As a society, we often place high expectations on our dogs, sometimes without even realising it. We expect them to like and play nicely with all other dogs, be outwardly friendly toward every person they meet, remain calm and collected in busy environments, and even accept children eagerly running up to pet them. While these expectations might work for some dogs, they are far from realistic for all.

Every dog is unique, with its own personality, temperament, and comfort levels. Some dogs thrive in social settings, while others may need more training, guidance, or simply a different approach to help them feel secure. In certain situations, some dogs may not belong there at all – and that’s okay!
This brings me to a real-life example from this past weekend. I took a walk with a client and her adorable poodle mix, who has had some issues around other dogs, particularly male dogs who are pushy or overly playful. Her family was concerned because she tended to growl or snap when she felt chased or pestered, or confronted with “pushy” behaviour. Understandably, they wanted to know if they should be doing more training to “fix” this!

During our walk, I observed a different perspective. She was a lovely, well-balanced, socially appropriate dog…who did not particularly enjoy pushy behaviour from young males. In cases like these we must ask ourselves: is this something that truly needs to be “fixed”? Or is it a situation where we should adjust our expectations?

Training is important, especially when it comes to aggressive behaviours or situations that could lead to safety concerns. However, we also need to acknowledge the fact that dogs, like humans, have their own personalities and limits. Not all dogs need to be social butterflies, and it’s perfectly reasonable to create boundaries to protect their comfort and well-being.

Instead of expecting all dogs to fit into the same mold, it’s essential to focus on the individual dog’s needs and tailor your training and management accordingly. Every dog and situation is unique, and we should adjust our goals and expectations to reflect that.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour or unsure whether you’re expecting too much from them, I can help! Whether it’s building your dog’s confidence, working on social skills, or creating a plan that respects your dog’s natural personality, I’ll work with you to find the best approach for your pet.