Suppressing Dog Behavior: A Hidden Problem in Training

Why quick fixes can lead to long-term fallout in your dog’s well-being.

Suppression in Balanced Dog Training

Why Suppressing Behavior in Dogs Can Backfire: What Your Dog Is Really Telling You

When a dog growls, barks, or avoids certain people or situations, many people rush to stop the behavior immediately. While it’s understandable to want a quiet, calm, and obedient dog, focusing solely on stopping the behavior without understanding why it's happening can cause more harm than good.

Behavior Is Communication

Dogs don’t speak our language, but they’re constantly communicating. A bark may be a request for space. A growl may be a warning that a dog is uncomfortable or fearful. These expressions are not “bad behaviors”—they are valuable information about a dog’s emotional state.

When we suppress these behaviors (through punishment, force, or even well-meaning but poorly timed training), we’re not solving the problem—we’re just silencing the alarm.

The Dangers of Suppression

Suppressing a behavior without addressing the underlying emotion is like putting tape over a smoke alarm instead of putting out the fire. It may seem like things are better in the moment, but the real issue is still there—often growing beneath the surface.

A dog that has learned not to growl may look calm, but may still feel stressed, scared, or threatened. And without the warning signs, a bite may come “out of nowhere.” Suppression increases the risk of reactivity and aggression because it removes the early communication signals. READ MORE!

WEBINAR: August 10th, 6pm

Join us for an insightful webinar, "How Dogs Use Body Language to Avoid Conflict," where you’ll learn how dogs communicate subtle signs of stress, appeasement, and avoidance. Understanding these signals can help prevent unwanted behavior and build stronger, more respectful relationships. Perfect for dog owners, trainers, and anyone who wants to truly understand what their dog is saying before things escalate.

Many common behavior problems—like excessive barking, chewing, digging, and restlessness—often stem from boredom and a lack of mental and physical enrichment. When dogs don’t have healthy outlets for their energy and instincts, they’ll find their own ways to cope, which usually leads to frustration for both dog and owner. Our Unleashed and Enriched Program is designed to address these needs by providing structured adventures, off-leash exploration, and activities that tap into your dog’s natural behaviors—helping prevent problems before they start.

Join us August 28th, 6pm for a reading and signing of Rita’s new book, The Herbal Dog.

Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with over 20 years of experience specializing in holistic canine herbalism. She is an educator, speaker, writer, formulator, and herbal medicine maker. Using a combination of diet, flower essences, herbs, mushrooms, and phytoembryonic therapies,

Rita’s work involves helping dog owners, natural practitioners, and veterinarians understand how to use herbs according to plant language. She believes in integrative, holistic care where traditional herbalism complements and supports science-based integrative veterinary medicine.

Rita lives in Olympia, Washington on an urban farm with her family, 5 dogs, two cats, a growing flock of chickens and herbs all around.

Location will either be at Urban Dog Bar or The Farm at Natchez Trace. Tickets will be $65 which includes the book. We are working on finalizing the details. Please email to get on the list. Spots are limited.

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