Behaviour concerns are one of the most common reasons people seek support with dogs. However, the way behaviour is described often influences how humans understand, assess and respond to the dog.

Many commonly used descriptions of dogs are based on human interpretations rather than objective observation. Terms such as:

• naughty,
• stubborn,
• dominant,
• aggressive,
• dangerous,
• disobedient,
• difficult,

often describe a human perception of the behaviour rather than explaining why the behaviour is occurring.

An evidence-informed approach requires moving away from judgement and towards understanding.

Instead of asking:

“Why is this dog behaving badly?”

a more useful question is:

“What is this dog communicating, and what function is this behaviour serving?”

Dogs do not perform behaviours randomly. Behaviour occurs because it serves a purpose for the individual dog. Understanding that purpose requires considering:

• genetics,
• learning history,
• emotional state,
• environment,
• health,
• previous experiences,
• individual temperament.

A key principle throughout canine behaviour practice is:

Behaviour is communication, not simply a problem to be eliminated.

Defining Behaviour Concerns

A behaviour concern occurs when a behaviour negatively affects:

• the welfare of the dog,
• the safety of humans or animals,
• the relationship between the dog and humans,
• daily functioning,
• quality of life.

However, a behaviour is not automatically problematic simply because humans find it inconvenient.

Many behaviours considered “problems” are normal canine behaviours occurring in a situation where they are unsuitable.

Examples include:

Barking

Barking is a normal form of canine communication.

It may become a concern when it is:

• excessive,
• distress-related,
• disruptive,
• associated with poor welfare.

Chewing

Chewing is a normal canine behaviour.

It may become concerning when:

• inappropriate objects are targeted,
• the dog lacks appropriate outlets,
• stress or frustration contribute.

Digging

Digging is a natural behaviour influenced by genetics and motivation.

It may become a concern when:

• it creates safety issues,
• it becomes excessive,
• the dog lacks other behavioural outlets.

Behaviour Has a Function

Every behaviour serves a purpose for the individual dog.

The function of behaviour may include:

• gaining access to something,
• avoiding something,
• creating distance,
• communicating discomfort,
• seeking interaction,
• relieving frustration,
• expressing natural instincts.

Understanding the function of behaviour is essential because effective behaviour support requires addressing why the behaviour occurs.

For example:

A dog barking at visitors may be:

• alerting the household,
• expressing excitement,
• seeking interaction,
• attempting to create distance because it feels uncomfortable.

The visible behaviour may look the same, but the underlying reason may be very different.

The Role of Motivation

Motivation influences whether a dog performs a behaviour and how strongly they respond.

Motivation may be influenced by:

• genetics,
• breed tendencies,
• learning history,
• emotional state,
• immediate needs,
• environmental factors.

Examples include:

A scent hound may be strongly motivated by odour information.

A herding breed may be strongly motivated by movement.

A retriever may be strongly motivated by carrying objects.

A terrier may be strongly motivated by chasing or searching behaviours.

Understanding motivation helps humans develop realistic expectations and appropriate support strategies.

Behaviour Is Influenced by Multiple Factors

Behaviour is rarely caused by one single factor.

A dog’s behaviour is influenced by the interaction between:

Genetics

Genetics influence:

• temperament,
• sensory abilities,
• motivation,
• behavioural tendencies.

However, genetics do not determine the complete personality or future behaviour of an individual dog.

Learning History

Dogs learn through:

• experience,
• reinforcement,
• consequences,
• interactions with humans and other animals.

A behaviour that has previously achieved a successful outcome is more likely to continue.

Environment

The environment influences:

• emotional state,
• available choices,
• stress levels,
• triggers,
• opportunities for natural behaviour.

Health

Physical health strongly influences behaviour.

Pain, illness or discomfort may contribute to:

• irritability,
• avoidance,
• reduced tolerance,
• changes in behaviour,
• reactivity.

A sudden behavioural change should always consider possible physical causes.

Emotional State

A dog’s emotional state affects their ability to cope.

A dog experiencing:

• fear,
• anxiety,
• frustration,
• stress,

may respond differently compared with the same dog when relaxed and comfortable.

Moving Beyond Labels: Describing Behaviour, Not Defining Dogs

One of the most important principles in ethical canine behaviour is separating the dog from the behaviour.

A dog is not:

• an aggressive dog,
• a bad dog,
• a stubborn dog,
• a dominant dog.

A dog is an individual displaying a behaviour in a specific context.

A dog may display:

• reactive behaviour,
• fearful behaviour,
• defensive behaviour,
• inappropriate behaviour in a particular environment.

However, the behaviour does not define the entire animal.

For example:

A dog that reacts towards unfamiliar dogs may still be:

• affectionate with family,
• relaxed at home,
• successful in other environments.

A single behavioural response does not represent the whole dog.

Reactive Rather Than “Aggressive” or “Dangerous”

Modern evidence-informed canine behaviour practice increasingly uses the term reactive rather than automatically describing a dog as aggressive or dangerous.

Reactivity describes a strong behavioural response to a particular trigger or situation.

A reactive dog may respond strongly to:

• other dogs,
• unfamiliar people,
• noises,
• movement,
• handling,
• environmental changes.

Reactivity does not automatically mean aggression.

A reactive response may occur because of:

• fear,
• frustration,
• excitement,
• uncertainty,
• previous experiences,
• limited social learning,
• pain or discomfort.

For example:

A dog barking and lunging at another dog may be attempting to increase distance because it feels unsafe.

A dog growling during handling may be communicating discomfort.

A dog reacting strongly to visitors may be experiencing uncertainty rather than attempting to harm someone.

The behaviour provides information about the dog’s emotional state and coping ability.

Why Labels Matter

The language used to describe dogs influences how humans respond.

Labels such as “aggressive dog” or “dangerous dog” may:

• create fear,
• encourage punitive responses,
• reduce curiosity,
• ignore contributing factors,
• prevent appropriate assessment.

A more useful question is:

“What is causing this dog to respond this way, and what support does this dog need?”

rather than:

“What is wrong with this dog?”

The Difference Between Behaviour and Intention

Humans often assume dogs have human-like motivations.

Examples include:

• “The dog is being spiteful.”
• “The dog knows it was naughty.”
• “The dog is trying to dominate me.”
• “The dog is jealous.”
• “The dog is seeking revenge.”

These interpretations may prevent accurate assessment.

Behaviour should be understood through:

• learning,
• motivation,
• emotion,
• environment,
• biology.

The goal is not to assume what a dog is thinking, but to understand what information the behaviour provides.

Using “Cue” Rather Than “Command”

Modern training terminology reflects a shift towards cooperative communication.

The term cue is preferred over command.

A cue is information provided to the dog that allows them to perform a learned behaviour.

A cue communicates:

“This behaviour may be useful in this situation.”

A command implies:

• control,
• forced compliance,
• obedience regardless of emotional state.

Effective training is based on communication between human and dog.

For example:

A person provides the cue:

“Sit.”

The dog responds because:

• they understand the behaviour,
• the behaviour has been reinforced,
• the environment allows success.

The goal is not simply obedience. The goal is clear communication and cooperation.

Using Behaviour Terminology Carefully

Professional language should describe behaviour accurately rather than assigning judgement.

Instead of:

“Disobedient dog”

Use:

“The dog has not yet learned this behaviour in this context.”

“Stubborn dog”

Use:

“The dog may not understand the expectation, may lack motivation, or may be responding to competing needs.”

“Dominant dog”

Use:

“The dog is displaying behaviour influenced by learning, motivation, environment or emotional state.”

“Bad behaviour”

Use:

“A behaviour that is currently unsuitable or challenging within this environment.”

Objective Behaviour Description and Professional Documentation

Accurate observation and documentation are essential components of ethical canine behaviour practice.

When recording behaviour, humans must separate:

• what was observed,
• what they believe the behaviour means.

Professional records should describe observable information rather than assumptions about the dog’s emotions, intentions or motivations.

A record should explain what happened, not create a judgement about the dog.

Describing What You See

Objective descriptions focus on information that can be directly observed.

Instead of:

“The dog was aggressive because it wanted to attack another dog.”

A more appropriate record would state:

“The dog became still, raised its head, stared towards the approaching dog, held its body rigid, growled and moved forward while restrained on lead.”

The second description records behaviour without assuming motivation.

Avoiding Anthropomorphism in Records

Humans naturally interpret animals through human experiences. However, professional documentation should avoid assigning human thoughts, intentions or moral reasoning.

Avoid statements such as:

• “The dog was angry.”
• “The dog was being spiteful.”
• “The dog knew it was wrong.”
• “The dog wanted revenge.”
• “The dog was trying to dominate the owner.”

Instead describe:

• what happened,
• what the dog did,
• the context,
• possible contributing factors.

Interpretations should be identified as hypotheses, not facts.

Observation Versus Interpretation

A useful approach is separating:

Observation

What can be directly seen or heard.

Examples:

• “The dog moved behind the handler when approached.”
• “The dog lowered its body posture and turned its head away.”
• “The dog barked continuously for three minutes after a person entered the room.”

Interpretation

A possible explanation requiring further assessment.

Examples:

• “The behaviour may indicate uncertainty.”
• “Further assessment is required to determine whether fear, frustration or another factor is contributing.”

The Importance of Accurate Behaviour Records

Accurate records support:

• continuity of care,
• veterinary communication,
• behaviour assessment,
• training decisions,
• welfare monitoring,
• incident investigation.

Poor documentation can create long-term consequences because labels may follow dogs throughout their lives.

Compare:

“Aggressive dog attacked another dog.”

with:

“During an on-lead interaction, the dog lunged approximately one metre towards another dog, barked repeatedly and was redirected by the handler. No physical contact occurred.”

The second description provides meaningful information for future decision-making.

Recording Behaviour in Context

Behaviour should always be recorded alongside relevant circumstances.

Important information may include:

• location,
• environment,
• people or animals present,
• distance from triggers,
• body language,
• handler actions,
• outcome.

For example:

Instead of:

“The dog does not like children.”

A more useful description would be:

“When a child approached within approximately two metres, the dog moved behind the handler, lowered its body posture, avoided eye contact and did not engage.”

Avoiding the “Quick Fix” Approach

Many behavioural concerns are addressed by attempting to stop the visible behaviour.

However, suppressing behaviour without understanding the cause may create additional welfare and safety concerns.

For example:

A dog growls during handling.

If the growl is punished, the warning signal may disappear.

However, the discomfort remains.

Effective support requires understanding:

• why the dog feels uncomfortable,
• what the dog is communicating,
• what changes are needed,
• how alternative responses can be taught.

The Role of Welfare in Behaviour Support

Behaviour cannot be separated from welfare.

A dog experiencing poor welfare may demonstrate behavioural changes because needs are not being met.

Considerations include:

• physical health,
• nutrition,
• exercise,
• enrichment,
• rest,
• social needs,
• emotional safety.

Supporting behaviour means supporting the whole dog.

Key Practice Principle

The language used to describe dogs influences how humans understand and support them.

A reactive dog is not automatically an aggressive dog.

A behaviour is not an identity.

A cue is not a command.

A record should describe what happened, not assume why it happened.

Ethical canine behaviour practice requires accurate, respectful and evidence-informed language that recognises dogs as individuals whose behaviour communicates their experiences, emotions and needs.

Understanding behaviour begins with observation, curiosity and respect.