28/01/2026
A great post on how and why your dogs behaviour can change day to day. Really worth the read.
Why our dogs' behaviour can look different from one day to the next:
Dog behaviour is not linear.
We can do all the right things, good training, thoughtful management, careful exposure to the world and a lifestyle which meets all of their basic needs and still see very different responses from our dogs on different days.
This can feel confusing, unexpected and disappointing but the part which is often overlooked is what is going on in your dog’s internal world. One of the most underestimated influences on behaviour is what’s going on inside the dog, not just what’s happening around them.
if we look at something as simple as sleep and how much it can influence their behaviour it helps to understand this better.
A dog who hasn’t slept well is very likely to cope less well with everyday life the following day, just like us.
Poor sleep might happen because:
the room temperature was uncomfortable
the dog irritated an underlying injury on a walk the day before
they ate something that didn’t agree with them and had gastrointestinal discomfort overnight
they were disturbed by neighbours coming home late
another animal made noise outside (cat, fox, deer)
weather conditions changed (noisy rain, wind, etc)
Or maybe because the previous day included stressful or frightening experiences, such as thunderstorms, gunshots or fireworks, exposure to unfamiliar or overwhelming environments.
All of this can affect how well a dog is able to rest and how resilient they feel the next day.
After poor sleep or elevated stress, things your dog would usually cope with may suddenly feel much harder.
You might see:
a defensive growl or snap when another dog approaches, even though this isn’t typical
increased fear or sensitivity during a vet visit
reduced tolerance around young children
more noise sensitivity at home, leading to barking
a dog who doesn’t want to train, play, or engage in the way they usually would
From our perspective, these are normal situations which the dog usually copes with. From the dog’s perspective, their coping bucket may already be full.
And sleep is just one example…
There are many factors that can influence behaviour, and often they’re the ones we can’t easily see.
These might include:
undiagnosed pain or discomfort (musculoskeletal issues, dental pain, ear infections)
gastrointestinal discomfort
changes in routine or environment
cumulative stress from day-to-day life
This is why a Clinical Animal Behaviourist will look at the whole dog, not just the behaviour itself.
When I work with clients I’m looking at:
veterinary history
daily routines
sleep, rest, and recovery
emotional experiences
how the dog responds across different situations
All of this helps us understand why a behaviour is happening, not just what it looks like on the surface.
From there, we can:
identify whether medical investigations might be needed
reduce unnecessary pressure on the dog
adjust routines and expectations
put supportive management in place
make changes that genuinely improve the dog’s quality of life
Behaviour is communication and it always makes sense once we understand the full picture.
If you need help please visit my website for more information about Behaviour Consultations
www.paulinewhittaker.co.uk/behaviour
