I’m a dog expert – here’s the biggest mistake you make that causes your pet to behave badly, and it’s so easy to fix

WHEN a dog misbehaves, the immediate reaction of most owners is to just blame the animal.

However, Diane Hart, dog rehabilitator partnering with The Pettifor Trust, has revealed that owners themselves could be the root of the problem.

And smothering your pet with love while talking to them in a baby voice are signs you could be at fault.

Diane emphasises that owners often unintentionally cause harm by treating their dogs like human children.

Dogs, she explains, need to understand their place at the bottom of the “pack” to feel comfortable and secure.

When a dog is at the top of the hierarchy, they may begin to assert dominance, even over children.

This is especially true if the parents are strong “alphas” and the child is not, leading to the dog potentially going after anyone who touches the child.

Offering up her simple fix, Diane advises: “Don’t treat your dog like a child, you have to respect the dog for what it is.

“The dog, in order to be comfortable, has to be at the bottom of the pack. If you put them at the top of the pack, they will start bossing the kids around.”

On training and leadership, she adds: “Owners need to learn to be a pack leader, by being consistent. Once the owner shows they can take control of their dog, the dog will listen.” 

Dogs are also deeply sensitive to their human companions, with their behaviour often mirroring the owner’s temperament.

Diane says that many dogs arriving in her care demonstrate issues directly linked to their previous home environments.

And sadly, these are dogs other rescue centres might deem too challenging.

Many dogs display anxiety, reactivity, or withdrawal due to picking up on their owner’s mood or stress.

Border Collies, in particular, are highly sensitive to their surroundings and human energy.

Originally bred for rural life, they can be noise sensitive and do not thrive in overly loud or chaotic environments, such as homes with constant shouting or screaming children.

Their needs for extensive exercise arevery important, and a lack of this – coupled with frequent owner absence – can lead to severe separation anxiety and hyperactiveness.

Common behavioural issues often stem from a lack of consistent love and control within the household.

This can manifest as anxiety, nipping, pacing, and lunging at people.

Diane said: “I believe 100% a dog is a mirror image of yourself; if you are hyperactive, your Collie will be the same.