What if “reactivity” isn't the whole story?
What if the behaviour we find difficult in our dogs is actually communication - an expression of fear, overwhelm, a nervous system on high alert, or a dog who simply doesn't feel safe?
In this Revisited episode of Mystic Dog Mama, I return to my very first conversation with Dr Laura Donaldson, a conversation that had a profound impact on how I understood Lucky and the way I approached our relationship.
I first discovered Laura's work when I was desperately looking for help with Lucky's reactivity. At the time, I was experiencing so much of what can come with living alongside a dog who finds the world difficult: overwhelm, fear, isolation, grief, and the constant worry that somehow you're letting your dog down.
Laura introduced me to a different way of seeing things.
Rather than asking “How do I stop this behaviour?”, she encouraged me to become curious about what was happening underneath it - and to ask:
“What do I need to learn from you to help you feel safe in this context?”
That question has stayed with me. And over time, it became part of a much bigger shift in how I related to Lucky. Learning to listen differently, understanding regulation, paying attention to my own nervous system, supporting his gut health, and bringing together the physical, emotional and relational pieces of his wellbeing have all played a part.
Today, Lucky is a dog who genuinely enjoys being in the world, and I enjoy being in it with him.
That's why I wanted to revisit this conversation.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why the language of “reactivity” can sometimes limit how we understand our dogs
- What might be happening underneath behaviours such as reactivity and aggression
- Understanding trauma and its potential impact on our dogs
- The importance of safety and emotional resilience
- How our own nervous systems and experiences can become part of the picture
- Asking better questions of our dogs rather than simply trying to stop unwanted behaviours
- How we can become stronger advocates for our dogs
- Supporting dogs who carry emotional charge in their bodies
- Laura's approach to grounding and regulation
- EFT and energy work as possible tools for supporting emotional wellbeing
- The relationship between compassion for our dogs and compassion for ourselves
Continue the conversation
Learn more from Dr Laura Donaldson
https://fourpawsfourdirections.com/
Start your holistic journey
Download my free Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit for practical guidance on fresh food, energetics, targeted support, curiosity, and holistic health:
https://mysticdogmama.com
Join The Nourished Pack
Continue the conversation with like-minded dog guardians inside our free community:
https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpack
Join me for one of my upcoming Cook-Alongs!
Saturday 26th September 10am-1pm UK time
Saturday 3rd October 5pm-8pm UK time (12pm ET// 10am MT// 9am PT)
Information and booking: https://mysticdogmama.com/upcoming-events
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.
