top of page

Individualized Consultation Services & Education Hub

Grab Your Favorite Pet Products in the New HTP SHOP!

Writer's pictureKatie, CVT, DN-CET, HABc, CPCN

Your Pet's Behavior Isn't About YOU- A Tale About Shifting Our Emotional Perspective.

Updated: Dec 13, 2023




When you think of a behavior your pet is exhibiting ..


You might say:

1. "My cat is peeing on the floor because he is mad at me."


2. "My dog is just protective of the family."


And so-on and so-forth.

But, what if we shift our thinking?

What if we realize, this isn't about us humans... But instead, it's about the pet.

Their behavior likely isn't about YOU.

They are experiencing stress.

They are having a hard time.

They are trying to cope.

When we change the perspective of how we think, and the excuses or reasoning we tell ourselves about what our pets do and why.. Something amazing happens.

We can begin to change things. Including how we support the emotional state of the animal, which leads to a change in the behavior itself!

 

Let's re-think the above scenarios:

1. The cat is upset and anxious when left alone... Elimination can happen due to fear, stress and anxiety.

2. The dog is fearful and being reactive to a scary stimulus. He is unsure of the stranger and is in 'fight or flight' mode... He may feel cornered and afraid, therefore barks and acts 'protective.'


Now that we have acknowledged the emotion and trigger from the pet's point of view... We can make the necessary changes to modify the behavior/ reaction.

Behaviors serve the needs of an individual who is exhibiting the behavior, and it indeed provides a function whether positive or negative.


Case and point:

Reactivity makes the scary threat go away.

By acknowledging the behavior as an emotion in the animal, and not a hatred towards humans.. we can connect with their state of mind and alter the patterns in reactivity.

We can meet and accommodate our pet's needs, and provide them a more appropriate reaction to the stressor.

Creating true, and lasting results!

So you and your pet can Have Happy Trails!


 

Want More Health & Wellness Tips?!


Join as a Member for exclusive content & follow Happy Trails Pets on social media!



"Dedicated to helping, and empowering pet owners to make better decisions in order to improve the health and well-being of their pets, naturally. Because when you know better, you can do better."






Click here to receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated professional for all your pet care needs!


Shop some of my top recommended products!


48 views0 comments

Comments


HTP Pet Supplies Shop

Unauthorized reproduction, sale, sharing, copying, alteration or other distribution of material(s) presented is strictly prohibited. All content branded by Happy Trails Pets is property of Happy Trails Pets.

Materials that are otherwise branded by another organization retain full ownership of that material and it's contents. Where used, permission was obtained prior to uploaded use and distribution of other branded materials.
See Terms & Disclaimer.

*The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness, nor replace the regular care of a qualified and trusted veterinarian. In no way is this information a substitute for medical advice or care by a trusted veterinary professional.

**All Happy Trails Pets content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publishing. At any time, the accuracy of such posts and content may change without notice due to the ever-changing dynamics of the pet industry, developments in/ and available research, practice laws and guidelines, and so-forth.
Posts will be updated as needed with the most current available information and/ or where time allows.

No content here or otherwise published on this site may be reproduced, distributed, copied, or sold in part or in whole without written prior permission & consent of the creator/ publisher at Happy Trails Pets.

bottom of page