Excited Or Suspicious Dog? Dealing With Your Dog’s Emotions

[@DogsThat]

Check out our playlist on the emotional state of dogs, that will help no matter where your dog is in the circle of emotions - kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy

[@funwithfido2430]

Absolutely wonderful! I am raising two feral dogs. Each of them came to me a ball of emotion, unable to respond in any way but fear. I left each one alone (hiding under the bed), placing food and water within their reach. The first made incredible progress (so much so that I came to doubt that she was truly "feral" as the rescue had described her; 9 years later, she holds beginner titles in agility, rally obedience, and tricks. The 2nd is just 2.5 years. She is semi-comfortable around me (she rarely hides anymore) but should anyone else come to the house, she's back under the bed. after 1.5 years in my home, I still cannot touch her. I let her set the rules, telling me what's comfortable and what's uncomfortable. She's learned a great deal (including how to use a scratch board to file her nails) but she's still on high alert a lot of the time. There is no way I would have made any progress with these two girls had I not given them space, time, and respect. It's a fascinating journey for me; they've taught me so much about hands-off dog training, respecting where the dog is, and following their lead. It's incredibly helpful to see videos/podcasts like this one that reinforce for me that I'm on the right track. Thank you, Susan!

[@Kimsuejim]

I loved this video never thought about it. I touched an electric fence hooked into house current, as a child. When I was finally able to get off the fence I also ran like the wind. I can’t remember my feet touching the ground. It was almost like I was flying above the ground. Your chase story really hit me as I would never want my pup to experience that fearful emotion. Your right great fear is a blinding brain killing emotion. I never would have thought of that in a pup. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@donnaharvey8530]

My chihuahua seems excited most of the time. He's a work in progress as I continue to work with him. I just love him. Hes worth the work ❤

[@WickedStari]

I drove 2 hours (each way) and spent hundreds of dollars to have a dog behaviorist tell me the same information that Susan is giving away for free. “Turn toward your dog and get them out of that environment” Thank you Susan for the helpful info you share! For those of you who need a behaviorist, it’s worth it but Susan’s info will get you started.

[@sabinemeyer6108]

Believe. Your. Dog. Thank you.

[@aries3744]

Years ago, we returned home after a family outing. We found our dogs behaving a bit strange and our stuff missing or out of place. Maybe the dogs were nervous or were given something so they would not be able to attack the trespassers. My husband was angry at my dog because he didn't do his job properly. I told him that if we were at the house at that moment, we would be nervous, stressed, and afraid, n we(2 human adults) could make a mistake or be paralyzed. He acknowledged my point and calmed down.

[@juliesigrist9664]

Thank you for the reminder. It is so easy to forget how emotion affects your dog.

[@juliesigrist9664]

The timing is perfect. We are experiencing a very loud thunderstorm and this reminder is helping me help Bilbo through it.

[@karlawilson1032]

O my gosh! Grateful you survived that dash into traffic! And for the gems in this podcast. “Believe your dog” is just one of many.

[@kaymaddox1320]

I LOVE your podcasts!! Need help please. I rescued a Mini Australian Shepherd at 14 months. She was kept in a crate almost exclusively her whole life. Now, she has a yard, toys, house to run in, and people who love her. PROBLEM: husband is disabled, and daily we have therapists and aides coming to help him, and she is 1. defensive 2. protective 3. Afraid of them all No amount of petting, treating, talking is going to calm her-I remove her from the area they are in, and she is vocal, snapping, beyond her own, or my control. We've had her 5 months now, and she is no more comfortable with them now as she was in the beginning. I try to get her interested in another distraction before they get here, but the instant that door opens, she is out for blood to protect her world. I would appreciate any tips, recommendations to help her be more comfortable and assured I will not let them hurt her, or her "Dad". (had 11 weeks training, and 2 behaviorists)

[@DogsThat]

Hi @kaymaddox1320, thank you for wanting to help her. Here's practical training to start with - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4KnpXuKl9V7prs And we also have a comprehensive playlist to help dogs with fear - kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy0KAsqgnkMWv0v-5JGjNQG_

[@Ladidasana]

Thank you so much for this information and insight into my dog’s emotions! I have a four month old Vizsla and she redlines very quickly with excitement. I’m working at keeping the excitement down while still letting her be a happy playful puppy. Mostly need to keep my anxiety down when she looses it!

[@RebeccaAnnFord]

Out of all of your videos that I have seen so far, this is one of the ones I've appreciated the most, as I've seen my dog at all points around that circle. She is so responsive and quick to learn, but she's also SO quick to become excited or, more often anxious (the smoke alarm beep, the clicker, the windshield wipers, men, animals on the television, etc) before I've even had aforethought of what's coming. Several times, I've watched her absolutely plummet from confidence to shaking and unable to respond. I will focus on getting her out of the environment when that happens from now on. We are new at this, but this is the one issue I worry could hinder us from ever competing in a dog sport.

[@DogsThat]

Rebecca, we know for sure that you've got this!

[@stephaniemcguire740]

It is so helpful to be reminded in straightforward terms that my dog 's emotions are closer to that of a 2 year old. They are so good at being in the human world that I often make the mistake of expecting my human logic to apply to them. Thank you for this video. My teenage female has always been very astute and a bit hypervigilant. I needed to see this video and remember to have her back, even when I don't understand why she seems so suspicious of the world at large. I will learn to be the human she needs to feel comfortable in the world.

[@deborahbrown6083]

Thank you Susan. This podcast embodies all of the most important things I have learned from you in dog training. Your philosophy has become my mantra. I truly believe my dog does the best she can with the education I have given her in the environment I have given it in.

[@dawnwilliams8739]

Thanks for making the concept so accessible and for giving me a concrete plan of action because in the moment it is difficult to think it through. But this helps a whole lot!

[@nancyhooper1742]

Great podcast and took notes ❤️❤️❤️❤️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@judydugan813]

I love how these podcasts encourage the dog owner to think about what is actually happening in the dog's mind. And then, provide solutions. Another great podcast!

[@wendylevine5166]

This is such a helpful podcast for me. My dog randomly will bark and/or lunge at another dog across the street when we are walking. I have used many of your training techniques to reduce her redlining. I am constantly watching her T.E.M.P. when out walking, because I never know which dogs she will react to and which ones she won't. Thank you for the additional support in dealing with our dog's emotions/

[@sarahburton3443]

Yet another awesome podcast and for me follows perfectly on from the last one. I am working on building back my girls confidence outside after a serious of unexpected events left her too scared to walk away from home. If she becomes worried we turn and come back, good to know we're doing the right thing. In the past I have tried to encourage her to keep going when anxious which probably hasn't helped us at the point where we are today. But when you know better you do better. I try to turn back before she becomes anxious if I can. 'Believe your dog' is another gem to take away from today 💕 thank you 😊

[@keechpeach2863]

Hey such a great one, Susan! I'm dealing with my 6mth old who redlines so easily with excitement and some anxiety too. I've been trying to keep her out of those red zone situations, but we've had some mistakes on my part, so watching this has firmed up for me that I need to 'get out of Dodge' sooner and choose better places to take her in the first place. Ah well, every dog teaches us something new and makes us a better owner and trainer.

[@carolynmvc]

Thank you so much, as always, for this wonderful podcast. I have a beautiful, 3-year-old black lab who was a gem of a puppy. My older dog, her big sister and guide, passed away when she was a year old. Covid came quickly on the heels of that grief and she has not been the same since. For me, the shining moment in the podcast was the story about This! walking in the woods without Tater. It did not go well, just the same experience as walking with my dog now who is very unsure and fearful without her mentor. It isn’t necessary to know what went wrong in order to work on correcting it but it sure helps me mentally to know that I’m not alone and that there is a real reason for what can seem to a human an unreasonable fear.

[@weedhigh2564]

have you thought at all about getting the dog another younger dog? see im quite in the same predicament you were, i got an older mentor dog that is now 9 and with all the health issues she had so far and some still present or looming in the bacground, i dont really see her going on for much longer even tho she is in great shape and very happy and active right now i can safely think it will not always be the case, now i have another dog, 2yo who loves the older dog very much, and i was thinking and preparing myself for what comes after the older one dies and what i figured out it, i will get another puppy right away, like i will mourn her for a week, then heal for a week then go get a puppy the 3rd week (or maybe a younger rescue depends on what i will have to choose from). How are you doing and what did you do since 2 years have passed after your comment , im really interested in your answers

[@carolynmvc]

@@weedhigh2564 We actually did get another dog, and the results have been mixed. Two years ago we fostered a mama dog and her litter of 6 that were from a backyard breeder of small, mixed breed dogs reported to the SPCA by, I think, neighbours. The pups were 5 weeks old and all spoken for by people who dealt with the backyard breeder directly. In the end, some of the people backed out or didn’t meet the SPCA criteria, and we decided to keep one of the six who is now 2. He is a great little dog and his influence on our older dog has been mostly positive. He does have some fear of noises such as fireworks, gunshots and thunder which the older dog is now also afraid of. As for what we have done to help the older dog, the answer is not enough. Life gets in the way sometimes. Our oldest daughter became ill with cancer and passed away this past spring. This made it difficult to do anything consistently with either dog although the little guy was going to really good training classes up until recently. This fall I plan to start over with Recallers, the focus being on the older dog, but I will probably take the younger one through it also. I have been listening (again) to Susan’s podcasts that pertain to the older dog’s problems and plan to try building her confidence with desensitization and counterconditioning and relaxation protocols. I’m glad you have a plan. Plans always help.

[@diannefraser3595]

Thank you very much, I ll do better for my dog ❤

[@ionicamermaid1141]

I love your human real life examples! So useful and I'm gonna share it now with my newest client that just got nipped and scared by their puppy with when having zoomies getting over aroused. And Iove how you refer back to other podcasts! As always: Thank you!

[@trishbech9082]

Great explanation and solutions! Understand so much more! I tended to “humanize” my dog’s reactions, which I now know was WRONG and so unfair! Thanks again for helping us to grow deeper in our relationship with our fur babies! Btw, appreciate all your analogies. Oh the stories from our youth! Lol

[@DogsThat]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, @Trish Bech

[@weedhigh2564]

not to be an asshole or anything, but if you call your dog your fur baby you still humanize them way too much, believe me i was there as well and i was the worst offender at that particular problem as well, its bad for your relationship with the dog as your boundaries are way lower than they should be (like mine were). Trust me, it gets so much better after you stop humanizing them and seeing them as fur babies or like in my case (40yo single male) as my children and treat them as such. Now im of the idea, you are a dog go be a dog, i will still need you to perform for me sometimes so you will still get training and all but what i want from you the most is just be yourself and live your best life the way you are.

[@vinceking7651]

This made so much sense

[@vickiyoung7809]

When my 7-month old Aussie puppy gets over-tired or over-excited, she starts dancing around me, snarling and won't let me touch her. I grab a couple of little treats in my hand and sit in front of her until she calms down and sits, waiting for IYC. Once the game is over, I can pick her up, cuddle her for a few minutes and put her in her pen or crate for a rest. I hope that is showing her I have her back, every day, all day.

[@bordercolliesdownunder7245]

Thank you for the resource links from previous podcasts. Back chaining🤗Great advice every time!!

[@caitlin1662]

Never thought about it this way. Thank you for explaining this. It makes so much sense, now.

[@shellywindsor5711]

This taught me so much about what to expect from my 8mo old puppy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have just enrolled in the HS the dog programme and am really diving into all this new training philosophy. I just love it!

[@MATZ302]

This one is SOOOO helpful

[@DogsThat]

Thank you! ❤️

[@rammon8342]

2 yr old boston 75% blind. Reacts to neighbors talking in their driveway turns and attacks sister boston (also partially blind). How to stop - can't get further away.

[@Sheltietalent]

Awesome analogy of what is occurring in these situations. You have such an amazing way of explaining things. Any suggestions regarding how to help a dog who lives to work that gets very excited (redlining) where movement and barking are involved. Trying to train a dog for agility that redlines as soon as he or I start running or there are other dogs running/barking or humans running within 20 to 40 feet of him. Dog is brilliant and learns extremely quickly when I am working with his thinking brain. He is truly scary smart. He lives to work and really wants to please me.

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Sheltietalent the video on training dogs who are under or over aroused has a lot of tips to help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKTZkmSYgMmMh8k

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

Thank you so much

[@DogsThat]

Great suggestion, thank you @Gøy med Hund

[@berlinorama]

Hi Gøy med Hund, I think this is called displacement activity in English (in German it is Übersprungshandlung). My fox terrier does this too when he is overaroused.

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

@@berlinorama Hi :) Thank you so much.. helps a LOT when looking for solutions to help Cherokee to cope better :)

[@sandybruce6014]

Great video😊

[@joannai1161]

Another amazing episode with a constructive advice from Susan! I have a question in regards to a group lessons. I've been taking my puppy to classes once a week, for the past 2 months, since she was 4 months old. I find the classes tough on her and on me. Over there she transforms from a puppy that is brilliant in listening at home to the "I just want to play with other puppies" . She either sits and observes, or suddenly lounges on the opportunity to play. She has such hard time to focus on me, and when she performs the asked behaviour, it is kind of automatic and absent-minded. After two months of classes it is a bit better, but not much. My gut is telling me to just let her be and observe during class, but I also want to obey the instructor's orders. The classes are positive based, but I certainly don't want to lure her and feed her madly just to get pupy's attention. Your feedbac is appreciated :)

[@DogsThat]

Hi Joanna, thank you for such a lovely note. We have two videos that will be of immediate help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWfHiJqIlsuBjLM kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGbToGWXeJ6gd8k

[@keechpeach2863]

I feel your pain, Joanna, my pup is the same despite lots of classes and lots of home training and games. In my classes I couldn't get her far enough away to be out of the red zone, so I've pulled out of that great private class for now and am just going to watch the local dog club from our car, and if she seems calm, a l ittle walk far away from the action on the edge of the big oval where they meet, but maybe you can get out of the redline area at yours?

[@joannai1161]

@@keechpeach2863 We completed the 10 week program, and will not continue to the next level of in-person classes. Even though it was positive-reinforcement-based, I found the class to be too short (half an hour), rushed and stressfull. The positive aspect was some socialization, and interaction with other puppies. In the end I find Susan's videos to be of way more value. Her instructions are so clear, and when applied, they are magic! The It's Your Choice is a game changer, then Crate Games, Pedicure Please, and finally The Home School. As for a socialization aspect, it will just be our regular walks, runs on the beach, or going to new places- which my 7-month old puppy finds fascinating and scary - and watching the world go by. Maybe see some other puppy to play with...,sometimes:)

[@pascaleburnet7583]

another fantastic podcast! Thank you!

[@wessexevents]

WOWWW THANK YOU Susan Huge Penny has Just Dropped with Me

[@DogsThat]

Awesome! Thank you so much for watching, @Wessex Events

[@Loris-Crazy-Life]

Literally took notes haha

[@ashleymagana291]

First time leaving a comment but let me just say I love love love this podcast! I look forward to all your videos! Def going to be interacting more with your videos so more people can find your channel! I can’t remember which one of your podcasts showed up on my suggested page but I’m so glad KZbin brought me to your channel!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you for such a lovely note, Ashley! We're so happy that you are here.

[@hankaskacanova7500]

Another great podcast!🤩 I wanted to ask you: how should I get my dog out of the situation when he is afraid if he is ,,frozen" and doesn't want to move? Should I pick him Up?

[@aprilmalone453]

After yrs in the country, we relocated to the city. Loud noises have been a challenge. We can be half a mile from home and hear a loud BANG! She then will drag me all the way back to the house. I havent figured out how to teach her that I have her back in these times. We're still learning to walk on a leash appropriately as it was something we didnt have to do before the move. Any suggestions?

[@DogsThat]

Hi April, Susan just did two awesome podcasts with help for dogs that have fears, here are the links for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5PEg6WpnM6jf6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJDcZXp5jbyZeMU

[@Hailey-wl2bw]

Just wanted to see if you have any advice for people who groom in dogs' homes? We do fine, but is there anything that we can do to help ease an overly excited or overly anxious dog? Or is it just a temporary discomfort they'll have to go through occasionally? I want the pets I work with to be as comfortable as possible, even though I know that grooming and nail trims aren't very fun experiences for them.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Hailey! We have a playlist with lots of resources for Cooperative Care, here's the link for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6vShoiAiZqYn7M&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@azogal53]

Believe the dog. Believe the dog. Believe the dog. Got it. Thank you.🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@senderob]

My dog redlines on a regular bases once we leave the house and start to walk anywhere. We live in a wildlife refuge, but she spent her first 4 years in an apartment before we adopted her. She sill often FREEZE half way or part way. She won't respond to anything, she will not move her feet, I can't get her BACK to a less distracting place. HOW do I get her to follow me or come with me to a safe zone? Mind you, if I let her OFF leash, she will run...but not always to home/safety. I'm stuck (and so is she). Help

[@ashleymagana291]

Hello Susan and team! Quick question: when removing your dog from the stimulus, doesn’t that have the potential to create opposition reflex? (I remember you mentioned this in episode 29) I’m working to grow my husky puppy’s confidence around other dogs. When we go on walks I am always present and aware of our surroundings. Keeping in mind the distraction intensity index, I keep a certain distance away from other dogs. However, sometimes we turn a corner and end up in close proximity to another dog. nova lunges towards the dog and has a low and short bark. I quickly change directions to get her farther away from that stimulus but I’m wondering if that is creating that opposition reflex you talked about and if that’ll just make her want to pull harder the next time she sees a dog. Hope that made sense. Thanks for all the knowledge you have shared!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Ashley, something we can do to help our dogs is create the turn away and reorientation toward us. The video on "Barrier Frustration: Help for Fence Fighting, Leash Reactivity and Window Guarding" has how to do this, here's where you can watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGO5XmaAqK1-rKc

[@raysrabbits345]

Why does my dog red line every time he sees a tennis ball? He is downright impossible to train because he wants the tennis ball... and how do I discourage this behavior???

[@DogsThat]

Hi Ray, it would be because he loves that tennis ball so much that his focus narrows, as explained in the video. The good news is that the ball can be both a distraction and reward for you to use in your training. For help on distractions, there are lots of tips in episode 24: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGrLiX6CeLBjeck

[@Cumle_kapisi_woodcrafts]

Dear Suzan , hi. You have called your one year old dog a puppy 😀. I have a 4 month old gsd and i wonder how should I keep training her. Should i let her like a human girl to be by herself and be a child until she becomes older like one year old ,Or I should start the real training process for her? Sometimes I feel she could take lessons and sometimes absolutely she is out of the universe 🤣. Peace and regards ☘️☘️🙏🏻

[@DogsThat]

Hi Hamed, our dogs love playing with us no matter what age. Here's a video for you on how long it takes to train a dog: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYO0aJqOhJWMmcU