Behavior Is Communication: Understanding What Your Dog Is Really Saying
- Coral Atnikov
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
We’ve all experienced miscommunication — with friends, family, or coworkers. When communication breaks down, it often leads to frustration or confusion.
The same is true for our dogs. Behavior is how dogs communicate. Every bark, lunge, or wag carries a message about how they’re feeling and what they need. When we misinterpret those signals, we may unintentionally label them as stubborn, bad, or aggressive.
Once a label sticks, it can be hard to look past it and see that our dog may simply be struggling to cope with a situation.
Looking Beneath the Behavior
It’s easy to tell when your dog is happy or playful — wagging tails and bouncy energy make that clear. But signs of fear, frustration, or worry can be much harder to spot.
Behaviors like barking, lunging, or shutting down aren’t acts of defiance. They’re signs of emotional dysregulation — moments when your dog feels overwhelmed and doesn’t yet have the skills to manage those emotions calmly.
For example:
A “barky-lungy” dog on walks might be scared or insecure.
A dog who “ignores” cues may be too stressed to think clearly.
A restless dog might be struggling to feel safe enough to settle.
When we view these behaviours as communication instead of “bad behavior,” we can respond with understanding and support.
Shifting from Labels to Listening
When we replace labels with listening, our perspective changes. Instead of focusing on what the dog is doing wrong, we can ask why they’re behaving that way.
A dog who growls or hides isn’t being difficult — they’re saying, “I don’t feel safe right now.” Listening to that message allows us to help them feel more secure and confident.
Helping Dogs Feel Safe and Supported
Through patient training, structure, and management, we can teach dogs the skills they need to handle challenging situations calmly. When dogs feel safe and supported, their behavior naturally improves.
As your trainer, my role is to help you:
Understand what your dog’s behaviour is communicating
Build the skills your dog needs to manage emotions
Strengthen your relationship through trust and clarity
By learning to listen, we turn behaviour challenges into opportunities for connection and growth.
Key takeaway: Behaviour is communication. When we learn to interpret what our dogs are telling us, we can create safety, understanding, and a stronger bond that benefits both ends of the leash.
💬 Ready to understand your dog on a deeper level? Book a training session or behavior consultation today, and let’s work together to help your dog feel safe, supported, and understood.
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