Decoding Animal Behaviors: Listening to Their Emotional Needs
When a companion animal “misbehaves,” it’s easy to label their actions as inconvenient or problematic. However, just like humans, animals often express frustration, hurt, or a need to be heard in ways that may not be immediately clear. It is our job, as animal guardians, to take the time to become aware and involved in finding out why they are having a reaction so that we can figure out what our animals are trying to tell us and give them the emotional support that they need. Recognizing this truth is vital in fostering deeper connections with our animal companions and sharing a happy, engaged life together.
Animals experience the world alongside us, sharing in the emotional highs and lows of our lives. They are deeply attuned to our energies and often absorb the stress and heavy emotions we’ve suppressed in our efforts to push through life’s challenges. Animals don't engage with their world in the same way that humans do. They live in the moment and are honest and open about how they feel about themselves and the world around them, with no alterior motive, because this is how they survive. Their love is unconditional and they will support us no matter what we go through, without hestitation or judgement. While we may be consumed by our own struggles, our animal companions can find their own energy drained—their “cups” overflowing from carrying not only their stress but also ours, and that can affect their emotional health.
Steps to Understanding Your Pet's Misbehaviour
Step 1: Rule Out Physical Health Issues
When faced with misbehavior, the first step should always be to ensure your animal’s physical health. A visit to the veterinarian is essential to rule out any underlying medical issues that might be contributing to their actions. Sometimes, animals 'misbehave' to simply get our attention when we haven't realized that they are not feeling well. Animals do not complain unless something is really wrong. I have had my own experience with this when my puppy destroyed a couch cushion and I immediately realized that something was wrong. This was not his usual behaviour so I calmly told him that I got the message and I took him to the vet as soon as possible and found out that a recent romp in the woods had left my sweet boy with a cut on his eye that was hard to detect and he was reaching out for attention. Animals do not complain about pain until that pain becomes intolerable, and may result in what one could label as behaviour problems.
Step 2: Assess Environmental Changes
Once physical health is confirmed as healthy by a veterinarian, take a look at your home environment. Have you recently moved or rearranged furniture? Are there new or unfamiliar people or animals in or around the house? Has there been conflict, stress, tension in the home and relationships that would affect everyone? Could there be disruptive noises like construction or other environmental changes causing stress? Animals may not do well in that situation where there is too much change - just like a person. Often, dogs may take responsibility for their own safety and become visibly upset when they perceive that they could be in danger, which can produce behaviours like hiding, having separation anxiety or barking incessantly. Cats need more litterboxes than number of cats in the home or they may urinate outside of the box and dislike it when furniture is rearranged.
Anxiety and stress without any relief can cause both dogs and cats to act out. If we are not paying attention to what are beloved animals may be experiencing within their environment, that we either cannot detect or have deemed as irrelevant or non-threatening, our animal companions can become overly stressed for prolonged periods of time and end up acting out in a way that we may misunderstand as being 'bad' behaviour, being a pest or 'stupid'. This is when I ask you to consider what is bothering your pet from their point of view, and not a humans. Items, people or events that may seem non-threatening to humans, could be a source of great anxiety for an animal. For example, around the holidays there are more and more blow-up characters inflated on front lawns. They do not smell like a being, they do not move like a being and often they have strange sounds coming off of them. This could become a source of fear for your dog who may exhibit his apprehension to pass by without becoming startled, freezing on the spot or barking at it. If you take the time to recognize their body language, reaction and their glances at you as they look to you for support, you will be surprised to see that they are asking for help - a clue that everything is ok. This doesn't mean that they need to be dragged past the scary inflatable creature, but to make eye contact, change your body language, tone and speak to them to calm their energy and let them know that they are safe. It is as simple as giving them a minute to assess and feel safe enough to carry on. These factors can significantly impact your animal’s emotional state—and yours too!
Step 3: Relect on Your Emotional State
Beyond the physical and environmental considerations, it’s crucial to examine your own mental and emotional state. Animals are highly perceptive and can sense when we are overthinking or stuck in intense emotions like guilt, remorse, shame, fear, or overwhelm. These thoughts and emotions create what is termed your 'vibrational presence', or vibe, and can be felt by other beings. These emotions don’t just stay with us; they transfer to our animal companions. In response, animals may mimic our behavior or act “extra” to draw attention to the imbalances in our lives. This can manifest in a variety of behaviors like dogs appear to have fear aggression, sudden barking or howling, destructive behaviour; cats may be inappropriately peeing in places they shouldn't; symptoms like lethargy or depression may be present, or a need for more attention than usual. These emotional responses are a form or communication and suggest a lack of emotional stability in either of your lives.
Supporting Your Animal's Emotional Needs
Emotional Support
Our animal companions need us to acknowledge their physiological and emotional needs with consistent communication, love and affection and create a safe space for them to express what they’re feeling. This means sitting with them without expectations, offering support and presence as they process their emotions in a safe space. Talking to them—or as I like to say, “whispering sweet nothings”—can be incredibly comforting. Tell them you understand, express your love, and empathize with them in regards to their anxiety they have over their environment or routines. Domestic animals LOVE routines and when there is a change in them that is accompanied by stress, they can react - just like humans. Reassure them that you’ll be more mindful of their needs, and commit to spending quality time playing, bonding, and simply being present with them.
Live in the Moment
These beautiful creatures often act as emotional sponges, picking up on the unspoken intensity that we might not even realize we’re emitting. Once I witnessed one of my dogs give a deep but low 'woof' to a neighbour who was clearly in a bad mood and had left his house by slamming the door. Some might say that he barked at the noise from the door, but I knew that he expressing himself because of the vibe that was being emitted from the neighbour and was letting me know that this guy's vibration was not right and to be aware. Despite this, animals constantly encourage us to live in the moment, just as they do. They remind us to cherish the love, joy, and support we share, inviting us to play, laugh, and embrace the present.
Holistic Remedies
Holistic remedies can also work wonders in helping animals find balance and healing. Modalities like Reiki, Chakra balancing, flower essences, and other forms of energy work are excellent tools to support their emotional and energetic well-being. Reiki, for instance, can help clear and balance their energy fields, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Flower essences can address specific emotional challenges, providing gentle and effective support for issues like anxiety or fear. Energy work offers another layer of healing, helping animals release stored emotions and regain harmony within themselves. Incorporating these holistic approaches can create a deeper sense of connection and relief for your animal companions, in order to feel more balanced and peaceful.
Compassion
When an animal “acts out,” it’s not about causing trouble; it’s a call for attention. They are begging us to pause, to acknowledge their emotional state, and to address their needs. These behaviors are their way of saying, “I’m here, and I need you to see me.” By understanding this, we can shift our perspective from frustration to compassion, recognizing their actions as messages of love and a plea for harmony.
Seeking Professional Support
If you’re struggling to understand or manage your animal’s behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Animal behaviorists, Trainers, Communicators, Animal Reiki practitioners and Energy Healers can provide valuable insights and guidance to support you and your companion. When seeking a trainer, prioritize those who use reward-based methods over punishment-based techniques to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment. These professionals can help uncover the root causes of your pet’s actions and work with you to create a more harmonious and balanced life together. By integrating their expertise with your love and care, you can build a deeper bond with your animal and foster an environment of mutual respect and well-being.
Conclusion
Animals are more than companions; they are integral members of our families with their own emotional needs and desires. Their “misbehaviors” often highlight areas of imbalance in our shared environments. They invite us to reassess our lives, to reflect on our energy, and to create plans for a more peaceful and aligned way of being. By honoring their messages, we can work together to build a life filled with mutual understanding, love, and fulfillment.
So, the next time your animal friend acts out, pause and listen. What are they trying to tell you? Perhaps they’re reminding you to slow down, to embrace the present, and to reconnect with the love and joy you share.
Even if their needs arise at inconvenient moments, remember that their right to feel and receive support is unwavering. In seeing and hearing them, you not only support their well-being but also create a path to a more balanced and beautiful life together.
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