🐾 Emotional Contagion in Dogs: When the Wrong Dog Gets the Blame

Sometimes, the dog who looks like the "problem" isn't the one driving the behavior. In multi-dog households, emotional contagion can play a huge role—where one dog's anxiety or distress spreads to the others. It’s easy to mistake a frustrated dog for being aggressive when, in reality, they are reacting to another dog’s emotional state.

This is where a certified behavior consultant can make all the difference. They are trained to:

• Identify the true source of stress or anxiety.

• Recognize when behavioral shifts are due to emotional contagion.

• Develop a plan that targets the root cause, not just the visible symptoms.

Before jumping to conclusions about which dog is at fault, it’s essential to understand the dynamics between the animals. Addressing the anxious dog’s needs can often help calm the entire group.