Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Is Your Dog Really Being Spiteful? #321

Dec 12, 2025
Is your dog acting out because a new puppy has arrived? Learn why these behaviors often stem from stress rather than spite. Discover how to support your adult dog during this transition with simple strategies like the 3 E's: Exercise, Engagement, and Enrichment. Gain insight into the cognitive biases that fuel misunderstandings about dog behavior and consider alternatives to blame. Plus, hear a case study about an older dog reacting unexpectedly and effective methods to foster calmness.
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ANECDOTE

Pillow Poop Reality Check

  • Susan Garrett once came back from training a puppy to find her older terrier had pooped on her pillow.
  • She later realized the act was not spite but likely stress or a physiological reaction.
INSIGHT

Replace Blame With Curious Questions

  • Ask "If that's not true, what else could be true?" to avoid blaming your dog.
  • Treat behavior as communication and ask what the dog is trying to tell you.
INSIGHT

Cognitive Bias Fuels Quick Blame

  • Humans have a cognitive bias toward attributing spite because it's a quick, blame-based explanation.
  • Blame kills curiosity and closes the door to understanding what the dog truly needs.
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