Types of Mindsets
Understanding the Root of the Behavior
Your dog’s behavior is a reflection of their mindset in the moment. Think of behavior as the symptom, and mindset as the root cause. When you can identify what your dog is feeling, you can respond in a to help your dog get to the calm mindset we want. Let’s break down into 5 common mindset categories and the typical behaviors that come with each.
1. Fearful or Anxious Mindset
What it looks like:
Trembling, tail tucked, ears back, weight on hind legs
Avoiding eye contact or trying to hide
Whining, excessive licking, yawning (stress signals)
Reactivity like snipping or growling
What it means:
Your dog feels unsafe or unsure. Fear can stem from past trauma, poor socialization, or even just a lack of exposure to new things.
How to help:
Do not punish. This can increase fear
Give space or remove your dog from the situation
Use training techniques which builds confidence
2. Overstimulated or Hyperaroused Mindset
What it looks like:
Barking excessively, jumping, pacing
Pulling on the leash
Unable to focus or respond to commands
Zoomies or spinning
What it means:
Your dog is over stimulated, and they can’t think clearly. This often happens in environments with too much excitement or chaos.
How to help:
Remove environment stimulators. For example, if your dog is inside by the window barking at someone on the sidewalk, remove the visual stimulation by closing the blind.
Establish yourself as the pack leader
Reward non-reactivity
3. Bored or Understimulated Mindset
What it looks like:
Chewing furniture, digging holes, stealing items
Barking at nothing
Attention-seeking behaviors (nudging, whining)
What it means:
Your dog needs mental or physical stimulation and isn’t getting enough. This is especially common in high-energy or working breeds.
How to help:
Introduce mental games (puzzle toys, scent work)
Provide regular physical activity that matches their breed
Rotate toys and introduce new commands
4. Frustrated or Confused Mindset
What it looks like:
Ignoring commands or doing the “wrong” behavior repeatedly
Whining, barking, pawing
Appearing stubborn or “disobedient”
What it means:
Your dog may want to please you but doesn’t understand what’s being asked. They may also be stuck in a situation they can’t control (e.g., behind a gate or on a leash with no way to get what they want).
How to help:
Make training clear, consistent, and fair
Use short, successful training sessions. No more than 10 minutes!
Don’t repeat cues.
5. Calm and Connected Mindset
What it looks like:
Relaxed body language (soft eyes, loose tail wag)
Responds to commands willingly
Engages with you and the environment without stress
Able to rest, explore, and play appropriately
What it means:
Your dog feels safe, understood, and mentally balanced. This is where good behavior thrives and learning happens best.
How to support it:
Build routines and predictable structure
Reward calm behavior frequently
Don’t just ask, “What is my dog doing?” Ask, “What is my dog feeling?”
Behavior is communication. When you start interpreting it through the lens of mindset, you can guide your dog with clarity, not confusion. That’s the difference between managing behavior—and truly understanding your dog.
