Why Your Gundog Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time – They’re Having OneAs a gundog owner, you may sometimes feel frustrated when your dog doesn’t seem to listen, we have all been there - whether they’re pulling on the lead, barking incessantly, or ignoring your recall commands. But what if their behaviour isn’t disobedience, but rather a way of expressing distress, over-excitement, overwhelm, feeling unwell or other similar feelings?Your gundog’s unwanted behaviours often signal an emotional or physical need, understanding this can completely transform how you approach their training. Let’s explore some common causes behind these behaviours and, more importantly, how you can help your dog feel calmer, more balanced, and better understood. <h3 id="d27f5abf-29da-4b6b-8d2a-ddb0197977d2" data-toc-id="d27f5abf-29da-4b6b-8d2a-ddb0197977d2">1. Anxiety and Uncertainty</h3>Like humans, dogs can feel anxious due to changes in their environment, inconsistent routines, or unclear communication from their handlers. Anxiety in gundogs often presents as hyperactivity, excessive barking, or even aggressive behaviours. But instead of assuming your dog is deliberately being difficult, it’s crucial to understand that anxiety stems from their need for stability and reassurance.<h4 id="00c50565-68c3-4d25-9e4d-43e390cebf41" data-toc-id="00c50565-68c3-4d25-9e4d-43e390cebf41">Holistic Solutions:</h4><ul><li>Ground Your Dog in Consistency: Create daily routines that offer a sense of security. Regular feeding, walk times, and training sessions all help reduce uncertainty for anxious dogs.</li><li>Connection through Calming Exercises: Try slow, mindful walks where you allow your dog to sniff and explore at their pace. This can calm their mind and strengthen your bond, which naturally reduces anxiety.</li><li>Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Consider using calming scents in your dog’s environment, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://petremedy.co.uk/dogs-puppies/">Pet Remedy</a> is a fantastic product for stressed out dogs.</li></ul><h3 id="feeae92e-9df0-417e-a949-08f9df1dfefb" data-toc-id="feeae92e-9df0-417e-a949-08f9df1dfefb">2. Overwhelm from Sensory Overload</h3>Gundogs are highly sensitive to their environment—they are trained to respond to the subtlest cues, so it’s no surprise that too much sensory input can overwhelm them. Imagine being flooded with too many sights, smells, and sounds all at once! When your gundog feels overwhelmed, they may act out by pulling on the lead, running off, or becoming unfocused during training.<h4 id="95669be5-9f41-4edc-ba90-5da5061f08f5" data-toc-id="95669be5-9f41-4edc-ba90-5da5061f08f5">Holistic Solutions:</h4><ul><li>Controlled Exposure: Gradually expose your dog to different environments, ensuring that each new experience is introduced in a calm and controlled way. Keep training sessions short and focused, and where possible end on a positive note before your dog becomes overstimulated.</li><li>Focus on Mindfulness: Lead your gundog through calming, scent-based games at home before heading out to busy locations. This allows them to centre themselves, reducing the risk of overwhelm in high-sensory situations.</li><li>Grounding Exercises: Teach your dog to focus by incorporating grounding techniques such as a gentle “sit and stay” or using a calming object, like a favourite toy, to redirect their attention when they seem overstimulated.</li></ul><h3 id="4a1aa5a9-73e2-4a7a-8500-075f3a45646f" data-toc-id="4a1aa5a9-73e2-4a7a-8500-075f3a45646f">3. Physical Discomfort or Pain</h3>Sudden changes in behaviour may indicate that your gundog is in physical discomfort. Common health issues such as ear infections, joint pain, or digestive problems often go unnoticed but can significantly affect your dog’s mood and behaviour. If your dog starts pulling away from training or becomes irritable, it’s always worth checking for any underlying health issues.<h4 id="3e2eed3d-11df-41d5-9e49-2f5f132daaf6" data-toc-id="3e2eed3d-11df-41d5-9e49-2f5f132daaf6">Holistic Solutions:</h4><ul><li>Regular Health Checks: Stay on top of routine vet visits, see if you have a good holistic vet available locally. Consider things like '‘worm counts’ or titre testing as alternatives to chemicals.</li><li>Nutritional Support: Ensure your dog is eating a high-quality, balanced diet. Adding natural supplements like omega-3s or turmeric (under veterinary guidance) can help support joint health, reducing discomfort.</li><li>Bodywork and Massage: Look into complementary therapies such as Reiki, massage, or physiotherapy to help alleviate pain in a gentle, non-invasive way and to balance mind, body and soul.</li></ul><h3 id="e78ec6f9-8824-46eb-9818-cb3a202ac30f" data-toc-id="e78ec6f9-8824-46eb-9818-cb3a202ac30f">4. Stress Build-up and Emotional Tension</h3>Stress accumulates over time in dogs, just like it does in humans. Overstimulating walks, conflicts with other dogs, or even picking up on your own stress can all build up and affect their behaviour. It’s important to recognise when your gundog needs some downtime to process recent events and relax.<h4 id="bb77cce6-3818-48bb-978e-35d19e1b1bfb" data-toc-id="bb77cce6-3818-48bb-978e-35d19e1b1bfb">Holistic Solutions:</h4><ul><li>Decompression Walks: Allow your dog time to unwind by taking them on quiet, off-lead decompression walks where they can run, sniff, and move freely in nature. These walks provide mental space to relax and process. Mindful waking is incredible for dogs and owners.</li><li>Emotional Regulation: Teach your dog self-soothing techniques, such as using a crate as a safe retreat, or introduce soft music therapy at home to reduce stress levels.</li><li>Handler’s Calm Energy: Your energy has a profound impact on your dog. Practice mindfulness or meditation yourself, and notice how your calmer state positively affects your dog’s behaviour. Breathwork and energy work are also highly beneficial practices for you and your dog.</li></ul><h3 id="e7625cba-2d78-4e5b-b766-6eb5c6387451" data-toc-id="e7625cba-2d78-4e5b-b766-6eb5c6387451">How to Help Your Gundog Feel Understood and Supported</h3>Instead of labelling your gundog’s behaviour as “bad” or “disobedient,” view it as a form of communication. Your dog is telling you something important - whether it’s a need for rest, reassurance, or relief from physical discomfort. When you address the root causes of their distress, you’ll not only improve their behaviour but also deepen the trust between you.<h4 id="9c53f644-00a4-4c9d-880d-f303c31e10fd" data-toc-id="9c53f644-00a4-4c9d-880d-f303c31e10fd">Steps You Can Take:</h4><ol><li>Assess Their Environment: Have there been any changes in your home or routine? Is there something new that could be causing anxiety or overwhelm?</li><li>Offer Emotional Support: If your dog seems overwhelmed or anxious, create a calm space for them to retreat. Use reassuring body language, soft tones, and ensure your own energy is calm and centred.</li><li>Physical and Mental Rest: Make sure your dog has enough downtime, particularly after intense walks or training. Mental rest is just as crucial as physical rest for dogs.</li><li>Revisit the Basics: Sometimes unwanted behaviours stem from confusion about what’s expected. Reinforce basic training commands like recall, loose lead walking, and focus in a positive, patient way to re-establish clear communication.</li></ol><h3 id="f53abc1d-b5ad-46e9-ad9f-b6fce704afe8" data-toc-id="f53abc1d-b5ad-46e9-ad9f-b6fce704afe8">Final Thoughts: Strengthen Your Bond, Build Trust</h3>Your gundog’s behaviours are not random; they are meaningful signals that, when understood, can lead to a deeper relationship between you and your dog. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, tune into what your gundog is trying to communicate. By adopting a compassionate, holistic approach, you’ll not only solve behaviour problems but also create a more harmonious and joyful connection with your dog.Remember, your gundog is not giving you a hard time - they’re having one. With the right support, you can help them overcome their challenges and become the calm, focused companion you’ve always wanted.<hr>If you’re struggling to decode your gundog’s behaviour and want a compassionate, holistic approach to training, I can help. Reach out to book an in-person consultation, or explore our bespoke online training programs designed to address your dog’s emotional and physical well-being.Let’s work together to create a happier, more balanced relationship with your dog!<blockquote> Content DisclaimerThe information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Nina Fotara T/as Confident Canine disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article. </blockquote>

Your gundog isn't giving you a hard time it is having a hard time, get curious about their behaviour in order to help them.

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How to Help Your Gundog Feel Understood and Supported

Final Thoughts: Strengthen Your Bond, Build Trust

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