crazy when he sees another dog? Or person? Or bike? Or anything?? Is he barking out of your windows at home or in the car?
Sounds like you need Unleashed Joy's class for reactive dogs!
Join us for five consecutive weeks in our Fundamentals of Reactivity class beginning Saturday, March 22 at 11:00 AM.
The class is a live online Zoom class, not prerecorded, where you learn everything there is to know about this behavior. You will learn how to read your dog's body language, how to manage your his reactions, how to cope in different scenarios and what you can do to change your dog's emotions towards what ever he is reactive to.
Class dates are: 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12 and 4/19. Each session is 60-75 minutes long.

Check it out here:

You will have access to a private page for our Reactive Dog classes, and email access to ask questions as well.  

01/02/2025

SETTING THE TONE
The tone of voice we use when speaking to a dog matters!

When someone is talking to us or asking us to do something, are we more likely to respond and want to connect with them if they’re using a specific type of tone than if their tone is harsh, shouting or domineering?

The more we use positive tones of voice with our dogs, the more they will want to connect with us and be more interested in doing what we are asking.

Some examples of why tone matters –

Calling your dog to come back to you in a happy, excited, high-pitched tone is far more likely to work than using a stern, loud, angry tone. Would you want to return to someone who sounds really angry?

Yanking on a leash and shouting at a dog for reacting to another dog or situation is far less likely to work than saying “lets go this way!” in a happy tone and creating distance to where a dog feels comfortable.

Saying “Yes!” when a dog has done what you ask will increase the behaviour you’re looking for instead of yelling “No!” in an angry tone when they don’t get it right.

Although these examples are based on positive reinforcement training, a study has also shown that dogs respond and pay more attention when we speak with a higher pitch and more variation, similar to how we would talk to a baby.

Given that a dog’s emotional capability is similar to that of a young child, this all makes sense and fits together, in my opinion.

Here’s a link to the study if you’d like more information -

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05217-y

17/01/2025

15/01/2025

09/01/2025

Do you have a reactive dog?
Are you having a hard time walking your dog?
Does your dog bark or go crazy when he sees another dog? Or person? Or bike? Or anything?? Is he barking out of your windows at home or in the car?

Sounds like you need Unleashed Joy's class for reactive dogs!

Join us for five consecutive weeks in our Fundamentals of Reactivity class beginning Saturday, February 1 at 11:00 AM.

The class is a live online Zoom class, not prerecorded, where you learn everything there is to know about this behavior. You will learn how to read your dog's body language, how to manage your his reactions, how to cope in different scenarios and what you can do to change your dog's emotions towards what ever he is reactive to.

Class dates are: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 and 3/1. Each session is 60-75 minutes long.

Check it out here:

You will have access to a private page for our Reactive Dog classes, and email access to ask questions as well.  

01/01/2025

21/12/2024

If anyone is looking for a wonderful, potty trained, sweet, smart girl, here she is! I fostered Layla for a while and she was perfect!!

15/11/2024

Looking at current position statements from organizations like AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior), who are the leaders on veterinary care and behavior, they are abundantly clear that the outdated belief of avoiding socialization until vaccines are completed has no place in current standards. This is relevant because in many cases this fear of strangers or a particular group of people, results from lack of socialization during this critical period and can have lifelong impacts into adulthood.