Why Is My Dog Acting Like This?

Understanding What Drives Behaviour

What Influences Dog Behaviour

Just like every animal on the planet (including humans) a dog’s behaviour is shaped by a combination of factors – from their genetic makeup to their environment, their early life experiences, and even their health. When developing an effective behaviour plan it is important to look at the full picture to understand what’s driving a dog’s behaviour, so we can support both the dog and their family towards a happier, calmer life.

 

Understanding What’s Going On

Every dog is an individual, and behaviour is never just about “obedience” or “training”. To truly understand a dog’s behaviour, we consider four key areas:

 

Learning

Dogs are constantly learning from the world around them. They figure out what works and what doesn’t, based on past experiences. If barking gets attention, or hiding avoids something scary, they’re likely to repeat it.

When we recognise behaviour as a form of communication, we can start to guide it more effectively. By helping your dog feel safe and understood, we can teach them better ways to respond to different situations, building their confidence over time.

 

Environment

Where a dog lives and what they’re exposed to each day has a major influence on how they feel and behave. Their daily routine, noise levels, access to outdoor space, and even smells in the neighbourhood all play a part.

A sudden change in behaviour might be linked to a new pet in the home, renovations, a change in the household routine, or something less obvious like unfamiliar noises or reduced enrichment. Sometimes, adjusting a dog’s environment can go along way to help  them settle again.

 

Genetics

Dogs have been bred for generations to perform certain tasks – like herding, guarding, retrieving, or companionship. That doesn’t mean your border collie has to herd your kids, but it does explain why some dogs are more driven to chase, bark, or stay alert.

Knowing your dog’s breed traits can help set realistic expectations and guide more effective training strategies and enrichment activities tailored to their natural instincts.

 

The Dog Itself

Pain, illness, hormonal changes, and ageing can all influence behaviour. A dog acting differently might not be “acting out” – they could be uncomfortable, unwell, or struggling with age-related changes like cognitive decline.

That’s why a thorough veterinary check is always the first step when addressing any behavioural concerns. If we skip this, we risk trying to “train” away something that actually needs medical attention.

 

What Makes a Good Behaviour Plan?

A thoughtful, effective behaviour plan doesn’t rely on “quick fixes” or generic training advice. Instead, it combines care, science, and compassion across three key areas:

 

Medical Support

We start by making sure your dog is healthy. Any behavioural change should prompt a veterinary examination to rule out pain, illness, or other underlying medical issues including mental disorders.

 

Environmental Management

Next, we look at the dog’s surroundings. Are there any stressors or triggers we can reduce? Can we adjust routines, create calm spaces, or add enrichment to meet your dog’s mental and physical needs? Managing the environment helps reduce the chance of unwanted behaviours being rehearsed and gives your dog the best chance to succeed with learning new ones.

 

Behaviour Modification

Behaviour modification is all about teaching more appropriate responses and building confidence and resilience – but in a way that feels safe and rewarding for your dog. We recommend using positive reinforcement and Fear Free training techniques that focus on building trust and emotional wellbeing. Unlike punishment-based training, which can increase fear, stress, or even aggression, our approach aims to build lasting, positive change. We want your dog to feel confident and secure – not just obedient.

 

Every Dog Deserves to Feel Safe and Understood

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to behaviour, because no two dogs’ experiences are the same. An effective behaviour plan should have the goal to support you and your dog by getting to the root of the issue and working together on a plan that’s kind, practical, and effective.

 

If you’re noticing changes in your dog’s behaviour – or if something just doesn’t feel quite right – we’re here to help. Call our clinic 07 3569 6830 or send us an email at info@healthypetbehaviourservices.com.au and find out how we can help you and your dog.

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