05/08/2025
📣 Why Letting Your Dog Make Choices Can Change Everything
Ever feel like your dog is “overreacting”? Pulling, barking, panicking over the tiniest things? 😩
Here’s something most dog owners never hear:
🧠 Dogs need CHOICE, not just obedience.
Imagine if someone controlled every part of your day, what to eat, when to sleep, when to go outside, what to wear, and even who you’re allowed to interact with.
That’s your dog’s life… unless we start offering them choices.
💡 Here’s why it matters:
When dogs get to make safe choices, they feel calmer, more secure, and better able to cope with stress.
Their brains literally get better at thinking instead of just reacting.
Less barking. Less pulling. More trust. More confidence.
Want a more relaxed, resilient dog?
✅ Try this:
Let them pick which direction to walk
Offer two toys and let them choose
Ask: “Do you want a walk now, or later?”
These are tiny steps. But they build a big message:
“I acknowledge and listen to your opinion.” 💛
🎯 Bonus Tip:
You’re not giving them full control, you’re giving them structured, safe options. Choosing from choices that are designed by you! You still set the rules, but they get a voice.
And that voice helps them become the calm, thoughtful, confident dog you’ve always wanted.
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At HOPE Pet Behaviour, we use reward-based, evidence-based training that strengthens your dog’s mind, not just their fixing behaviour.
📍 Based in the East Midlands | Online sessions available
🌐 hopepetbehaviour.com
🗣️ Has giving your dog more choices helped them improve?
👇 Share your story or tag a friend who needs to hear this!
