Behavior Modification

Learning to read your dog’s behavior is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a foster caregiver. This section will help you recognize what your dog is communicating, how to address fear and anxiety, and what drives certain undesirable behaviors so that you can respond in ways that build trust and truly address the core issue.

Body Language

How to Read Dog Body Language | AKC

Dog body language encompasses a range of unique behaviors that convey their emotions and intentions.

Dog Body Language 101: What Your Dog is REALLY Trying to Tell You | YouTube (VIDEO)

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking? In this complete Dog Body Language 101 guide, you'll discover the hidden signals your dog uses to communicate with you every single day.

How To Build Trust and Confidence With a Fearful Dog | Rover

Adopting a dog is an incredible experience, but it can be challenging if you’re bringing home a fearful pup. If you’re wondering how to get a scared dog to trust you, you’re not alone.

Dog Anxiety 101: Signs, Causes and Treatment (for a Happier Pup!) | Chewy

Like people, there are multiple reasons dogs can develop anxiety, and if left untreated or if severe, it may impact their quality of life depending on the severity.

Tips for How to Approach a Scared Dog | Sanctuary Hostel

Some dogs are skittish whilst others have previous trauma that makes them fearful. Either way, never assume you know how they’re going to react to you.

Understanding the Fearful Dog | Anti Cruelty

We cannot simply tell our canine companions to not be afraid of something. Rather, we must communicate it to them through our actions and our energy.

Dog Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Treatment | PetMD

Dog anxiety occurs when your pup’s negative experiences turn into fear of new people, animals, experiences, places, and separation from family members.

How To Build Calmness In High Energy Breeds | YouTube (VIDEO)

High energy breeds don't have to be chaos, here's how to build genuine calmness that lasts.

Signs of Overstimulation in Dogs and How To Calm Them | North Royalton Animal Hospital

This guide covers what to watch for, what triggers overstimulation, and the most effective ways to calm a dog that has reached their threshold.

How to Teach Your Dog Emotional Self-Control | AKC

Emotional self-control, also known as impulse control, is something most dogs need to be taught.

Fixing Rough Play Before It Becomes Aggression | YouTube (VIDEO)

Watch the breakdown of why this dog is too rough and how to make sure it never becomes reactivity and aggression.

Dog Separation Anxiety | ASPCA

One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone.

Explaining How To Fix Separation Anxiety With Your Dog | YouTube (VIDEO)

Have you been dealing with separation anxiety with your dog and are not sure how to deal with the problem?

Resource Guarding in Dogs: What to Do (and NOT Do) | Preventive Vet

Resource guarding in dogs, also called "possessive aggression," can be quite alarming and scary for a dog owner to experience.

Introduction to Desensitization and Counterconditioning | VCA Hospitals

Behavior modification can be used to change your pet’s response to specific triggers so that she feels more comfortable.

Dealing with Leash Reactivity | Best Friends

Does your dog lunge, growl and bark at the end of his leash when he sees an unfamiliar person, dog or object? If so, he is displaying something called “leash reactivity.”

Managing Barrier Reactivity | Best Friends

While this frightening display seems like aggression, much of the time this behavior is rooted in fear, overexcitement, stress, anxiety or frustration.

Frustration, Protectiveness, or Fear? | Humane Society of Western Montana

Barrier reactivity, while seemingly big and scary, doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or people. There can be a multitude of reasons behind the barking.