It’s Not the Event—It’s the Feeling: Associations Are Built on Emotion

It’s Not the Event—It’s the Feeling: Associations Are Built on Emotion

We tend to look at behavior and point to the obvious—that dog, that noise, that moment—and assume we understand what caused it. But what if the event isn’t actually the thing your dog learned from?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how associations are really formed, and why it’s not the event itself that matters most—it’s how your dog felt in that moment.

Associations aren’t just “good” or “bad.” They can be neutral, layered, and often far more complex than what we see on the surface. A single experience can carry multiple associations, some obvious, some completely missed. And those associations are shaped by your dog’s emotional state within the environment, the situation, and everything happening around them—not just the one thing we tend to focus on.

This is where things can get tricky.

Because if we’re only addressing what we think the association is, we can miss the bigger picture—and in doing so, unintentionally reinforce the very behaviors we’re trying to change.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things but not seeing progress, this conversation will help you see what might be getting missed—and how to start looking at your dog’s experience in a completely different way.

LIVE Q&A

Online Content

Decoding Reactivity and Aggression Summit

DogSpeak Website

Jaksot(271)

Listen with Your Eyes: Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language

Listen with Your Eyes: Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language

Dogs are always communicating — we just need to learn how to listen. In this episode, we explore how dogs' express emotions through body language, with a focus on tail wags. You’ll learn to recognize ...

7 Loka 202537min

Proactive vs. Reactive: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

Proactive vs. Reactive: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

Are you always correcting your dog after things go wrong? In this episode, we’ll explore the difference between being proactive and reactive in dog training, and how shifting your approach can prevent...

30 Syys 202538min

No More Door Dashes or Counter Crimes!

No More Door Dashes or Counter Crimes!

Is your pup the master of the great escape or a sneaky snack thief? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle two of the biggest house-manner headaches—door dashing and counter-surfing. Tune in for...

23 Syys 202552min

The Power of Play – Why Socializing with Other Dogs Matters

The Power of Play – Why Socializing with Other Dogs Matters

Play with other dogs isn’t just fun—it’s vital. Dog-to-dog play builds communication skills, relieves stress, prevents behavior problems, and supports emotional health. Learn why social play is essent...

16 Syys 202551min

From Frustration to Flow: Troubleshooting Training Without Losing Trust

From Frustration to Flow: Troubleshooting Training Without Losing Trust

Training doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. In this episode, we explore how to troubleshoot common dog training challenges without letting frustration get in the way. You’ll learn how to sh...

9 Syys 202554min

Calming the Storm: Regulating the Nervous System in Humans and Dogs with The Infinite Unfolding

Calming the Storm: Regulating the Nervous System in Humans and Dogs with The Infinite Unfolding

In this episode, Lisa, from The Infinite Unfolding joins Nikki as they explore how the central nervous system shapes our ability—and our dogs’ ability—to feel safe, calm, and connected. Just like peop...

2 Syys 20251h 20min

Resource Guarding: Protecting, Not Possessing

Resource Guarding: Protecting, Not Possessing

Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood dog behaviors. Many guardians see growling or guarding as dominance or defiance, but in reality, it’s a deeply rooted survival instinct. In this epis...

26 Elo 202543min

Calm Amid the Chaos: Helping Your Dog Thrive at Outdoor Events

Calm Amid the Chaos: Helping Your Dog Thrive at Outdoor Events

Fall means football games, tailgates, BBQs, and outdoor gatherings—but for your dog, these events can be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll explore how to prepare your dog for noisy, crowded environ...

19 Elo 202541min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
adhd-podi
rss-rahamania
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-narsisti
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-valo-minussa-2
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
kesken
psykologia
rss-psykalab
rss-lasnaolon-hetkia-mindfulness-tutuksi
rahapuhetta
filocast-filosofian-perusteet
rss-monarch-talk-with-alexandra-alexis
rss-luonnollinen-synnytys-podcast
rss-rentotapaus