Understanding Dog Behaviour

"Many of us look at our dog's behaviour and do not understand why they do what they do. And when we don't understand their behaviour, it can get us so frustrated that sometimes want to pull our hair out.
In this video I am going to explain you why dogs behave in a certain way. Because it all comes down to their basic needs.
** PS: I NEED YOUR HELP **
My goal is to better the lives of #onemilliondogs in my lifetime. It is clearly impossible for me to do this on a one to one basis. I have seen that with around every thousand views on my videos, I get a comment or email thanking me and letting me know the video has helped. So working on that basis, I have to make videos on how to address every problem
behaviour and accumulate ONE billion views in order to help 1,000,000 dogs.
You can help me reach #onemilliondogs by (1) subscribing to my channel and (2) give this video a thumbs up and let me know of this video has helped you - so KZbin suggests this video to more dog owners and we can help 1,000,000 dogs all over the world. Thank you so much!
** THANK YOU **
For more information on dog's behaviour and behavioural issues, have a look at the following links:
My website: www.thedogguardian.com for one to one help and online dog training courses
Residents near London looking for expert guidance on dog training and behavioural advice can find resources tailored to West, North, South, East, and Greater London on our site. Visit dogtraininginlondon.co.uk for more information
My book: 'The Dog Guardian, Your Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog':
Amazon Universal Link: geni.us/nigel-reed
Canine behaviour courses:
· Online Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/online...
· Group Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/group-...
Social media:
Instagram: / thedogguardian
Facebook: / dogguardian
Twitter: / thedogguardian
---------------
About me:
My name is Nigel Reed, and I am a dog behaviourist and author with fifteen years experience addressing all types of problematic behaviour. My book The Dog Guardian has sold over 21,000 copies and I have over 2000 clients in the U.K and Europe. I hold qualifications and certificates in dog training and behaviour, animal assisted therapy, wolf studies and nutrition and health. Next to that, I am a regular on radio and television helping owners address their dog’s behaviour.
I believe the secret to helping you address your dog's undesirable behaviour is through detailed but simple advice that is kind, effective and easy to absorb. This why I have produced extensive online courses with how to training videos and created a book. This information will ensure I can suit your preferred learning style in order to help you perfect your relationship with your dog, wherever you are in the world."

[@tracielillytan1530]

Thank you! I’ve been watching lots of different KZbin videos on how to deal with my dog and I think yours are the best so far.

[@nigelreed]

I'm so glad! You are very welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tracielillytan1530]

@@nigelreed I ordered your book last night so hope to get some good advice and help with my 14 month whippadpr whom I’ve had for 4 months now.

[@nigelreed]

Many thanks Tracie. I hope you like it.

[@SymbolSmash]

Just found all your videos and book two days ago. Best dog trainer ever. I’ve adopted all the ways and have made incredible progress in two days. Toy poodle of nearly 7 momths. Now hardly pulling on lead - after a few short sessions. Almost Not jumping at visitors. I’m Ignoring more so she knows I’m the leader etc!!! Was almost at the end of my tether but this advice is exactly what I needed now!! I thank you forever! It is the final assurance to do the right thing and so humane and easy! Isolation works so well. We also have much more relaxed play times now ! The advice is concise and practical so thank you very much ! I’ll continue 😊

[@nigelreed]

I'm so pleased to hear that. Well done!!!!! Keep it up :)

[@biancavegter5488]

Looking forward to the next vid, because my dog went completely bonkers on the walk this morning

[@SoulSeedsChangeyourbeliefsChan]

As a humanist counselor finding a new passion ( and maybe another career) for dog interaction/training, I feel so good watching your videos. You speak my language...:-). When I work with humans I focus on our basic human needs, so your approaching the needs of dogs, seems totally natural and normal and certainly the way to go as far as I am concerned. Thank you Nigel

[@nigelreed]

A pleasure Jerry. Thanks for commenting and sharing your approach :)

[@TheDogBookCompany]

Very informative! Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@vanessakelly1348]

Do the course on line with Nigel - well worth the money ! Fabulous

[@nigelreed]

Great to hear Vanessa, thank you for enrolling and now commenting. I am thrilled to hear you liked it.

[@darkchocolategirl51]

Very helpful content. Working with my gsd who is a fearful dog. Try to understand the behavior.

[@nigelreed]

Glad it is helpful.

[@pascalpavia]

CNV for dogs :) peace ! tks for the video !

[@charlotteost5871]

Another fascinating informative video. Thanks Nigel!! Can't wait for the next one

[@nigelreed]

Thanks Charlotte

[@monikafigat6563]

This is amazing! The pyramid of needs as a reference. This idea is really helpful and straightforward. Thank you

[@nigelreed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janegardner604]

So glad I found your videos. My husband and I are going to adopt a labradoodle in the fall and I’d like information on the best way to prevent problems and just dealing with a puppy’s behaviors. I’ve learned a lot already from your videos!

[@nigelreed]

Great!

[@kfayesiler5642]

Thank you for your wisdom, and how adept you are at conveying what we need to understand about our dogs.

[@nigelreed]

Thank you for commenting Karen.

[@alisonlouis8606]

Great supportive video. I have read your book and am doing the online course which is hugely informative. Your video kind of pulls it all together in bite sizes. Like my dogs I need short, simple lessons and lots of practice...keep on doing these..

[@nigelreed]

Will do Alison. Thank you :)

[@Mr.K01]

New to your channel and have a new puppy. Your advice is brilliant and works so well! Thankyou.

[@nigelreed]

Great to hear :)

[@perceptivepanda9954]

Thank you for your videos! They are very helpful and informative.

[@nigelreed]

Glad you like them!

[@funnsyful]

All these videos are so clear. I wish I had watched them 18 months ago!

[@nigelreed]

:)

[@zuzannawieckowska8669]

So happy to see another video! A couple of months ago I adopted my dog from a shelter, at his previous home, he was treated badly and after 2 years they gave him back. We are working with him to get him accustomed to dogs, people and environment- it's a long journey. I'm amazed that I found your videos. You are trying to understand the behaviour of the dog and his emotions and not just bribe him with treats and create a Pavlov reaction, which will only please the owner and not the dog. Waiting for the next one!

[@nigelreed]

Lovely to hear you adopted Zuzanna and to hear how dedicated you are. Glad you get it - I couldn't have said it better myself :)

[@lizbethrodriguezXO]

Great information! Thank you Nigel!

[@nigelreed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@verchu10]

Wonderfully put together, it sums up how positive reinforcement works

[@nigelreed]

Thank you

[@hemantjoshi6528]

Hi Nigel, i have a gsd. And currently the biggest challenge we face is that she is uncontrollable soon she spots other dogs. She is good at home but the moment she steps out she is the leader. We tried many ways. But this doesnt go. No treats however good these are , doesnt attract her.

[@nigelreed]

Sorry to hear this Hermant. Check out my other videos and online course for a lengthy and clear explanation.

[@lyndeross1214]

Thank you for sharing. All your videos are very informative. I use it to our black lab and husky

[@nigelreed]

Great to hear Lyn.

[@lorrainehoulden1141]

Excellent analysis of all the dog training models I have seen so far.

[@nigelreed]

Thanks Lorraine :)

[@LoisFox131]

My jack/Bichon brothers are afraid of cars, dogs, and people but there are times I’m unable to distract from the object of that fear. My bichon/chin mix is older and very chill.

[@sachaprevin]

Such a wonderful and informative video. Wish I'd known all this years ago.

[@nigelreed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ElisPalmer]

Thanks~☀️

[@nigelreed]

You're welcome 😊

[@annamariajohnson8333]

Thanks for a really interesting video. (I've literally just ten minutes ago ordered your book via Amazon.) I will look at your other videos and I know you might not cover the aspect I am looking for but my dog will not go out for a walk with me; not even out the front door! He'll happily go with my husband but not me. Very upsetting :(

[@nigelreed]

Thank you Anna :) Let me know how you get one once you've read the book!

[@kfb7672]

Very well explained!

[@nigelreed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimboudreau4164]

Thanks for the video Nigel! I always hated when people would tell me that my dog just needed a good run and she would be fine. I could literally walk and run her for hours and it wouldn't help. I'm pretty sure I have a 0 out of 10 on how my dog sees me as a leader.

[@nigelreed]

Thanks for commenting Kim. Yes it is such a common misconception and often (temporarily) helps which people then think it is the solution.

[@ellenmiranda8205]

Love your videos! Such great advice. I have a 4 month old puppy which I have been training since she was 9 weeks. She walks great on the leash Until she recognizes the route I take to my daughters house ( who has a 7 month old puppy), then she drags me all the way there! Weather we’re in the car or on foot she goes crazy till we get there. How do I get her to walk proper when we go there. Thanks for any suggestions

[@nigelreed]

Hi Ellen, If you see my walking to heel video it is no different. Don't move forward if your dog is pulling and be more tenacious than they are and they will have to give up.

[@mspocahontas46]

Great help!

[@nigelreed]

Carol Barbieri pleased to hear ☺️

[@ariannapistilli1520]

I really enjoy your philosophy and your videos. I have a pit mix who is very well behaved but pulls like a sled dog on the leash all the time. Previously I was trying a method of more obedience training for heel command, which was working a little bit. I did watch your video, but I am wondering...should I not take my dog on any walks outside the yard until the behavior is corrected completely? Thank you!

[@nigelreed]

Yes if the dog's behaviour is erratic outside then exposing to more could be overwhelming. Stages are very important.

[@mrsannbub]

That lady pulling her hair out is me right now.

[@JimAlgar]

"Sorry y'ronner, I was excited" ~ deadpan comedy genius.

[@Alejandrasalvinijewe]

Thanks Nigel for this video, this is very useful, in our case I believe the problem is that our dog might not trust us a her leader!. We have a Hungarian Vizsla, 9 months. We have been trying to heel her for months, and although she is better now, she has an incredible drive ( pigeons, birds, anything that moves will distract her). I am happy though we can now stop using the figure of 8 lead to walk her as she listens more that she used to. We are still walking her on residential areas with not that many distractions(We have been in this phase for months) but as soon as we are getting close to a field where she knows she will run around, she gets crazy and starts pulling badly! Any tips? Many thanks

[@nigelreed]

Hi Alejandra, Tips: Stick to teaching in stages. Break the field down into stages i.e 10 meters in and back again. Ensure the correction gets her state down and her attention is back on you. And make sure you are communicating your role in all 4 areas otherwise you will struggle. Best wishes,

[@Alejandrasalvinijewe]

@@nigelreed Thanks for that, we will do and persevere!

[@amine-uv3vz]

Great Video Nigel! I've got a problem though, my dog only listens to food when he's really hungry and even then if were in the backyard or outside and there was something more interesting, he will not listen AT ALL. I've tried to implement real life rewards like playing with a toy if he listens, but if there is something distracting, he wont listen,he knows the commands but he just wont listen. This is very frustrating for me but Im trying my best to train him. Please help me :(

[@OathkeeperSoraXIII]

Had the same issues with my dog. Over the past 3-4 months using Nigel's advice and videos as a guide that I keep referring back to. The problem with my dog (me as an owner really) was that he was being far too stimulated just by being outside. I went straight back to basics with him inside the home. Teaching him to engage with me by calling his name, every time he looked he'd get a reward (play or food). I did this for a few days in different rooms all over the house until he understood that his name meant I wanted his attention and to also come to me. Only and I can't stress this enough, only when he could listen in the house I would take him into the garden for training. He was on lead, any time he didn't listen we'd go back inside and repeat in there until he grasped the concept of that I want him to listen inside the house and outside. I repeated the process over and over again, many times throughout the day until it was really sinking in. My dog is now at a point where he drops in and out of focus on a busy field where other dogs are, it has taken months to get to this point and could have been quicker if not for the quarantine since it limited my training outside around other dogs. Never the less, try and stay consistent. The transition from inside to outside can be overwhelming for a dog. What we may consider them being uninterested could be that they're actually feeling very insecure and anxious and so mentally checks out. Don't get frustrated, stay chilled out, if training isn't working go back inside and try later- my max attempts was about 5 or 6 times before my dog grasped what was happening and when I felt myself get frustrated I just stopped because if I can feel myself get frustrated then the dog can sure as hell pick it up in my body language. Good luck, hope this advice helped a little bit.

[@charliehall8295]

Try a lotus ball! Tug E nuff make one called the clam. Puts food and toy together.

[@amine-uv3vz]

@@OathkeeperSoraXIII Thank you so much, this is exactly what I needed. Should I only train him to pay attention to me when I call his name in small sessions throughout the day until he consistently listens everywhere? Is that what you did or did you keep teaching other commands while teaching him to pay attention?

[@OathkeeperSoraXIII]

@@amine-uv3vz yeah, small sessions until he listens consistently. Outside I give my dog 2 chances before we regress back a bit to an area he listened (usually 5-10 metres back) just incase he really didn't hear me. Beyond that you can guarantee your voice is background noise.

[@yasminedeschrijver9004]

Hi! How can you teach your dog to walk without a leash? Love your videos!

[@nigelreed]

Once they walk to heel on a short lead then you just show them what to do with your hands mimicking the same directions starting off in a quiet place moving forward.

[@corysantiago3299]

love your straight forward humane videos thank you !! I have a question about behavior . We just adopted a very bonded pair of adult litter mates.(Just heard of littermate syndrome) they are believed to be 2 years aprox. . So far when they are together they well behaved, know a few commands, are attentive to us and somewhat food oriented . that said, when they are separated they are terrible, whine, cry and have no attention span making it very difficult to train them on lead. So, I've taken them out together and used your guidance ( from your Video, wonderful) and that has worked when there are no distractions , but they get crazed when we see another dog or people on our walks. while in Quarantine i have some time to train them i just don't know what to do ! they tare up the house if i just take one out without the other, also while in quarantine its hard to get them socialized ...any suggestions thank you !

[@nigelreed]

Hi Cory, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place with that issue. To address the littermate syndrome you would need to take each dog out for short amounts of time and be back in again before they panic. That could start off in the home and build up to outside for 5 seconds. Once calm at that time extend it. Or try and do 2 dogs at a time and build the information in much slower through management of the environment. Both will be laborious tasks. Best wishes,

[@corysantiago3299]

Nigel Reed We applied what you suggested for single dogs. We separated the dogs. One went for a short walk with my husband and I had the other offering a high value treat. That seemed to work with very little stress. We then we switched them and did the same we plan this action everyday until they are completely calm. Thank you so much you and your videos are extremely helpful!! Cory

[@nigelreed]

Cory Santiago Great! Luckily not a severe case of littermate syndrome 🙌🏻

[@charliehall8295]

I have a slip lead, martingale and harness. What is the best to walk my dog in? I find I have better control using the slip lead/martingale but I don't want to hurt my dog. She doesn't pull on the lead but can lunge at other dogs. Only a few dogs though. What do I do???? She also reacts with some dogs when dogs crowd her space and other owners give me the stick for it.

[@nigelreed]

I prefer a lead and harness. If she feels intimidated she will naturally react. You have to show her you will protect her so she doesn't do it herself. Overtime she will learn to trust you.

[@charliehall8295]

Awesome thank you. Our main problems happen when out on the trails when she is on a long line (cannot be let off as she is a terrier who chases small critters) and she is always on harness then. I'll work on her turning around more like you did with Jazz. She does quite good heel work when off lead but defo needs some more work and reinforcement. So far she can mostly ignore all dogs she sees on a regular basis however there was 2 new spaniels walking around today that were a little much for her. Gonna get better tho!

[@chrisd.2831]

your philosophy is so much more holistic compared to the mechanistical approaches that always make me so sorry for the dogs

[@nigelreed]

Glad you think so Chris.

[@stephaniegutarra7474]

The thing that scares me about Dog walking is someone getting bit or a dog fight etc. My German Shepard puppy barks at people but gets easily thrown off if she sees a dog. Any ideas on how to correct this behaviour before I take her our agai on a walk. I want to be safe and comfortable as well as for her.

[@nigelreed]

I have a video on this issue with a German Shepherd. There is no quick fix rather just building confidence each day kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqixlmh5hNR6ns0

[@luliana8116]

Hello Nigel, my dog is very territorial, he pees my bed, the couch, pillows, pulls the leash when on a walk, is aggressive towards other dogs... I don’t know how to solve it, have you got any tips?

[@nigelreed]

Hi, tips won't suffice. You need a holistic approach. Check out my book The Dog Guardian for a complete explanation.

[@cathytarapacz]

Question is it ok to pick up my chihuahua when she feels scared, like when I walk her to the school and all these little kid's see a small cute little dog she gets scared looks at me and pulls back

[@nigelreed]

Absolutely. It's your job to keep her feeling safe.

[@ceridavies8299]

I need help I've got 2 1yr old mongrels dogs (brothers) and since having them neutered they just keep fighting one another really going for it. We've separated them for 3 days now but every time they hear or see one another the snarling starts again. Why is this and how can I get them to be in the same room again. It's really draining on the family with lack of sleep and frustration. Please help me xx

[@nigelreed]

Ceri Davies hi, there’s a good chance the behaviour will dissipate once they feel themselves again. Injury or feeling unwell can cause dogs to fight. Keep them separated and if they bark move them further from one another if they’re calm let them get closer. Once they’re totally relaxed (once they’ve healed) then take them out on a walk together.

[@SuperTamsin1]

My daughter has a 2 year old German shepherd who lives next door comes to visit us daily I feed him and take him for walks etc. when he his in their car he will go completely bonkers if you go anywhere near the car shows his teeth and I'm sure would bite you, take him out the car and he will be fine with me. he is fine when i go into their house barks then wags his tail when he realises its me

[@vivekkumarsahu2983]

My dog ​​does not let me sit like he comes in front of me bark

[@MajdDaisy]

hi ihave i 4year old husky.and evry time i go for walks he marks evrywhere..is it normal?

[@nigelreed]

It is normal but it should be discouraged.

[@confidentgoblingaming]

I have really bad anxiety myself. Well my dog has anxiety now too. Did my dog get this from me? It seems anytime i take him out now we are triggering each others’ anxiety. I am finding it so hard to work with him. I can walk him around inside and he does what he needs to decently but as soon as I go outside it is like everything I teach him inside goes right out the metaphorical window. There are some days where it gets so bad that once I get him back inside from going potty I break down and have a panic attack. Am I ever going to be able to train my dog myself or am I going to have to dish out thousands of dollars on trainers that may not actually be able to do anything for my dog, everywhere I look they have a disclaimer type thing up saying that it may or may not actually work out as planned. I may be handed back a dog with absolutely no difference in behavior.

[@nigelreed]

So sorry to hear this. I am well aware of how much stress the situation can cause owners. He may have picked his stress up from you however, you can fake it to you make it. In other words, if you act confident, even if you're not feeling it, your dog will pick up on that overtime - assuming you don't put your dog in situations they cannot handle. Residential training may work but there is no guarantees as often the issue is with the owner. Work on yourself and perfect your strategy will be the cheapest and most likely way to get results.

[@confidentgoblingaming]

@@nigelreed thank you so much. Since I commented this I have been continuing to try your methods some days seem to be a bit better and I’ll work on the fake it till i make it method though. Hopefully I will see better progress in time. I feel like this is going to be a long journey but I will keep trying. Again, thank you.

[@nigelreed]

Good to hear `:) Yes it will be a long journey. The quicker you perfect your strategy the quicker it will be sorted. See my online course for a detailed explanation the-dog-guardian.teachable.com/p/dog-nervousness-and-aggression-course?coupon_code=BEBE

[@yuribdelacruz4865]

Why does my dog get touched by a stranger he makes this look where he just stands still and looks uncomfortable then bites why how to stop it?

[@nigelreed]

A safety need - He doesn't feel safe when his space is being invaded. Stop allowing strangers to invade his pace and ask them to call him over. This way he can choose to interact or not to interact.

[@yuribdelacruz4865]

@@nigelreed thank you so much :)

[@yuribdelacruz4865]

@@nigelreed how do I stop my dog from barking when someone is knocking the door or when my family comes I put him in his cage when my family comes and he barks a lot we try to stop him because hes to loud and he barks a lot when my little cousins move around or play loud or when a stranger comes

[@yuribdelacruz4865]

@@nigelreed also when my family is not here he still barks when my little brother walks or runs around his cage and when my brother screams loud. I want him to stop barking when I tell him to or something and make sure that it's ok and safe something like that

[@nigelreed]

He shouldn't be in his cage as this doesn't give him the time to calm. Here is a lesson on getting your dog calm at the door kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqixlmh5hNR6ns0