As dog owners, we often hear about how our energy and behaviour affect our dogs, but is this truly the case? In this post, we will dive into the real impact your energy has on your dog’s reactions, dispel common misconceptions, and explore how a change in your mindset can lead to better training success.

Re-Examining Old Beliefs

One of the most common misconceptions about the relationship between dogs and owners  is that our energy and emotions directly control our dogs' reactions. While it’s true that our energy can play a role, the influence may not be as significant as you may have been told. You’ve likely heard that in order to train your dog effectively, you need to be confident and calm—almost like a beacon for your dog to follow. But what if you don’t feel this way? What if anxiety or fear creeps in, especially when you anticipate a particular behaviour from your dog you have experienced before?

It’s completely natural to feel tension or worry if you've seen your dog react in a certain way in the past—such as becoming overly excited or aggressive. Our brains are wired to notice patterns, and when we’ve observed certain behaviours before, it makes sense to prepare for the same reactions. But here's the key takeaway: you are not the problem. You are not causing your dog to react as a result of how you are feeling in that moment. 

Understanding Your Dog's Brain

Dogs, just like people, can become overstimulated. When a dog experiences high levels of reaction such as excitement or aggression, their mind becomes consumed by these feelings, and they may not be able to focus on anything else—including you. Ever tried calling your dog back from something that caught their attention, only to feel ignored? When a dog’s brain is overstimulated, they get tunnel vision towards their reaction.

Without training intervention: while a dog is being overstimulated it won’t matter who is holding the lead, they will have the same reaction. At Full Moon Dog Psychology, we’ve seen this consistently, where the dog exhibits the same reactions regardless of who is holding the lead. A dog who reacts towards a trigger while their owner is with them will display the exact same behaviour when one of our calm, confident staff is holding the lead instead. This is because the dog has learned this reaction in their own brain, regardless of the energy of the human with them. This is a key insight: your dog’s behaviour is a learned reaction, not something dictated solely by your energy.

Your Dog Is Where They’re At

It’s natural for owners to wonder about a dog’s past and what led them to certain reactions, especially when adopting a dog and not knowing their full background. However, your dog is not dwelling on their history—they are simply reacting to triggers in the here and now.

The most effective approach is to let go of the “why” and focus on the "what." When you focus on your dog's current behaviour, you’ll be more engaged and present in training, which can lead to better results. Your dog isn’t analyzing its past; they are reacting to stimuli as it arises.

How Your Energy DOES Affect Your Dog

While the idea that your energy impacts your dog isn't entirely baseless, it’s important to recognise that it only plays a role when your dog is already calm or close to it. If your dog is in a relaxed state at home, they will naturally mirror your energy. When you’re feeling calm, they’ll settle in with you. Conversely, if you get excited about a walk, your dog will likely get excited too.

The key here is that these shifts in behaviour happen when your dog is already calm or at ease. If your dog is in a high-stress state—whether due to excitement, insecurity, or aggression—shifting your energy is unlikely to have an immediate effect. If you’re feeling anxious or tense during a training session, that's okay. Full Moon Dog Psychology can help you regain confidence and clarity when working to change your dog's reactions.

How Full Moon’s Techniques Are Different

At Full Moon, we help owners to feel more calm and confident during training not because they are solely responsible for controlling their dog’s reactions, but so they can clearly see what is happening in their dog’s mind. Moving in this way allows you to stay in tune with what’s happening with your dog and the intricacies of how their brain works. By remaining calm, you can observe your dog’s reactions more clearly, and adjust your approach in real-time.

Training your dog isn’t just about directing their behaviour—it’s about understanding the context of their reactions and responding with clarity and consistency. Our methods help you build this confidence and establish a more effective connection with your dog.

Final Thoughts

In the journey of understanding your dog’s reactions, remember that you are not the problem. Emotions like anxiety or fear are completely normal, especially when dealing with your dog’s reactions. The key is to stay present and focus on your dog’s current behaviour, rather than trying to decipher their past. By understanding how your energy interacts with your dog’s reactions and applying effective, calm techniques, you can create a more peaceful and effective training environment.

At Full Moon Dog Psychology, we are committed to helping you develop the skills and mindset necessary to address your dog’s reactions with confidence. Trust the process, focus on the present, and watch your dog’s reactions change in real time.