They Have BIG Feelings: Why Client Emotions Matter in Dog Training

Clients' feelings about their dog's problem behavior can prevent successful outcomes. Addressing those feelings is critical for success as a dog pro.

As dog pros, when we hear “they have big feelings,” we're usually talking about dogs we might label as reactive.

We understand that those “big feelings” aren’t random or stubbornness. They’re information. The behaviors we see tell us that the dog is struggling internally – arousal is high, and emotions are affecting behavior. The dog can’t perform or make the choices their humans expect or want.

But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough:

Our clients have big feelings, too.

Our clients have big feelings about their dogs and their dog’s behavior. Those feelings—embarrassment, fear, frustration, guilt, uncertainty—are often what drive them to reach out to us in the first place. And just like with dogs, these emotions can get in the way of behavior change.

Big Feelings Don’t Stop at the End of the Leash

When we walk into a client's home, meet them at a facility, or hop on a Zoom call, we're focused on the dog. That’s what our job is.

But our clients are often navigating:

Feeling judged by others
Fear of doing something “wrong”
Hopelessness about whether things can improve
Anxiety about safety, rehoming, or failure

And while we're not therapists, we're asking clients to change their behavior, sometimes significantly.

That’s a big ask.

“I’m Not a Therapist”…and Yet

How often have you left a client session thinking:

I'm not a therapist
I'm not a couple’s counselor
I just want to work with the dog

Yet, as dog professionals, we are welcomed into people's homes and lives in a very personal way. They share personal details about their lives. Clients trust us with their dogs. We represent hope that things can improve.

The reality is this:

For a dog’s behavior to change, the human’s behavior must also change.

If patterns remain unchanged, outcomes will also stay the same. We instinctively recognize this when working with dogs, but we often forget to see the people holding the leash in the same light. Essentially, we’re helping both dog and human through the process of behavior change.

The Missing Skill in Dog Training Education

Most dog pros are highly skilled at teaching dogs new behaviors, reducing stress, and improving welfare. But, to help dogs we need to help people, too.

What’s often missing from our education?
How to guide humans through behavior change.

Not business systems.
Not record keeping.
Not certifications.

But the interpersonal skills required to:

Navigate emotional conversations
Maintain safety and clarity
Keep learning moving forward when feelings are high

Without these skills, even the most effective training plans can fail.

So What’s the Solution?

If we want to improve outcomes for dogs, we can’t ignore the human side of the equation. The client isn’t a dog expert and often doesn't recognize the disconnect between their behavior and their dog's. As dog pros we help the most when we're able to bridge that gap.

That doesn’t mean becoming therapists.
It means developing professional skills for working with people in emotionally charged situations—the same way we’ve learned to work with dogs under stress.

When we can bridge the gap between client behavior and dog behavior, we:

Improve follow-through
Reduce frustration (for everyone)
Improve welfare
Support sustainable change

Join Me for a Free Live Webinar

In February, I am hosting a free live webinar for dog pros and animal welfare workers.

“I’m a Dog Trainer… NOT a Therapist”

In this one-hour session, we’ll explore:

Why big feelings show up for clients
How those emotions impact learning and follow-through
What helps keep conversations productive and dog-centered
How to support change without emotional burnout

📅 February 19
🎓 Free for dog pros, animal welfare professionals, shelter staff, and volunteers

👉 Click here to save your spot and join the conversation.

When we support the human side of behavior change, we improve welfare and expand the possibilities for the dogs we serve.

Cheers,
Delores
Beyond Behavior Coaching