“That dog is mean!”

I’ve heard those four words many times.

Usually, they’re spoken by a child who has just seen a dog barking from behind a fence. Sometimes, it’s because a dog growled when someone reached for his toy. Other times, it’s because a shy shelter dog backed away instead of greeting visitors.

Children aren’t trying to be unfair. They’re simply doing what all of us do when we don’t understand behavior. We make assumptions.

One of the first things I teach children in my humane education programs is that animals are always communicating with us. They may not use words, but every bark, growl, wagging tail, flattened ears, tucked tail, hiss, purr, or quick retreat has meaning. Animals are constantly telling us how they feel, what they need, or what they’re about to do.

The challenge isn’t that animals aren’t communicating.

It’s that most of us have never learned how to listen.

That’s why I encourage children to stop asking, “What’s wrong with that dog?” and begin asking, “What is that dog trying to tell me?”

A barking dog may not be aggressive. He may be excited to greet you, protecting his home, frustrated because he’s behind a fence, or frightened by something unfamiliar. A cat that walks away isn’t necessarily unfriendly. She may simply be asking for space. A rabbit that freezes isn’t being stubborn. Freezing is one way rabbits protect themselves when they feel uncertain or afraid.

When children begin to look for the reason behind a behavior rather than reacting to it, they become curious. And curiosity changes the conversation.

Instead of judging, children begin observing. They notice a tucked tail, ears pinned back, or a stiff body posture. They start looking for clues before drawing conclusions.

I’ve watched this happen hundreds of times over the years.

A child who moments earlier insisted a dog was “mean” suddenly says, “Maybe he’s scared.”

That’s not just a lesson about dogs.

It’s a lesson about understanding.

I think we sometimes make compassion more complicated than it needs to be. We tell children to “be kind” or “show empathy,” but those are abstract ideas. Understanding is something children can practice.

They can learn why a cat flicks her tail. Why a dog offers a play bow. Why a frightened animal chooses to walk away.

Every lesson helps children replace assumptions with understanding.

What’s fascinating is that this lesson doesn’t stop with animals.

Children who learn to pause and ask, “What is this animal trying to communicate?” begin developing a habit of looking beyond behavior. They become more likely to wonder what another person might be feeling instead of immediately judging their actions.

Animals become the teachers, not because they’re teaching compassion directly. But because they give children an opportunity to practice one of compassion’s most important building blocks: understanding.

To me, that’s the true power of humane education. We’re not simply teaching children about dogs, cats, rabbits, or birds. We’re teaching them to slow down, observe, ask questions, and understand another living being before making assumptions.

When understanding comes first…compassion follows.

One of the most common mistakes I see children make around animals isn’t because they’re being unkind.

It’s because they’re excited.

A child spots a friendly-looking dog across the room and immediately reaches out to pet him. Another sees a cat sitting quietly on the couch and scoops her up without a second thought. Their intentions are good. They simply want to say hello.

But from the animal’s perspective, that enthusiastic greeting may feel very different.

Imagine meeting a stranger who rushes toward you, reaches for your face, and immediately wraps you in a hug. Most of us would instinctively step back. We might even feel startled or uncomfortable.

Animals can feel the same way.

One of the very first lessons I teach during my humane education programs is simple:

Let the dog or cat come to you.

It’s a lesson that takes only a few seconds to explain, yet it has the potential to prevent bites and scratches while helping children build respectful relationships with animals that can last a lifetime.

Dogs and cats, like people, appreciate having a choice. When we allow them to approach us at their own pace, they have an opportunity to gather information. They can sniff, observe, and decide whether they’re comfortable interacting. That simple act of waiting communicates something important.

“I respect your space.”

Children understand this concept surprisingly well. When I explain that animals have feelings too—that they can feel excited, nervous, overwhelmed, curious, or uncertain—they begin to see the interaction from the animal’s point of view. The lesson is no longer about memorizing safety rules. It’s about understanding another living being.

I’ve watched children who were eager to rush toward every dog suddenly stop, smile, and patiently wait for the dog to approach. Instead of reaching first, they let curiosity replace impulse.

The amazing thing is that many dogs respond by choosing to come closer. Trust begins with choice. That’s an important lesson for children. When we teach children to give animals space, we’re teaching much more than dog safety or cat behavior. We’re helping them recognize that every living being deserves to feel safe and respected.

Compassion doesn’t begin with petting a dog. Sometimes it begins with waiting. Sometimes it begins with understanding that kindness isn’t always about doing something. Sometimes it’s about giving someone else the choice.

When understanding comes first, compassion follows. 

]]> https://cathyrosenthal.com/blog/2026/07/01/compassion-can-be-taught-lesson-1-let-dogs-and-cats-come-to-you/feed/ 0 https://cathyrosenthal.com/blog/2026/06/30/the-many-reasons-so-many-pets-go-missing-in-summer/ https://cathyrosenthal.com/blog/2026/06/30/the-many-reasons-so-many-pets-go-missing-in-summer/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:23:45 +0000 https://cathyrosenthal.com/?p=17610

By Cathy M. Rosenthal

Summer isn’t just vacation season. It’s lost-pet season.

Every year, animal shelters brace for something many pet owners never see coming. As temperatures rise, so do the numbers of lost dogs and cats. Most people blame the Fourth of July. But fireworks are only one piece of a much bigger story.

Summer creates the perfect storm for pets to go missing.

Children are home from school and constantly opening doors. Families are traveling. Friends stop by to visit. Backyard projects leave gates unlatched. Delivery drivers come and go. Dogs spend more time outdoors. Cats slip through screened doors. Then add thunderstorms, neighborhood fireworks, unfamiliar visitors, and disrupted routines, and even the calmest pet can make one panicked decision.

Sometimes, it happens in seconds.

One moment your dog is lying beside you while you water the flowers. The next, a loud motorcycle, clap of thunder, or unexpected firework startles him, and he’s through an open gate you didn’t even realize was unlatched.

Over the years, I’ve heard the same sentence from heartbroken pet owners more times than I can count:

“He’s never done that before.”

Until he did.

According to animal shelters, the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July are among the busiest times of the year for stray-animal intake. But in many Texas neighborhoods, fireworks begin long before the holiday itself, often with little warning. For pets that fear loud noises, the anxiety may build for weeks.

Fear changes behavior.

Dogs have been known to climb fences they’ve ignored for years. Cats can squeeze through impossibly small openings. And once frightened, many pets don’t simply run next door. They keep running, becoming increasingly disoriented by noise, heat, and unfamiliar surroundings.

Summer also brings more opportunities for pets to slip away. Families take vacations. Friends stop by for barbecues. Pet sitters come and go. Children race in and out of the house. A guest forgets to latch the gate. A pet sitter doesn’t realize the cat bolts for the door. A family heads out to dinner just as a thunderstorm rolls in.

Most lost pets don’t disappear because someone was careless. They disappear because life happened. That’s why preparation matters far more than guilt.

If your pet becomes anxious during storms or fireworks, don’t wait until the Fourth of July to make a plan. Talk with your veterinarian now. Some pets benefit from medication. Others do well with a quiet room, white noise, closed curtains, or simply staying indoors with their family during noisy evenings.

Just as important, understand that accidents can happen. Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered with your current phone number. Check that ID tags are easy to read. Keep recent photos of your pet on your phone, and inspect gates and fencing regularly for loose boards, gaps, or latches that don’t quite close.

Unfortunately, not every lost pet makes it back home.

One of the biggest reasons is surprisingly simple: many aren’t carrying any form of identification.

The precautions may seem small — until they’re the very things that bring your pet home.

Above all, don’t assume your pet would never run away.

Every summer, shelters fill with dogs and cats whose families believed exactly that.

Sometimes, the difference between heartbreak and a happy reunion comes down to something as simple as an updated phone number on a tag or a registered microchip.

This time of year can be tough on people, and it can be just as hard on our pets. The holidays are over, routines have shifted again, the weather is colder, and the days can still feel heavy with darkness. Many people experience a version of the winter blues during January and February, even if they don’t call it that. Less daylight, more time indoors, and fewer spontaneous moments of joy can quietly affect our mood.

Our animals notice these changes too.

Changes in routine often show up in subtle ways. Dogs and cats may sleep more, play less, seem clingier, or withdraw a bit when daily rhythms shift. These responses are not signs of something being wrong—they’re normal expressions of adaptability. Animals thrive on predictability, and when schedules, activity levels, or household energy change, they adjust in the only ways they know how. What looks like a behavior problem is often just a response to a different pattern of living.

Dogs and cats are deeply attuned to the rhythms of our lives. When our schedules change, our energy dips, or the household feels quieter—or more tense—they feel it. A dog who seems clingier than usual, a cat who retreats under the bed, or a pet who sleeps more or plays less is often responding not to a problem, but to the season where everyone in the household has slowed down.

Winter naturally brings less stimulation. Walks may be shorter. Outdoor play may be limited by cold, ice, or snow. Windows stay closed. The world gets smaller. For indoor cats and dogs in snowy climates, especially, the change can feel abrupt. One day they’re sniffing every blade of grass or basking in sunny windows, and the next they’re navigating boots, coats, and a lot more time inside.

It’s also worth remembering that while winter can feel endless in the moment, we’ve already passed the most important milestone: the winter solstice. That means the darkest days are behind us. There is nothing but increasing light ahead.

Even if it doesn’t feel dramatic yet, the days are getting longer. The sun is slowly returning. That matters—to us and to our pets.

In the meantime, small adjustments can make a big difference. For dogs who are missing longer walks, short bursts of indoor play can help burn energy and lift spirits. A few minutes of tug, hide-and-seek with treats, or basic training games can be surprisingly effective. For cats, rotating toys, adding puzzle feeders, or even something as simple as a cardboard box can spark curiosity and movement.

Mental enrichment matters just as much as physical exercise, especially in winter. Sniffing games for dogs and hunting-style play for cats tap into natural behaviors that don’t require perfect weather. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer is simply presence—sitting together, brushing, talking softly, or sharing a quiet moment.

It’s also okay to give yourself some grace. If you’re feeling slower or less motivated this time of year, you’re human. Your pets don’t need perfection. They need consistency, kindness, and reassurance—and those can show up in very simple ways.

One thing I hear often in January is worry. People wonder if their dog has become lazy, if their cat is depressed, or if they’ve somehow failed their pet. In most cases, what they’re seeing is normal seasonal adjustment. Behavior doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s shaped by environment, routine, and emotional climate.

As the light continues to return, you may notice subtle shifts. A little more energy. A little more curiosity. A little more playfulness. These changes often arrive quietly, just as winter settles in quietly.

So if your pet feels different right now, take a breath. Look at the calendar. Look at the light. This season is temporary.

Spring will come. Longer days are already on their way. Until then, a little patience, creativity, and compassion—for your pet and for yourself—can carry you both through.

Sometimes, simply understanding why things feel harder is enough to make them easier.

Dear Cathy,

Six months ago, I adopted Max, a three-year-old mixed breed dog. My vet suspected he’d been poorly socialized and possibly neglected, and he was terrified of nearly everything—getting into a crate, riding in the car, meeting other dogs on walks, even being touched. For the first two weeks, he was also aggressive toward our resident dog. But with time, patience, and a lot of positive reinforcement, Max has overcome almost all of his fears. He’s turned into a wonderful little companion.

There’s just one problem left: he’s predatory toward our cat, Lily.

Early on, his body language around her was intense—hard eyes, stalking behavior, and laser-focused staring. I immediately put up a baby gate and kept him tethered when Lily was roaming the house. I’ve worked hard to make their encounters positive, rewarding both pets with treats when they’re calm. Sometimes Max seems fine—if Lily strolls by slowly, he may let her sniff him and even turn his head away, which feels like progress.

But last night, Lily got startled and bolted. Max instantly locked in on her and became highly aroused and predatory again. After six months, I’m wondering—will he ever learn to relax around her? Or is this who he is? What more can I do?

— Diane, Tucson, Arizona

Dear Diane,

First of all, I want to applaud you for the care and thoughtfulness you’ve shown so far. You’ve done all the right things—tethering Max, using gates, supervising their interactions, and rewarding calm behavior. It’s clear that Max has come a long way, and that’s a credit to your patience and training.

The goal now is to continue shifting Max’s focus away from Lily and onto you. Teach him to “sit” or “lie down” every time Lily enters the room. If he looks at her, call his name and reward him when he looks at you instead. Then redirect him with a favorite toy or chew. This keeps his mind busy and teaches him that calm behavior around Lily leads to good things.

You should also work on a solid “stay” command. Start by asking Max to stay while Lily moves at a distance—walking across the room, jumping onto a chair, or stretching. If he holds his position, reward generously. Over time, you can work up to moments when she makes quicker movements, using the “stay” cue to prevent him from reacting. Always keep Max on a leash or tether during these exercises.

That said, as long as Max is showing signs of predatory interest—intense staring, stiff posture, tail held high, low stalking movements—there’s always a risk. Even if he seems relaxed most of the time, those behaviors are red flags. Until those disappear completely, supervision is critical.

When you’re not home or unable to actively monitor, I strongly recommend keeping Max and Lily fully separated—either on different floors or in different rooms with closed doors or secured baby gates. It’s not just about managing behavior; it’s about making sure Lily feels safe in her own home.

Some dogs have a prey drive that’s deeply ingrained and hard to fully extinguish, especially when it comes to fast-moving animals like cats. But given Max’s overall progress, I’m hopeful. Keep working on those redirection and impulse control skills, and give it more time—measured in months and years, not weeks.

And if you ever feel unsure or want more support, working with a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer—especially one with experience in dog-cat dynamics—can make a big difference. Find one that specializes in positive reinforcement.

You’re doing a great job, being very observant of Max’s body language. Keep up the good work.

— Cathy M. Rosenthal

I’ve moved 23 times as an adult. Add in another 14 from my childhood, and you can imagine how good I am at packing a box. But what stayed with me through all those moves isn’t how to fit glassware into bubble wrap—it’s the memory of the pets who didn’t always come with us.

Sometimes they were rehomed because the new place didn’t allow pets or because my parents thought it would be too stressful. Whatever the reason, I saw firsthand how painful that separation could be—not just for the pets, but for us kids, too.

As an adult, I made myself a promise: every animal in my care would always move with me, no matter what. And they have. Dogs, cats, fish—you name it. If I was moving, they were moving with us.

I’ve also worked in animal shelters for years and seen the emotional toll moving takes on pets who are left behind. They are absolutely devastated to be separated from their families. They don’t understand why they’ve been abandoned. They grieve. And the minor stress of adjusting to a new home doesn’t even begin to compare to the heartache of losing the family they love.

The good news is, it’s not hard to move with pets when you know what to do. Whether you’re driving across town or flying across the country, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your animals calm, safe, and close by your side.

If you’re planning a move with your pet, here are some steps to make the journey easier:

Start with pre-conditioning.
If your dog isn’t used to car travel, begin now. Take short trips to fun places—the park, a pet store, even a drive-through where they get a treat. Add a blanket or toy to the backseat so the car begins to smell like “home.” Slowly build up to longer drives to help ease any anxiety before the big day.

Flying? Know the rules early.
If you’re flying with your pet, check airline requirements well in advance. Small pets may be able to fly in the cabin in a carrier under the seat, but others may need to fly as cargo. Not all airlines

accept pets in cargo, and restrictions vary based on weather, breed, and destination. Ask your vet if your pet is healthy enough to fly, and be sure to get a copy of your pet’s vaccination records before you go.

Book pet-friendly hotels ahead of time.
Many hotels welcome pets, but don’t assume all do. Websites like BringFido.com or GoPetFriendly.com can help you plan your route and find places to stay. Look for hotels with easy outdoor access for potty breaks, and always call to confirm their pet policy before you arrive.

Talk to your vet about motion sickness or anxiety.
If your pet struggles in the car, consider a calming chew, a ThunderShirt®, or anti-nausea medication prescribed by your vet. Never try a new medication for the first time on moving day—do a test run to ensure it works well.

Feed lightly and take breaks.
Give your pet a small meal at least an hour before you leave, and stop every few hours for water, walks, and potty breaks. Fresh air can also help reduce nausea, so crack the windows when you can.

Pack a “Pet Open First” box.
Like any good packer, I always have a box labeled “Open First” that includes toilet paper, paper plates, plastic utensils, sheets, and towels—basic survival gear for that first night in a new place. Your pet needs a version of this, too. Pack their food, bowls, medication, favorite toys, leash, bedding, poop bags, and litter box (if needed) in a clearly marked “Pet—Open First” box. Do not send this box with the movers. If it end

s up on a moving truck, it could be days—or even weeks—before you see it again.

And don’t forget the cats!
While dogs may be underfoot during the move, cats often do best when kept in a quiet room away from the sound of tape, boxes, and heavy foot traffic. That said, they love boxes—so be sure to leave a few open and empty ones out during the packing and unpacking stages. It won’t feel like chaos for your cat; it’ll feel like Christmas.

Double-check ID and microchips.

Update your pet’s ID tags with your cell number and make sure their microchip registration includes your new address. Moving can be disorienting for pets, and even indoor animals may try to bolt if they get scared.

Reassure them when you arrive.
Set up a quiet space in your new home just for them. Put out their familiar things first—their bed, their water bowl, their toys—so they have a little corner of comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. Walk them through the home slowly, and stick to a normal feeding and potty routine as much as possible.

Moving can be stressful, but it can also be an adventure—especially when you bring the whole family along, including pets. With a little preparation, some empathy, and an open-first box or two, you can turn your move into a smooth ride for both you and your four-legged companions.

And trust me, nothing makes a new house feel more like home than having your pets settle in beside you.

The moment Roxy hears the front door open, she springs into action. Her ears perk up, her tail starts wagging, and she bolts toward the nearest stuffed animal—usually one missing a nose or with a well-loved squeaker inside. With toy in mouth, she races to the door, tail swishing like a feather duster, ready to greet whoever walks in. But there’s a twist: Roxy doesn’t actually give you the toy. She shows it off like a prized possession, then trots away before you can even think about taking it.

Her pet parent, Patty, who recently adopted Roxy, was puzzled. Was this an invitation to play? Was Roxy just showing she was happy? Or was there something more going on?

As it turns out, this behavior is pretty common—and pretty charming too.

Many dogs, especially retrievers and spaniels like Roxy, are naturally mouthy and enjoy carrying things. Greeting someone at the door with a toy is their way of saying, “I’m excited you’re here!” It may look like an invitation to play, but for many dogs, it’s more of a joyful ritual than a request. Think of it as your dog’s version of a welcome-home parade—with plush toys as the confetti.

This habit likely taps into a dog’s instinct to retrieve or present something to a member of their pack. Some behaviorists even liken it to a low-key version of showing off prey. It also may be a form of appeasement behavior—bringing an object as a social signal to reduce the intensity of the greeting and keep things calm and happy.

In fact, studies in canine social behavior suggest that dogs often use transitional behaviors, like picking up a toy or yawning, to manage excitement or diffuse social tension. For toy-carrying greeters, it’s a way to channel energy into something positive. And for their humans? It’s irresistibly adorable.

You may have also seen dogs grab their leash before a walk or even carry it around the house. This behavior, like toy-carrying, can be linked to excitement, anticipation, or a desire to be involved. For some dogs, holding their leash is their way of saying, “I’m ready, let’s go!” Others use it to self-soothe or as a confidence booster in stimulating environments. Just like with toys, the leash becomes a familiar object they can carry to help regulate their energy or emotions—especially during exciting transitions like going outside or welcoming someone home.

So, if your dog greets guests this way, let them enjoy it. No need to grab the toy or try to turn it into a game unless they clearly invite you to play. In most cases, the toy isn’t for you—it’s their party prop.

That said, there is one important command every toy-loving dog should know: “drop it.”

Teaching “drop it” isn’t just about managing toys—it’s a potentially life-saving cue if your dog ever picks up something dangerous. The good news? It’s an easy skill to teach, especially if your dog is food motivated.

Here’s how to do it:

• Have a high-value treat ready—something like hot dog slices or cheese.

• When your dog has a toy in their mouth, say “drop it” in a calm, clear voice.

• As soon as they release the toy, use a marker word like “yessssss” or “bingo,” and reward them with the treat.

• Then toss the toy again to keep the game going.

• Repeat a few times in short, upbeat sessions.

Avoid trying to grab the toy from their mouth. That can trigger a game of tug or a retreat, as you’ve seen with Roxy. Instead, let them make the choice—and reward them when they do.

So the next time your dog greets you with a slobbery stuffed frog or a squeaky plastic chicken in their mouth, smile and let them have their moment. It’s not just cute—it’s their way of saying, “You’re home, and I’m happy.”

And really, isn’t that one of the best greetings there is?

I recently visited a friend who shares her home with three male dogs: a ten-year-old Chihuahua and two younger mixed-breed males, around two and three years old. The dogs, though individually affectionate and well-loved, weren’t exactly getting along. In fact, tensions in the house had escalated to frequent squabbles, especially when they all tried to get her attention at once.

Jealousy between dogs is more common than people think. When multiple pets vie for affection, it can result in guarding behaviors, pushy posturing, and even outright fighting. In this household, I watched how the younger dogs would crowd the older one whenever she spoke to him, and how quickly innocent moments turned into loud outbursts.

The first thing I asked her was whether all the dogs were neutered. Intact males, especially in the same household, can be prone to status-related aggression. Fortunately, all three had been neutered, which can help reduce hormone-driven conflict, but clearly, more needed to be done.

Here are some strategies I shared with her on managing dogs in a multi-dog home:

1. Manage the environment.

Start by identifying when and where your dogs tend to clash. Is it when food drops on the floor? When they’re all crowded together on the couch? If so, prevent those triggers: block access to the kitchen, feed them separately, or make the couch off-limits altogether. Prevention is your first line of defense. (With my dogs, all meals and treats were given in their individual kennels. No exceptions.)

2. Make sure every dog has their own space.

Whether it’s a kennel or a dedicated bed, each dog needs a place they can retreat to. In multi-dog households, kennel training is especially helpful. If you teach them to go to their designated kennels when you say “kennel,” it becomes much easier to manage situations that start to escalate.

3. Avoid playing favorites.

It’s easy to unconsciously pet the dog who’s closest or most insistent, but this can increase jealousy. Try offering attention in equal measure, and reward them when they are all calm, not barking, crowding, or jumping. People often forget that calm behavior can be trained and reinforced, just like “sit” or “stay.”

4. Establish clear, consistent rules.

Dogs thrive on structure. If one dog has to sit before getting a treat, they all do. If one goes outside through a certain door, so do the others. And ideally, you go first through a door, then the dogs follow. Consistency helps reduce competition and confusion, and teaches them to look to you for direction.

5. Use your voice effectively.

Sometimes, our tone sends unintended signals. A soft or overly sweet voice may not convey authority, which can leave dogs uncertain about the leadership dynamic. In multi-dog households, a calm, confident tone helps reinforce your role and creates a sense of order to the group dynamics.

6. Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Tired dogs are often better-behaved dogs. Make daily walks a priority—either together or separately, depending on how well they handle the leash. (There are some great multi-dog leashes on the market that help prevent tangling.) Use puzzle feeders or short training sessions to burn off mental energy, and give them something constructive to focus on throughout the day, like scent games, chew toys, or practicing basic commands. Mental engagement is essential.

7. Try calming aids.

Plug-in canine pheromone diffusers can help promote a more peaceful environment. I recommended placing one in the common areas of the home to help take the edge off everyday tensions. There are also pheromone collars, but using one for every dog can get expensive, so the plug-in version tends to be more practical in multi-dog households.

Of course, not all tension can be resolved through management alone. If the fighting escalates, becomes more frequent, or causes injury, it’s time to bring in professional help. A certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can assess the dynamics and offer more targeted guidance. In some cases, short-term medication may be recommended to support calmer behavior during training.

Back at my friend’s house, the changes didn’t happen overnight. But once she started managing the triggers, offering more exercise, and setting clearer boundaries, things slowly improved. The house isn’t perfect—whose is?—but the dogs now have more peace, fewer squabbles, and more of what they really want: time with her.

Top 5 Signs Dogs Aren’t Getting Along (and What You Can Do)

Not all canine conflicts look like a fight. Here are five signs your dogs may be at odds with the other dogs in the home and what you can do to address an issue.
1. Blocking behavior.
One dog stands in a doorway, hallway, or near you to prevent another dog from passing. This subtle body language signals control and can escalate into conflict.
Remedy: Teach dogs to “wait” or “move” on cue, and reward them for sharing space calmly.

2. Hard staring or stiff posture.
A fixed stare, a tense body, or mildly raised hackles along the back can be an early warning sign of brewing tension.
Remedy: Gently interrupt with a recall, treat toss, or redirect them to another room before it escalates.

3. One dog always retreats.
If one dog frequently leaves the room, hides, or avoids interactions with another dog, it may be feeling bullied or unsafe.
Remedy: Give the more submissive dog safe, separate time to relax, and supervise interactions to build confidence.

4. Resource guarding.
Growling, snapping, or stiffening around toys, food bowls, treats, or even people can indicate competition and rising tension.
Remedy: Feed dogs separately and remove high-value items unless supervised. Reinforce polite behavior around shared resources.

5. Constant interruption.
If one dog won’t let another approach you or cuts off their access to affection or space, that’s a sign of jealousy.
Remedy: Reinforce boundaries—such as taking turns for affection—and teach a “wait your turn” cue during one-on-one interactions.