Decoding Dogs
@denniswormald.bsky.social
PhD in dog behaviour. Veterinarian treating canine mental health in Melbourne. Full stack software dev.
- I can recommend my book: www.abadog.com/difficult-dogs
- For Australia/NZ, I recommend this behaviour supplement: companicalm.com
- I can recommend my book: www.abadog.com/difficult-dogs
- For Australia/NZ, I recommend this behaviour supplement: companicalm.com
Sign 5: Reactivity
Highly anxious or fearful dogs have intense reactions to stressors. They might freeze, bark, lunge, or run. Whatever the response, it’s not about “bad behavior”—it’s an emotional reaction.
Highly anxious or fearful dogs have intense reactions to stressors. They might freeze, bark, lunge, or run. Whatever the response, it’s not about “bad behavior”—it’s an emotional reaction.
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sign 5: Reactivity
Highly anxious or fearful dogs have intense reactions to stressors. They might freeze, bark, lunge, or run. Whatever the response, it’s not about “bad behavior”—it’s an emotional reaction.
Highly anxious or fearful dogs have intense reactions to stressors. They might freeze, bark, lunge, or run. Whatever the response, it’s not about “bad behavior”—it’s an emotional reaction.
Sign 4: Excessive licking & chewing
Dogs self-soothe like we do, using the only tool they have (their mouth). Some lick themselves raw, others chew objects or even swallow things they shouldn’t. It releases endorphins—but when it’s constant, it’s a red flag.
Dogs self-soothe like we do, using the only tool they have (their mouth). Some lick themselves raw, others chew objects or even swallow things they shouldn’t. It releases endorphins—but when it’s constant, it’s a red flag.
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sign 4: Excessive licking & chewing
Dogs self-soothe like we do, using the only tool they have (their mouth). Some lick themselves raw, others chew objects or even swallow things they shouldn’t. It releases endorphins—but when it’s constant, it’s a red flag.
Dogs self-soothe like we do, using the only tool they have (their mouth). Some lick themselves raw, others chew objects or even swallow things they shouldn’t. It releases endorphins—but when it’s constant, it’s a red flag.
Sign 3: Disobedience Isn’t Disobedience
Anxious dogs aren’t being “stubborn.” They’re too overwhelmed to focus. Fear hijacks their brain, making them prioritize survival over listening to you.
Anxious dogs aren’t being “stubborn.” They’re too overwhelmed to focus. Fear hijacks their brain, making them prioritize survival over listening to you.
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sign 3: Disobedience Isn’t Disobedience
Anxious dogs aren’t being “stubborn.” They’re too overwhelmed to focus. Fear hijacks their brain, making them prioritize survival over listening to you.
Anxious dogs aren’t being “stubborn.” They’re too overwhelmed to focus. Fear hijacks their brain, making them prioritize survival over listening to you.
Sign 2: Appetite Loss
Fear and anxiety shuts down hunger. I see this in dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or leash reactivity. If your dog skips treats or meals when stressed, it’s a sign they’re struggling.
Fear and anxiety shuts down hunger. I see this in dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or leash reactivity. If your dog skips treats or meals when stressed, it’s a sign they’re struggling.
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sign 2: Appetite Loss
Fear and anxiety shuts down hunger. I see this in dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or leash reactivity. If your dog skips treats or meals when stressed, it’s a sign they’re struggling.
Fear and anxiety shuts down hunger. I see this in dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or leash reactivity. If your dog skips treats or meals when stressed, it’s a sign they’re struggling.
Sign 1: Sleep Problems
Dogs normally nap a lot. Anxious dogs stay on high alert, never fully relaxing. They might lie down but stay tense, ready to jump up at any sound. It’s exhausting for them—and for you.
Dogs normally nap a lot. Anxious dogs stay on high alert, never fully relaxing. They might lie down but stay tense, ready to jump up at any sound. It’s exhausting for them—and for you.
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sign 1: Sleep Problems
Dogs normally nap a lot. Anxious dogs stay on high alert, never fully relaxing. They might lie down but stay tense, ready to jump up at any sound. It’s exhausting for them—and for you.
Dogs normally nap a lot. Anxious dogs stay on high alert, never fully relaxing. They might lie down but stay tense, ready to jump up at any sound. It’s exhausting for them—and for you.
I see anxious dogs every day as a dog behavior vet—here are 5 signs your dog is struggling with anxiety. If your dog shows these, they need help. 🧵👇
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
I see anxious dogs every day as a dog behavior vet—here are 5 signs your dog is struggling with anxiety. If your dog shows these, they need help. 🧵👇
This is what many people want to see on social media. Too bad it isn't real or natural, because people actually WANT this. Dog lovers, cat lovers, animal lovers, we all enjoy the closeness between people and nature. Sometimes, the pressures of virality push us to extremes though.
January 15, 2025 at 3:58 AM
This is what many people want to see on social media. Too bad it isn't real or natural, because people actually WANT this. Dog lovers, cat lovers, animal lovers, we all enjoy the closeness between people and nature. Sometimes, the pressures of virality push us to extremes though.