There is another reason that some dogs put up a big barking, lunging display that is not rooted in fear. That is frustration!

We all know how frustration feels. It is in the same emotional family as anger, just a lower level. Think about what frustrates you and how it makes you feel. Think about how some days you can deal with something that frustrates you and some days you cannot.

Also, think about how you may have dealt with frustration in the past when you were younger. Were you as able to deal with it as well then as you are now? Dealing with frustration is not something we all handle well. It is something that we have to learn to handle and that is also true for our dogs.

Some dogs just cannot deal well with anything that frustrates them. Being restrained for the vet or grooming. Being behind a gate. Being on leash. Those are all scenarios that can cause frustration in our dogs leading to a reactive display.

So What’s the Difference?              

There aren’t many differences in the core exercises we use to address working through triggers of their fear or frustration! Both fear and frustration are strong emotions that cause us to feel upset or insecure. Both feelings lead to an emotional reaction where we are not thinking clearly. Same thing with our dogs.

Whether your dog is reacting out of fear or frustration, the techniques we will teach you in our courses will help.  Our behavior consultants will also help you with additional exercises to increase self control, confidence, resilience, and tolerance for frustration.