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Dr. Harvey's Blog

Unleashing Canine CounterStories Part 4: Pet peeves? What you find irritating is actually... quite natural

January 15, 2026 - 7 minute read

Welcome to 'Unleashing Canine CounterStories: Exploring Humane Education with Dr. Lori'.  I am your hostess for this blog series where we dive deep into the fascinating world of human/canine relationships. To put it bluntly, it's complicated. But I'm here to help hash it all out! In this series, we'll examine our interactions with our canine companions and discover ways to build stronger, more empathic connections by considering your dog's perspective along with your own. This is known as Canine CounterStories—taking a broader look into how something that has 'always been' may actually have had another angle to look at all along.  Today we will examine our bone chilling winter woes and how they may inadvertently get projected onto our pups. So here we are—January. Shorter days. Bitter cold. Longer nights. Booooooo. Not exactly peak adventure time—for us or our dogs. Without even realizing it, we shift into winter mode:  this means more time indoors, fewer walks, cozier routines. But for our furry friends, that 'comfort' can quickly turn into cabin fever. Then 'out of nowhere', the annoying behaviors show up.  (Spoiler alert: they are NEVER out of nowhere!) So what's the Canine CounterStory? Your dog isn't being bad—they are being bored, anxious, and cold from indoor confinement. And honestly? Just trying to cope. What you view as misbehavior is really plain ol' communication. There is an unmet need. They're saying "I need something." Maybe it's attention. Maybe it's warmth. Maybe it's to burn up some pent up energy.  As a caregiver who knows your dog best..let's take some time to break the behaviors down and look at the usual 'pet peeves': Barking- communication 101, seeking something out (food, treat, pets), boredom, frustration, startle response Jumping- greeting, excitement, seeking connection or comfort Chewing- stress relief, exploration, boredom, temperature regulation (increasing blood flow, which is mildly warming) Digging- stress relief, self soothing Shadowing- anxiety, seeking connection, uncertainty Whining- uncomfortable/cold, understimulated, pain, distressed Allow me to create an Empathy Map through the following scenario: Imagine a cold winter night, you've been bundled in a blanket all day, cup of tea, cup of soup. But suddenly the doorbell rings, a light knock. You open the door to find a 6 year old child, no coat. They are crying and whining, overwhelmed and shivering from the cold. They are clearly seeking comfort, security, shelter, and some reassurance. What do you do? Do you scold them for not having a coat on? Or for disturbing your peaceful tea time with their annoying 'needs and wants'? Even if your instinct is to call authorities, your first gut reaction will most likely be to try and warm them up and offer some comfort. In other words: meet basic needs. This is what your tried and true canine companion needs from you as well. Understanding and patience—because winter has changed the rules, and they're doing their best to adapt. If you really think about it, what tools do our dog friends have besides voice (bark, whine), teeth (chewing), and claws (digging). What's a pent up pup supposed to do? Setting up realistic expectations will help you have stronger connection and understanding. Patience—not punishment or frustration Before you react, pause and problem solve. Instead of scolding the behavior, let's meet the need behind it: Barking- First make sure basic needs are met. Water bowl full, already fed, recently used the bathroom (some dogs will avoid going outside if it is too cold on their paws). Consider potty pads or indoor fake grass potty frames for deeply inclement weather. Yes dogs can get frostbite! If you MUST go for a walk, avoid concrete and pavement, opt for grass or shovel a small path to a doormat/pee pad. Jumping- Stay calm, don't scold. Turn slightly away which will by default cause the dog's front legs to land back on the ground. Once all 'four are on the floor', you can calmly pet and/or treat. Managing the space by creating a situation where the jump doesn't land (turning away) is a way to get the point across. If they are looking for connection, by understanding each other, you will in turn have a better connection with each other. Chewing- This may be the easiest redirection of them all. Your dog is telling you they desire to chew...so let's let them chew! Only this time we can provide the appropriate chewable items (Dr Harveys Sweet Potate'r Chews come to mind, for starters). But you can also create 'chew boxes' out of things that are easily chewed up, shred up, and spit out. Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, crumpled up newspaper, a stuffed Kong. Stuff all these things with high value treats and seal with peanut butter (no xylitol). The possibilities are endless. They get to chew, you saved your slippers. It's a win-win. :) Digging- Digging is instinctual, whether its in the yard or in the couch cushion. Winter can come with den building, nesting, and warmth seeking. Try to create a dig zone, then reward for digging in the appropriate spot. I've used an old toddler bed frame, I've seen some folks use a plastic kiddie swimming pool- add old towels and sheets crumpled up, toss a few high value treats inside (Dr Harveys Rabbit Bites or Salmon Bites) and let them go to town.  Shadowing- What some refer to as 'velcro dog syndrome', is just a need for safety and security. If you are snuggled up, try snuggling up TOGETHER. They may really enjoy the shared body heat, the shared breathing, and the overall calm. A.K.A. Co-existing in Harmony. The cozied up winter months are a perfect time for this- there's your shivery silver lining. Whining- This is more of a plea, a bit of a more desperate attempt at communication. Same as the barking, try to figure out the unmet need here. Any pain or discomfort (cold floors), arthritis flaring up (keep Dr Harveys Hip+Joint soft chews on hand), need the bathroom but hesitant due to how unpleasant it feels on their feet and body overall?  I highly recommend a parka and/or winter coat for BOTH of you. I say both because you should brace this weather together. If you hate going out there for those brief bathroom breaks, assume your dog does too. Afterwards, lots and lots of warm snuggle time, heated blanket, etc.  You can also consider doggy wraps or diapers, but definitely check and remove often to avoid urinary scald and nasty UTI's.  These small shifts can help navigate the winter blues in a way that creates beautiful moments of true caregiving through trust and deep connection. Talk about making lemons out of lemonade... (or hot cocoa out of chilling chaos). How amazing is that?! That's not indulging. That's leading with kindness and empathy. After all, you are in this thing together. Everyone living there should enjoy the cozy creature comforts until the thrill of spring returns. So let's reverse the peeve: Its not misbehavior—it has meaning.  They are not giving you a hard time—they are having a hard time. Listen with your heart—and you'll hear their Canine CounterStory loud and clear. True empathy during challenging times begins with one simple thoughtful inquiry:  What are you trying to tell me, and how can I help? human expectations vs a dog's nature When a behavior is (unfairly) labeled as 'annoying', it shuts down our curiosity. If instead you asked 'WHY' is my dog doing this?'- suddenly, this curious and compassionate perspective can create an AHA moment that shifts how you view your entire relationship with your pooch. Kindness follows, and connection grows. And that, my dear dog-loving readers, is how you become fluent in DogSpeak. :)  

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