Why Your Dog Isn't Being Naughty (Even When It Looks Like It!)
Why Your Dog Isn’t Being Naughty (Even When It Looks Like It!)
Let’s set the scene. You come home from a long day, walk into the living room - and there it is.
A shredded cushion. Stuffing everywhere. And your dog, sitting proudly in the middle of it all like they’ve just completed a masterpiece.
Your first thought might be: “Naughty dog!” or words to that effect.
But here’s the twist… what if they’re not being naughty at all?
Dogs Don’t Do “Naughty”
Dogs don’t have a concept of “right” and “wrong” the way we do. They’re not secretly plotting revenge because you wouldn’t share your biscuits, and they’re definitely not trying to “get one over on you.”
Instead, dogs behave in ways that make perfect sense to them. Every bark, every bounce, every sock theft - it’s all communication.
When a dog chews, jumps, digs, or barks, they’re not being bad…
They’re being a dog.
Behaviour Is Communication
At Happy Humans, Happy Hounds, we believe dogs are always telling us something. The problem is, we often misread the message.
That shredded cushion? It could mean:
“I’m anxious because I don’t know where you’ve gone.”
“I’m bored stiff and my toys aren’t cutting it.”
“I needed something soft for my nap and this looked ideal, thanks.”
We’d never ignore a baby crying or a friend looking upset. But with dogs, we sometimes forget to ask: What are they trying to say?
Ditch the “Dominance” Drama
For years, people were taught to see dogs through the lens of dominance but this mindset often leads to harsh corrections and missed opportunities for connection.
Modern understanding and the kind, instinctive approach we use in Dog Listening tells a different story. It’s not about “who’s boss.” It’s about building trust, meeting needs, and gently guiding behaviour through calm leadership.
What to Do Instead
Next time your dog does something unexpected, try this:
Take a breath. Pause before reacting.
Ask yourself: What might my dog be trying to tell me?
Meet the need. Are they hungry? Anxious? Overexcited? Tired? Is the environment too stimulating?
Set calm, consistent boundaries. Not through shouting or punishment, but through leadership they can rely on.
The Bottom Line
Your dog isn’t naughty. They’re not stubborn, vengeful, or dramatic (okay, maybe dramatic). They’re just doing their best with the information they have.
When we shift from correcting behaviour to understanding communication, everything changes.
And that’s where the real magic begins - for both happy hounds and happy humans.
