I think this is a good thing to be curious about because behavioral health isn’t usually considered until there’s a problem, and by then it’s harder to fix it. Just like any other health problem, it’s in your dog’s best interest to identify and address behavioral health issues as early as possible. Here are a few things to consider if you’re assessing your dog’s behavioral health.
Tip #1: Does your dog have behavior problems?
The obvious is a good place to start! If you’re not sure how to answer that question, consider when you get frustrated with or worried about your dog. Those situations could likely point to behavior issues. For example, if you worry about your dog around strangers, is it because your dog sometimes acts poorly around them? That could point to a behavior issue (issues with strangers).
Tip #2: Consider breed and personality, but don’t let that be an excuse!
Dog trainers hear this all the time.
“He pulls on the leash but that makes sense—he’s a Husky.”
“Well he nips at the kids because he’s a Heeler and that’s just what they do.”
Yes, breed can play a role in your dog’s behavior. It might mean your dog is predisposed to certain behaviors or patterns of behavior but it does NOT mean there’s nothing you can do about it. There’s always something that can be done to help your dog become the best possible version of himself, so don’t leave breed-specific behaviors out of your assessment.
Tip #3: Reflect on your dog’s state of mind.
What’s his state of mind like? Calm and collected? Anxious and racing? Nervous and panicky? This is another area where there’s always room for improvement but if your dog is often in a heightened state of mind (hyper, nervous, anxious, etc) then that’s a big red flag. A dog’s state of mind has a huge impact on his quality of life, so it’s something to take seriously.
If you suspect that your dog’s behavioral health is not what you’d like it to be, it might be helpful to reach out to a balanced dog trainer in your area so see what kind of training programs are available. Look for a trainer who specifically addresses the dog’s state of mind along with their understanding of obedience commands and manners. Finally, there’s a lot you can do at home to help your dog improve his behavioral health. Implement more structure into your dog’s life, start taking a proactive leadership role, and give your dog a lot more guidance on what you’d like him to do with himself in any given moment.
