Mississippi Animal Behavior Consulting

05/11/2026

I get it, your dog growls when someone comes close to you. Yes, it could be that they are protecting you, but more likely they are protecting themselves.

Maybe the person is approaching them and you at the same time.

Maybe they only feel safe with you and the idea that the person will get between you and them is terrifying.

In clinical practice, dogs described as “protective” are often responding to perceived threat—not guarding a person, but creating distance from something that feels unsafe.

This sort of reframing is important because it reduces misconceptions and allows you to see your dog for what they really are.

If you think your dog is protecting you, you may feel that your dog loves you intensely and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

If you see that your dog is protecting herself and is so petrified that she couldn't stand to even be separated from you by a couple of feet then you can see that this is affecting her quality of life and it has to do less with your dog's intense love and more with his pathological anxiety.

True protection behavior is context-specific, trained, and controlled.

Fear-based aggression is reactive, generalized, and influenced by the dog’s internal state.

This distinction matters.

When fear-driven responses are misinterpreted as desirable, dogs are more likely to be placed in situations that exceed their coping capacity. Each repeated exposure reinforces the association between approach and threat.

05/11/2026

Calling all friends of Mississippi Animal Behavior Consulting! 📣
Nominations for the 2026 Best of the Pine Belt opened up May 1st and are ongoing until the 24th. The top 5 nominations will move on to the finalists and then voting for the Best will begin. I have made it into the top 5 for the past few years, and would love to do so again with your support! You can nominate me at the link below (or in my Instagram bio) every 24 hours. Thank you so much for your support! 🥰

https://hubcityspokes.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-the-Pine-Belt-2026/gallery/541703365/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRkvR5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeItu_ELzp2I_CpLMIP8cbfkuiibW3CLH1ngzywo51dMrd7RvZlZtHOJMhkxc_aem_lwYjwiOspuGvJaRK0HTI1w

05/02/2026

New article out in Signature Magazine now!

05/01/2026

I would so appreciate your nomination for Best Dog Trainer under Professional Services! You can nominate every 24hours so I can move on to the top 5 ❤️

It's time PineBelt! Nominations open today for the 2026 Best of the Pine Belt. The top 5 in each category move on the the voting phase, so nominate early and often! Here's your link:
https://hubcityspokes.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-the-Pine-Belt-2026/

04/30/2026

The term “mild” is used constantly in both human and veterinary medicine. Mild arthritis. Mild disc disease. Mild inflammation. On paper, it sounds reassuring. It suggests something small, manageable, perhaps even insignificant. But when it comes to pain, “mild” means almost nothing.

Pain is a subjective, individual experience shaped by the nervous system, emotional state, environment, and prior history. A “mild” finding on a scan can exist alongside severe, life altering pain. Equally, a “severe” diagnosis may present with very little outward discomfort. For example, “mild disc protrusion” describes the degree of displacement, not the impact it is having on the individual.

Pain is produced by the brain after integrating multiple inputs. These include sensory input such as tissue damage, inflammation, or nerve irritation, but also emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and frustration. Environmental context plays a role, such as predictability, safety, and noise levels. Learning history matters, including previous experiences of pain or repeated stress exposure. Internal physiology is also relevant, including fatigue, illness, and hormonal state.

This is why two individuals with the same “mild” diagnosis can have completely different experiences. One may cope relatively well, while another may be overwhelmed.

In practical terms, a dog with “mild” spinal changes may react strongly to handling, show sudden behavioural changes, or become noise sensitive and easily overwhelmed. These are not disproportionate responses. They are often indicators of how that individual is experiencing their internal state.

Dogs do not report pain verbally. Instead, they communicate through behaviour. When a diagnosis is labelled “mild,” it becomes very easy to dismiss what we are seeing. People may say, “It’s only mild, so it can’t be causing this,” or assume, “It must be behavioural,” or interpret the dog as reactive, stubborn, or anxious.

Pain increases anxiety. Anxiety increases pain. Because pain is subjective and difficult to measure directly, pain trials are often one of the most informative tools available.

“Mild” means nothing if the experience is not mild.

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

Ten days away - are you ready PineBelt? Nominations for the 2026 Best of the Pine Belt open May 1! Here's your link: https://hubcityspokes.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-the-Pine-Belt-2026/

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

Find ways to implement enrichment that work for you!
When I’m coaching clients on needing to increase enrichment for their dogs I can sometimes tell they’re getting a sort of a glazed over look. I imagine they’re thinking of their already packed schedule and how in the world can they fit anything else in. However, you absolutely can find ways to meet your dog’s needs AND fit it into your schedule.
I typically ask clients what their daily routine is with their dog: what times/how any times the dog eats, goes for walks or exercises, play, etc. From there I then show them ways they could slip in some enrichment.

For instance, instead of just feeding their meal out of a regular dog bowl, why not try a puzzle bowl or kibble dispensing ball for just one of their meals?

Instead of a walk in the exact same block around the neighborhood, take a short drive to a new area, or even just go down a different street than you usually do to encourage your dog to sniff at a new place?

If you’re already doing some training sessions (which counts as enrichment!) why not have one training session be working on teaching her dog to use their nose and find treats hidden throughout the house or yard?

These are just a few ideas but finding little ways to add meaningful enrichment to your dog’s life doesn’t have to be super complicated. Yes, many dogs benefit from long nature walks where they can be on a longline and sniff freely. But I understand, just like with my schedule, we often cannot do that every single day. For days you have more time, it is great to spend a bit more time with your dog and providing longer forms of enrichment and exercise. But do not feel bad for days that you can’t, and doing little forms of enrichment all throughout the day can make a big difference in your dog’s life. ❤️

What are some fun enrichment ideas you like to incorporate in your daily routine? Comment below! ⬇️

04/20/2026

**🎾 Help Your Dog Feel Calm & Confident with the Superbowls Pattern Game! 🐕**

Does your dog get overwhelmed in exciting or scary situations? The **Superbowls Pattern Game**—created by the amazing **Leslie McDevitt**—is a brilliant way to give your pup structure and comfort when they need it most!

✨ **Why it works:**
✅ Provides a **predictable, calming routine**
✅ Helps dogs cope with excitement or fear
✅ Can be paired with the **"Look at That" game** for even better results

Perfect for reactive, anxious, or overstimulated dogs! 🐶💙

🔹 **Pro tip:** For best results, work with a **science-based behavior consultant** to tailor it to your dog’s needs.

👉 Watch now and learn how to turn stress into success!

https://youtu.be/wGs394SlbNM

04/19/2026

Quick donation update from our crew 🐾💛

We are still in need of canned cat food, sensitive stomach dry food, cleaning supplies, and new wand toys for the kitties. These are our biggest needs right now and go quicker than you’d think!

If you’re able to help out, we (and the kitties) would be so grateful. Y’all always come through for us, and we appreciate it more than you know.

Donations can be dropped off during our regular hours at Cattiesburg Cafe 🐱💕