Understanding the difference between behavior and canine trauma

The impact of canine trauma ranges in severity, and *accurately* identifying it in dogs can be quite difficult, as it often gets overshadowed by other behaviors and misinterpreted by people.

When this happens, inaccurate stories develop (since the human brain doesn't like gaps or question marks, and will fill them in with concoctions of their own making), get attached to the dog like a bad stain they can't shake, and follow them wherever they go. I've seen this often in rescue, and many dogs suffer the fate from inaccurate human readings, perceptions, and interpretations.

Some trauma can be mistaken for characteristics, personality, or traits, and vice versa.

When it comes to behavior, it's never a "one size fits all" thing; and there are countless ingredients that contribute to, influence, and impact it.

Here are some things you need to remember about behavior and getting an *accurate read* on the dog in front of you.

Firstly, **behavior is information.**

It's a...

- form of expression,

- type of feedback,

- form of communication,

- level of reflection (mental energy, physical energy, emotional state, associations | beliefs | and perceptions),

- a type of response,

and

- reveals what's in excess, in balance, what's lacking... also what's completely missing.

I was in conversation with someone who got an evaluation for some dogs who'd been abandoned. The trainer had some letters behind her name; but, as most dog trainers are, her education was in obedience training. NOT behavioral training. And it showed.

I watched the video of one of her "evaluations." Treats were thrown all over the floor, there was a bowl of food on the ground, and I was watching her body language- as well as the dog's response to it. Red flags all around, and it was more than evident that behavioral evaluation was far above her level expertise.

She mislabeled the dogs she evaluated, even sentencing one to death (which, again, was a mislabel and a totally inaccurate behavioral reading). Lucky for the dogs- the person leading the charge knew better and sought a second opinion.

Please. If you're dealing with behavioral struggles with your dog, BE THEIR ADVOCATE -- and always, always seek second options.

Understand that obedience training does not and cannot resolve behavioral issues... it's like trying to help a child with depression or anxiety resolve it through taking geometry.

Some information for y'all... and a PSA.

Learn more about behavior, the energetic component in dog training, canine trauma (our newest masterclass, "Training the Traumatized Dog" will be available Nov. 1st), blending new dogs, etc. through contacting us personally (www.packfit.net) or our digital courses and masterclasses here: https://packfit.thinkific.com