5 Common Causes for Regression in your Dog's Behavior or Training

Have you experienced regression in your dog’s behavior or training?

It’s probably related to one of these common causes!

1️⃣ Recent Experiences

Recent experiences can have an immediate effect on a dog’s behavior, sensitizing them to stimuli or setting them up to respond differently to known cues.

2️⃣ Routine Changes

If your dog is experiencing changes in routine or environment, these will impact your dog’s behavior as well. Travel, a recent move, adding a new person or pet to the house - all of these are frequently associated with regression.

3️⃣ Illness

Whether your dog is seriously ill or is simply experiencing a flare-up of allergies, illness is a very common component in regression. That’s why it’s so important to check with your vet if you notice abrupt changes in your pup’s behavior!

4️⃣ Injury

Underlying pain (even mild pain or discomfort) is a major predictor of behavior change as well. Dogs are masters of masking pain, and don’t always show it in the ways we expect. Instead, regression in behavior is one of the early clues of a dog’s pain.

5️⃣ Developmental Stages

Teething, adolescence, puberty, young adulthood: these are all associated with periods of regression! It’s important to handle these periods positively, and ask for expert help (from a certified trainer) if you need it.