Is your dog’s reactive behavior causing problems in your home?
If your dog growls, barks, or charges at guests—even those they’ve met before—it’s more than stressful—it’s exhausting.
And it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
You’re not alone if you feel frustration, stress, and self-doubt. Even guilt.
Many devoted dog parents try everything—trainers, tools, techniques—yet still struggle to uncover what’s really going on beneath their dog’s unwanted behavior.
As an Animal Communicator and pet anxiety expert, I’ve supported hundreds of families through this exact challenge.
An Animal Communication session gives your dog a chance to share their perspective of why they are acting out, and what they feel they need to feel safe, supported, and at ease.
Once you understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior, you can work together to find solutions that are sustainable.
Meet Eleanor: A Gentle Giant on High Alert
Recently, I spoke with Eleanor, a 6-year-old English Mastiff, and her devoted person, Laura, about precisely this.
Eleanor is deeply loved. She’s been an integral part of Laura’s family since she was a pup and adores the four children she lives with.
But when people come to the door—including visitors she’s met before—Eleanor’s behavior becomes unpredictable, intense, potentially dangerous, and, at times, very scary.
She growls, blocks the path with her enormous body, and even charges at anyone who tries to enter the house.
The potential of someone getting hurt is real, and thankfully, Laura recognizes she must find a way to help Eleanor stop her aggressive behavior for everyone’s safety.
To Laura’s credit, she has worked with multiple trainers and tried many techniques.
She eventually started using a shock collar that a police dog trainer suggested as a last resort to manage the situation.
Laura resisted using it at first. “It just doesn’t feel right,” she said.
She tried it because she thought it was the only thing that helped Eleanor understand that it was ok to let visitors in.
What Eleanor Shared
During our session, Eleanor showed me she was overwhelmed and anxious.
She expressed that being a guard dog in a busy, active family of six was a lot, even though she was trying her best.
But that constant state of vigilance had become exhausting and stressful for her—and for Laura.
She didn’t always feel this way.
The past 5 years brought tremendous change to Eleanor’s life.
First, the pandemic hit, and Laura was pregnant. Then Eleanor went through a life-threatening illness that changed her.
To top it off, the family moved from California to the East Coast.
These experiences left Eleanor feeling unsure and unsettled in her new home.
A Guard Dog Under Pressure
Eleanor expressed that Laura told her that it was her job to protect the entire household 24/7 and that she takes her job very seriously.
It seems Eleanor missed the memo about letting visitors in.
In her mind, anyone outside the immediate family was suspicious until proven otherwise, even if she had met that person before.
Laura hadn’t realized that asking Eleanor to be “on guard” all the time created a level of pressure Eleanor simply couldn’t handle.
Eleanor — You’re Fired (With Love)!
This was a turning point in Eleanor’s session.
I suggested that Eleanor be fired from her guard dog duties in the house
Not in anger. But with kindness, relief, and yes, even a little humor.
Laura thanked Eleanor for protecting her family and told her, out loud: “Thank you for protecting us. You’ve done an amazing job. But you’re fired. You don’t need to protect the house 24/7. I’ve got it now.”
As Laura shared these heartfelt words, Eleanor’s body softened, her breathing relaxed, and you could almost feel the tension leave her.
Dogs often need permission from their person to stop doing a job they were asked to do, especially if they’re not good at it and can potentially cause harm.
Creating Safety Without Pressure
We also discussed the importance of creating a sense of safety for Eleanor and the children.
I encouraged Laura to consider using a crate—not as punishment but as a cozy den where Eleanor could retreat and relax, especially when the house gets busy with visitors and kids.
The goal wasn’t to isolate her, but to give her a break from the overwhelming energy she thought she had to protect against.
With Eleanor safely in her crate, Laura can also relax and stop worrying and stressing out about keeping everyone safe.
Going forward, I suggested that Laura:
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Use gates at doorways to protect visitors.
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Support Eleanor with Reiki to ease emotional tension and find balance.
- Educate her children and friends on how to be safe around dogs, like avoiding eye contact and turning away.
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Encouraging Laura to lead Eleanor with grounded energy because Eleanor feels safer when Laura is a confident dog handler.
Why This Matters
When your dog is reactive or overprotective, it doesn’t just affect visitors and their safety—it can affect your whole family and life.
Your dog’s reaction to guests can lead to isolation, stress, guilt, and a breakdown in trust.
And underneath it all, your dog isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re trying to cope the best they can.
Animal Communication can help you determine the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, reactive behavior, or overprotective behavior.
You don’t have to figure it out alone, nor does your dog.
The Lesson
This session was a beautiful reminder that animals don’t need to be “fixed”—they need to be heard, supported, and understood so they can feel safe.
And healing begins.
Before You Go
If your animal is showing signs of stress, reactivity, or overwhelm, consider this:
They’re trying to tell you something.
➡️ Schedule Your Animal Communication Session today and begin the journey back to peace~together.
