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

In this podcast (episode #391) and blog, I talk 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?

If your dog is showing signs of aggression, this is a sign that they do not feel safe. Dogs are not “naughty” if they are scared. The key is to understand that all dogs have different experiences from their time in the womb. As dog owners, we need to understand what makes that individual owner feel safe through the way we manage their space and time (their environment). 

This means thinking about the boundaries we put in place with our pets in different situations. We do this by observing their behavior and responding to what they want or need based on positive reinforcement.  

Yet it is also important to understand that we can become too reliant on positive reinforcement. Our goal as pet owners should not be to turn our animals into perfectly well-behaved robots. Our training should be needs-focused: we need to adapt our training in real time to our needs and to our pet’s needs so that we can live in community with our animal companions.  

It is important to remember that there is no such thing as a needy dog. There are only unmet needs, and our responsibility as pet owners is to find creative and kind ways to meet our pet’s unique needs. Compassion and curiosity should drive all our interactions with our pets.  

As Grisha notes, “in a culture obsessed with dominance, more power may seem like the last thing you want to give your dog. But empowerment is actually an efficient, effective way to solve behavior problems. When you remove obstacles in the way of learning and give dogs a way to meet their needs, their 'misbehavior' disappears.” 

This is why she created an online academy based on her B.A.T. training method (Behavior Adjustment Training). This training method: 

• Empowers Dogs to choose calm behavior over undesired reactivity. For example, instead of barking and lunging, BAT dogs can proactively choose to engage in a calm behavior, allowing them and their handler the opportunity to adjust to a “trigger” that was once causing fear, frustration or aggression. BAT teaches these skills naturally and humanely.
• Builds Confidence and Reduces Excitement. An animal that has greater control of its environment (i.e. behavior is effective) is less likely to be anxious, fearful, or over-the-top excited, resulting in less reactivity as well as the development of calm and confident behavior.
• Builds Communication and Trust. When the communication channel between the animal and its handler is clear and accurate, the relationship may then develop greater trust. BAT teaches people how to better understand a dog’s body language, most especially before, during, and after the dog calmly experiences a “trigger.”  The goal is to empower the animal and handler to remain active in the calm, stress-free behavior vs. becoming reactive in the undesirable behavior.
• Reduces Stress. In a properly executed BAT training session, the animal exhibits little to no distress during the BAT experience. The absence of distress is a critical component to BAT.
• Has a Fast Learning Curve. It works with an animal’s natural repertoire of desirable behaviors, and doesn’t require much pre-training for the human to begin the rehabilitation process for both them and their dog.

If you're a professional dog trainer or behaviorist, dog walker, shelter staffer, groomer, or veterinarian, Grisha’s amazing online dog training academy has the continuing education you need to stay (or get to) the top of your game. But it’s not just for professionals! If you need help with your own dog, they have straightforward, practical, effective positive dog behavior classes for you as well. These classes are more than just dog training; you'll get skills to help your dog(s) thrive in your family. 

Taking the time to understand your dog can bring both you and your pet joy. Not only can having a pet positively impact your mental health, but when you put in the time and effort to become a good dog owner, you can also improve your pet’s mental health. In fact, practicing mindfulness with your dog is a great way to bond mentally and emotionally. 

For more on dogs and mental health, listen to my podcast with Grisha (episode #391), and check out her amazing work. If you enjoy listening to my podcast, please consider leaving a 5-star review and subscribing. And keep sharing episodes with friends and family and on social media. (Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your posts!).

You can now also join me on Patreon for exclusive, ad-free content! Sign up for a membership level that suits you, and receive access to ad-free exclusive bonus podcasts. These episodes will include more targeted, step-by-step guides for specific mental health issues AND some fun, more personal podcasts about topics like my favorite skincare products and favorite books, as well as live Q&As, fan polls and requests, and exclusive digital downloads!     

Join my Neurocycle Certified Facilitator program! This is an intensive training certification program designed and led by me, where eligible individuals have the opportunity to learn how to correctly facilitate the instruction of my methods, including the Neurocycle, within their practice or business with clients. The training is done in-person, and on successful completion of the training, the certified facilitator will have access to the CF portal where they can sign up and manage clients. 

How will I get a return on my investment?  

• You will become one of the most in-demand coaches in your community by taking your business to the next level.
• You will make client connections: we’ll help you create a profile in our exclusive directory, which is sent to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
• You will learn the business & marketing strategies I have developed over many years to turn my passion for helping others find healing into a successful & sustainable business model
• You will hear helpful insider tips from me on using this certification to improve & expand your business and reach.
• You will access new & exciting opportunities to diversify & increase your revenue streams.
• You will receive hands-on training with Dr. Leaf in the Neurocycle Method & an exclusive license to facilitate the Neurocycle™ method with your clients.
• You will have the opportunity to make new friends, find a business partner or start a new career!
• You will have access to extensive resources, including the Neurocycle App, Neurocycle Method materials & our exclusive Facebook group. 

If you are looking to deliver better results for your clients and build a coaching or mental health business that you love, the Neurocycle Facilitator certification could be a great fit! Use the coupon code INAUG25 to get 25% of the cost of the Neurocycle Intensive training here. 

This podcast is sponsored by: 

Best Fiends. Rest and making sure we have good quality “me time” every day is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing. The brain functions best when we give it time to relax! One way I love to rest and tap into what I call my “happiness mindset” is by playing games; indeed, taking part in a little playful competition makes me smile, which is why I love Best Fiends! Best Fiends (that “friends” without the R!) satisfies my need for more “me time” and more fun. It is a mobile puzzle game that is free to download and super engaging! The game features tons of cute characters that can help you solve thousands of fun puzzles. Download Best Fiends for FREE from the App Store or Google play. Plus, earn even more with $5 worth of in-game rewards when you reach level 5. That’s Friends, without the r—Best Fiends. 

Nootropics by BiOptimizers. Imagine having control over how you feel and being able to turn ON your brain within 10 minutes of waking up (without coffee or caffeine)! Wouldn’t you like to simply flick a “switch” and TURN ON your brain within 10 minutes of waking up in the morning and be totally engaged, focused, upbeat and productive no matter what gets thrown at you? I’ve personally experienced this over the past few months since trying Nootopia from BiOptimizers. Nootopia is one of the most advanced brain support supplements that I've ever tried! If you’ve never heard of Nootropics or brain supplements, don’t worry. They’ve been around for a long time and are safe, legal and used by millions of top performers around the world to enhance mental performance. It’s safe, natural, and non-addictive. And, you can choose blends that don’t have caffeine if you’re caffeine sensitive. And, unlike other products, there are no crashes, no jitters and no after effects. I highly recommend the Nootopia SYSTEM for anybody looking to take their focus and mental game up to a new level! Plus BiOptimizers also stands by their products with a 365-day money back guarantee! Just go to nootopia.com/drleaf and enter coupon code DRLEAF10 for an extra 10% off your order, and experience your best mood and mental performance with personalized Nootropics! 

Podcast Highlights 

3:45 Dogs can help us be better humans 

4:12 Dogs have mental health issues too! 

5:30 Why Grisha became a dog trainer 

6:35 There is always a reason behind your dog’s behavior! 

7:30 How we can understand our dogs & ourselves better  

8:20 The dominance myth  

10:55 Why dogs become aggressive  

18:05 Dogs & boundaries  

21:30 The importance of kindness & why dogs need to feel empowered  

23:10 There is no such thing as a needy dog, only unmet needs

27:32 Pets & mental health 

30:30 Why we shouldn’t label our pets 

37:44 Pets & the COVID pandemic 

This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.       

Switch On Your Brain LLC. is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific viewpoint or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by our organization. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact info@drleaf.com.