(Watch the discussion on this topic here: https://youtu.be/9KDTZ1Pj4N8)
3 Dog Behaviour Myths You Need to Stop Believing
Let’s start with something simple:
What if your dog isn’t stubborn… disobedient… or dominant at all?
What if they’re just trying to communicate – and we’ve been misunderstanding them?
You’re not alone if you’ve believed these labels. They’re everywhere. On TV, social media, and even from well-meaning professionals.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Labels don’t help us understand our dogs – they block us from it.
Let’s take a closer look.
Myth #1: “My Dog Is Stubborn”
This is one we hear all the time.
Your dog doesn’t come when called.
They hesitate.
They seem to ignore you.
It’s easy to think: They’re being stubborn.
But what if that’s not true?
What if your dog is actually:
- Feeling unsure
- Lacking trust
- Processing something in their environment
Sometimes what looks like “stubbornness” is actually thoughtfulness.
A dog asking:
“Are you someone I can rely on?”
When we shift from frustration to curiosity, everything changes.
Myth #2: “My Dog Is Trying to Dominate Me”
Another big one.
Dogs jumping up, barking, or even pushing past you can quickly get labelled as “dominant behaviour.”
But in reality?
Dogs aren’t trying to control you – they’re often trying to feel safe.
What we interpret as dominance is often:
- A dog taking responsibility
- A dog feeling unsure of their environment
- A dog trying to manage a situation they don’t understand
Instead of asking:
“How do I stop this?”
Try asking:
“Why does my dog feel they need to handle this?”
That’s where real understanding begins.
Myth #3: “My Dog Just Needs More Exercise”
This one sounds logical – but it’s often misleading.
Yes, dogs need movement.
But more exercise doesn’t fix emotional stress.
In fact, too much stimulation can:
- Increase adrenaline
- Heighten reactivity
- Keep your dog in a constant “on” state
So if your dog is:
- Barking excessively
- Struggling to settle
- Always “on the go”
…it might not be a lack of exercise.
It might be a lack of calm and clarity.
Sometimes, the most powerful shift is doing less – not more.
A Simple Shift That Changes Everything
When we move away from labels like:
- Stubborn
- Dominant
- Hyper
We create space for something far more useful:
Understanding.
Because your dog’s behaviour isn’t random.
It’s purposeful.
It makes sense – to them.
And when we begin to ask:
“What is my dog experiencing right now?”
We open the door to real change.
Conclusion: Replace Labels with Curiosity
Here’s a gentle invitation for this week:
Next time your dog does something challenging…
Pause.
Instead of labelling it, ask:
“What might my dog be feeling right now?”
That small shift – from judgement to curiosity – can transform your entire relationship.
Ready to Understand Your Dog More Deeply?
If this resonates, here are some next steps:
- Start with the foundations:
👉 https://spdoglisteners.com/level-1 - Take the free quiz:
👉 https://spdoglisteners.scoreapp.com/ - Explore becoming a professional Dog Listener:
👉 https://spdoglisteners.com/qualification - Browse more guidance and support:
👉 https://spdoglisteners.com/
You’re not alone in this – and it all starts with listening.
