10/22/2026
So, Your Dog Is a Narcissist?
Musings from a mindful dog trainer with 20 years of practice, and 2500 dogs trained.
He didn't start that way. And trust me, he wishes things were different.
He wishes you weren't such a sweet-hearted, empathetic, pushover dog pleaser.
It's not that respectful. It's not really trustworthy. It creates anxiety. It's not sexy.
**To your dog, YOU might be the reactive one. The beta.**
Your ADHD? Your PTSD? Your quirks? He loves you anyway.
But every step you take, the speed you move, where your eyes rest, how your spine turns... your lack of appreciation of their angles, and how every action creates an emotion your dog can feel... that's the issue.
**He's reading all of it.**
That's dog body language. And it's happening every moment you're together.
Especially when the doorbell rings, food comes out, or someone enters your territory. (These are things only alphas concern themselves with.)
Don't believe me? Whoever controls the territory and the resources controls the energy.
Welcome to the jungle.
And while you're busy reacting, scrolling, chit-chatting on the phone, he's trying to figure out what to do because you're NOT present... and he is.
**He's only ever present.**
Your lack of presence can trigger him. Make him feel frustrated, confused, and unsafe.
And that's often where dog anxiety, barking, leash pulling, and reactive dog behaviour begin.
**You're either becoming a Peaceful Alpha or practising being a reactive beta.**
# # Learn Your Dog's Language
Dog language is so simple.
To him, you're already doing it... just wrong.
