If you have a dog who is reactive on leash, you may have wondered if they were feeling frustrated. And you're probably right - frustration is often a big component for dogs who are displaying leash reactivity. 

But what exactly is frustration, and what is going on inside of a dog's body while they're experiencing it? What can we do to help dogs cope better with frustration?

In this episode I bring in Daniel Shaw, MSc CDBC to unpack the neurobiology of frustration. We discuss:

• What neuroscience is, and how it applies to modifying dog behavior
• The areas of a dog's brain and body that are influencing their emotions and behavior
• Why adolescent dogs have a difficult time coping with frustration, and how to support them during this sensitive period in their lives (hint - this is also a time where leash reactivity tends to develop)
• Is there a such thing as a secondary fear period during adolescence?
• The different types frustration
• What to do/what not to do to for dogs experiencing frustration on leash

About Daniel:

Daniel Shaw MSc CDBC is an animal behaviourist with expertise in psychology, animal behaviour, and neuroscience. As the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent (ABK), he supports dogs and cats with behavioural challenges, provides expert witness assessments for legal cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and has contributed to Parliamentary discussions on dog bite reform. With a master’s degree in neuroscience, Daniel combines research with practical applications and has been featured on BBC Southeast Today, TalkTV, and LBC News. He teaches internationally on a range of topics, including aggression, frustration, and trauma in dogs, helping professionals enhance their understanding and approach to complex cases. Daniel also organizes the annual ABK Dog Behaviour Conference and runs ABK Learn, a platform offering science-based education in animal behaviour, training, and neuroscience. 

Submit a Question for the Show: https://rethinkingreactivity.podcastpage.io/contact

Learn More:

Blog Leash Reactive Dogs: Frustrated Types 

The Canine Frustration Questionnaire—Development of a New Psychometric Tool for Measuring Frustration in Domestic Dogs

Need Help With Your Reactive Dog? 1:1 Coaching with Jessica

Are You a Trainer Wanting to Improve How You Work With Reactive Dogs? Reactivity, Refined Online Course - Leash Reactivity Cases From Beginning to End