When people think about “fixing” a dog’s behaviour, they often picture one thing: the dog.
Maybe they imagine endless sit–stay–good boy sessions, fancy treats, and the occasional dramatic “No!” shouted across the living room.
But here’s the thing—dogs don’t exist in a vacuum. Behaviour isn’t just about them. It’s about the whole ecosystem they’re living in. If we really want to help a dog through a behavioural issue, we’ve got to look at three main elements:
- The Dog (obviously)
- The Humans (yep, that’s you, the guardians)
- The Environment (the context everything’s happening in)
Let’s break it down—no jargon, just real talk.
1. The Dog – Who They Are, Not Just What They Do
Every dog is an individual. That means breed traits, personality, past experiences, health, age, energy levels, and even daily moods all play into how they behave.
If a dog is surging ahead on the lead, barking at strangers, or hiding under the sofa, it’s not just “bad behaviour”—it’s communication. They’re telling us something. Sometimes it’s “I’m scared,” sometimes “I’m excited,” and sometimes “I just really want to sniff that thing right now.”
When we focus on who the dog is instead of only what they’re doing, we can start working with them instead of against them.
2. The Humans – The Dog’s Support Team (and Biggest Superpower)
Here’s a truth that’s both powerful and exciting: we, the humans, have enormous influence over our dogs’ behaviour—and that’s a good thing.
It means that change is always possible, because we are the ones who can adapt, adjust, and create the conditions our dogs need to thrive. We can learn their language, set them up for success, and respond in ways that help them feel safe and understood.
Instead of seeing our influence as pressure, it’s better to see it as a superpower—one that lets us create the kind of life we want to share with our dog.
3. The Environment – Where the Story Happens
You can be the best trainer in the world and still hit a wall if the environment is working against you.
Environment means everything around the dog in that moment. That could be:
- The physical space (quiet home vs. busy street)
- The weather (yes, some dogs hate the wind)
- Other animals or people in the area
- Sounds, smells, and sights that humans might not even notice but the dog finds overwhelming
Sometimes, the best training tool isn’t another command—it’s changing the setup so the dog can succeed.
A Little Story: Molly the Nervous Rescue
Molly was a gentle, sandy-coloured rescue who had one big problem—walks were terrifying. Every car engine, every cyclist, even a fluttering crisp packet would send her tail down and her legs scrambling back toward home.
At first, her guardian, Sam, thought Molly just needed “more exposure.” So they walked the same busy route every day. But Molly wasn’t getting braver—she was getting more stressed.
That’s when we looked at all three elements:
- The Dog – Molly was a sensitive soul with a history we didn’t fully know. She needed a slower pace, more distance from triggers, and time to build confidence.
- The Human – Sam learned how to read Molly’s subtle body language—ears flicking back, eyes darting—and respond before she hit full panic mode. Sam also discovered he could choose where to walk, how far to go, and when to simply stand still and let Molly watch the world from a safe spot.
- The Environment – Instead of busy streets, they started with quiet woodland paths. Fewer sudden noises, more space, more good sniffs.
Three weeks later, Molly was still cautious—but she was walking with her head up, tail loose, and even pausing to sniff the breeze. Sam beamed: “I didn’t realise how much control I had to make things better for her.”
And that’s the heart of it: when the dog, the human, and the environment work in harmony, progress feels natural.
Putting It All Together
Working through behavioural challenges is a bit like solving a puzzle—you need all the pieces.
- Understand the dog as an individual.
- Recognise that humans have the power to make meaningful, positive change.
- Shape the environment so the dog can actually win.
When those three elements line up, change doesn’t just happen—it sticks. And instead of “fixing” a dog, you’re building a better relationship where both species can actually enjoy life together.
I hope you find this interesting and please feel free to get in touch http://justbemore.dog or email me ian@justbemore.dog
