How Your Emotions Affect Your Dog's Behaviour

Have you ever noticed how your dog seems to pick up on your mood? Maybe they get restless when you’re stressed, or extra cuddly when you’re calm. That’s because dogs are incredibly sensitive to the energy we put out. It can completely shape their behaviour.

You can use your energy to affect your dog, build a deeper bond, and create a calmer, happier dog.

Dogs are experts at reading body language, tone of voice, and even subtle changes in our breathing and posture.

When you’re anxious, your body gets tense, you move quickly, and your tone changes. This can lead to behaviours like barking, pacing, chewing, or seeming ‘hyper.’ It’s not them misbehaving. It is your dog mirroring your state.

Dogs are natural empaths. They don’t just observe our actions; they actually absorb our emotional states.

When you’re anxious, your heart rate and breathing change. Dogs can literally sense these subtle shifts through your scent, body language, and even their ability to pick up on micro-expressions in your face.

This mirroring is how dogs build social bonds in a pack. They attune to the leader’s energy to know whether to feel safe or alert. In your home, you are their emotional anchor.

Dogs live entirely in the present moment. They’re not worried about the past or the future. They’re tuned into right now. That’s why they often pick up on changes in your energy long before you consciously notice them yourself.

This is why it is important to become more aware of your emotional state.

One of the best ways to do this is by practicing presence. When you’re with your dog, try slowing down and tuning in:

1. Take a few slow breaths. Feel your body settle.

2. Notice your surroundings. What do you hear? Smell? See?

3. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Whether it’s stress, joy, or frustration, your awareness helps you lead from a calm place.

The more present and grounded you are, the more your dog feels safe and anchored. You become the steady energy they can relax into.

When your energy is calm and consistent, your dog feels safe. Over time, they’ll look to you as their anchor, even in stressful situations. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It’s about becoming aware and practicing small shifts.

Dogs crave safety and clarity. They thrive when they know you’re the steady, grounded presence they can rely on. The more you practice this awareness, the more harmonious your relationship will feel.

Your dog trusts you more.

• When you’re calm and consistent, your dog feels safe. They learn that no matter what’s going on around them, you’re their emotional anchor.

  
  

Communication becomes effortless.

• Dogs read energy, tone, and body language. When your energy is clear, your dog can understand what you want with far less confusion.

  
  

Your presence strengthens the relationship.

• Dogs live in the present moment. When you meet them there, it’s like speaking their language. This could be quiet time together, mindful walks, or a training session where you’re fully focused on each

  
  

If you’re ready to deepen your bond and truly understand your pet on a soul level, check out my course.

Heal Your Relationship With Your Pet

It’s filled with practical tools, intuitive exercises, and emotional healing techniques to bring harmony into your home, which results in reducing misbheaviing or challenging behaviours.

This isn’t just about training, it’s about connection, communication, and creating a relationship rooted in mutual trust.

Join now and start your journey toward a calmer, more connected life with your beloved animal companion.

For more about how your emotions affect behaviour and positive relationship based dog training, watch the video below.