Pets Struggle with Anxiety & Depression Too. Here’s How to Help Them

In a recent podcast (episode #391), I talked to speaker, author, mathematician, and dog trainer Grisha Stewart about dog training and empowerment, pets and mental health, why dogs struggle mentally, how we can help our pets and ourselves, and so much more!

As human beings, we need to understand our pets’ behavior and work on our communication with them. It is important to understand that animals like dogs think and choose as well, in their own unique ways.

The key thing to recognize is that behaviors are a puzzle, whether we are talking about humans or animals. They require problem solving and critical thinking. There are many variables and a lot is predictable, if we take the time to be aware of what is happening and be willing to explore the “why”.

There is a reason why a dog does what it does. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to explore this “why” behind our pet’s actions. Like us, the way dogs behave is based on not only their biology but also their experiences and learning.

This is why dog training should always start with curiosity. We need to become aware of what our pets are experiencing and going through, while avoiding letting preconceived notions like “dominance” impact how we understand and manage their behavior. This means understanding both the environment and the individual dog. How are they responding in this particular environment? And, if we change something, do they respond differently? How?