Last Wednesday I received an emergency message from a client, Clare, about a dogfight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.

Clare was worries that this wasn’t going to be just a one-time thing, so she called and asked for my help. She insisted that she had no idea what could have caused the fight.

Clare was convinced that the issue “came out of nowhere!”

But when it comes to dog obedience training, in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, when a dog would enter the room, the other one would start growling.)

Before I share the rest of the story, I’d like you to go and download this free dog obedience training audio course that I’ve put together for you. This audio course alone can solve some of the most common dog obedience issues most people are faced with, but I’m also going to throw in 16 dog training videos, 5 dog training manuals, and a lot more free stuff to help you out. Please make sure you do that right now.

Back to the story.

When Clare and I spoke, I had to remind her that her house was undergoing a significant renovation. Even when everything goes perfect, having strangers in your house ripping things apart creates chaos.

The remodeling project wasn’t exactly going smoothly. Although Clare was someone who would normally be quite relaxed at home, now she was anxious and tense and would have heated arguments with her contractor. And to make matters worse, this had been going on for a long time!

Why Did Clare’s Dogs Act Out?

Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! They play together and sleep together.”

The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. Dogs sense what’s going on around them and what the people close to them are feeling, thinking, and even experiencing. Clare’s dogs:

1.  Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,

2.  Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,

3.  Lived in remodeling chaos,

4.  Missed dog classes, and

5. Wasn’t getting enough exercise. (Because it’s been 108 degrees in the shade for the past month, Clare did not take them for walks but just let them run in the backyard.)

Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.

Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?

No. The construction project is now over. There’s now, once again, peace in the house. Dog lessons and dog walks have restarted. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.

Think About the Hidden Emotional Signals You’re Sending to Your Dog?

If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.

Have your dog come with you into a room. Shut the door. Sit down on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.

Then you want to add actual words, other sounds, and even body language to express your feelings.

But, don’t direct them towards your dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.

* Does the dog come up to you, avoid you, get nervous, or ignore you?

* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Notice whether or not your dog has a stronger reaction once you add feelings, sound and body language?

Now change and think happy and excited thoughts for one minute. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. However, do not direct them at the dog! Now for the next 30 seconds or so, use a voice that’s happy…feel those emotions.

* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?

* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Notice whether or not your dog has a stronger reaction once you add feelings, sound and body language?

This is a simple way to show you just how much of an impact your voice and attitude has on your dog. If you’re upset after a bad day at work or stressed because of an argument with your spouse, neighbor, or daughter, or you simply stub your toe, your dog can sense it. Tension is something that dogs absorb.

If you ever see dominant behaviors such as – one dog placing his chin on the other dog’s shoulders, growling or snarling if the other dog comes into the room, toy or food bowl guarding, super erect ears or tail – these are behavior signs that demand immediate action. What you need to do is to figure out the reasons behind the sudden dominant behavior and then work to rebalance the relationship with training, changes in diet, exercise, doing more to assert yourself as pack leader, and getting in touch with a professional if things still aren’t working.

Also, be sure to go and download the free dog obedience training audio course (and the videos and workbooks) I mentioned above. They’ve helped thousands of dog owners get control of their dogs, and they’ll do the same for you!