BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE • TRAINING INSIGHTS
How surroundings and access to experiences influence the behaviour we observe.
A dog’s surroundings matter. What happens before and after a behaviour can affect whether it happens again. Health, past experience and emotions also play a part.
For example, a dog who repeatedly rushes towards a window may be responding to movement outdoors, while a dog who struggles to settle in a busy room may be affected by noise, activity or limited opportunities to rest.
To understand the behaviour, look at what is happening around the dog. This can help explain why it continues and which situations are hardest.
Changing the environment can help your dog feel safer, rest and learn. Management is part of training, rather than a sign that it has failed. The right changes depend on your dog’s needs.
Further reading: AVSAB position statement on humane dog training.
Individualised training and behaviour support
Mizz Pawz provides reward-based dog training and behaviour support across Lanarkshire, with online sessions available across the UK.
