Michael Baugh CDBC

There are dog behaviors that people label ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). We could call these ADHD-like behaviors. However, there is no ADHD diagnosis for dogs as there is for humans.

Which dog behaviors do some people mislabel as ADHD?

• Inattention and failure to respond to cues
• Easily distracted (by other animals, sounds, scents, etc.)
• Increased activity in response to stimuli (jumping, running, body-slamming)
• Pulling, lunging, or weaving on walks

Investigators are studying canine ADHD. They’ve modeled their studies after ADHD studies of human children. So far, the research has been problematic.

• Most studies rely on owner-reported behaviors, which are vague and unreliable.
• The research yields some correlations, but still does not yield any information about causation.
• Canine ADHD treatment lacks the testing human ADHD treatments have had.

While labeling patterns of behavior can help us communicate clearly and efficiently sometimes, this is not the case with ADHD in dogs. Unless there is a consensus among veterinarians, canine cognitions, and researchers over the criteria for diagnosis, we are operating in a Wild West environment of varying interpretations of behavior. What is ADHD in dogs? What is it not? We just don’t know.

There is hope, though. No matter what we call it, we can still influence and even change our dogs’ behavior.

How do we help dogs with ADHD-like behavior?

• Look closely at individual behavior. Observe without judgement or interpretation.
• Apply environmental controls to reduce triggering unwanted behavior.
• Teach new behavior patterns to replace unwanted behavior using positive reinforcement training.
• A licensed veterinarian may recommend medical intervention.

Some unruly behavior in dogs is mild and temporary. This is especially true in puppies and adolescent dogs. In adult dogs, inattention, quick changes in movement, and rough physical contact can be annoying and even dangerous.

Who can you call to help with ADHD-like behavior in dogs? (and who should you not?)

✅ A positive reinforcement Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC)

✅ A veterinary behaviorist

✅ A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)

🚫 A punishment-based trainer or balanced dog trainer who uses leash corrections, prong collars, or shock collars

Dogs are eager learners. They are always experimenting with new behavior. Their actions and their potential to learn outweigh any label or possible diagnosis. Behavior can change; it’s always changing. And we can influence our dogs’ behavior. We can help them change. All it takes is some know-how, some patience, and yes — some attention.

 

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Sedona AZ and Houston TX. He specializes in Aggressive Dog Training.

Opinion

Michael Baugh CDBC

Language helps us communicate a shared understanding of concepts and ideas. It’s important. Teaching language is also appropriate in many contexts, the most obvious being a language course. Correcting someone else’s language in conversations, though, can be tricky business. It’s not the business we dog trainers should be in.

Here are some examples of words and phrases trainers tell their clients not to use:

• Dominance
• Alpha
• Anxiety (versus fear or the other way around)
• Command (versus cue)
• Pack and pack hierarchy
• Respect, obedience and other words that suggest control

I’ve been guilty of this. How we think and speak about our dogs matters. Using accurate speech and teaching gentle, effective dog training techniques is valid; in fact, it is laudable. But policing the words our clients use is not.

Some dangers of policing language include:

• Creating a chilling effect, such that clients are afraid of saying the wrong thing. We miss valuable information from them.
• Assuming a false position of power over our clients, crippling collaboration and cooperation.
• Encouraging performative compliance. Clients use certain words and phrases to please us trainers at the cost of clear communication.

Instead of telling our clients how to talk, let’s try to understand what they mean.

• “What is your dog doing that makes you say he’s dominant?”
• “In what ways does your dog behave that make him seem alpha?”
• “Tell me about some of the anxious behaviors you’ve seen.”
• “What could we teach your dog to help you feel more respected?”

We positive reinforcement dog trainers have done a lot to change the culture of dog training for the better. Celebrate that. You are part of the solution. Yes, keep using accurate language. Model it for your clients. Explain your terms. Teach. That’s what we were hired to do.

And yes, listen with an open heart. Find out what your client is trying to say. Listen deeply. Ask questions. Craft solutions. Our clients hired us to do that, too.

But let’s free ourselves from judging our clients. I’ll take that vow with you. They invited us into their lives. Let them express themselves as best they can. Then do what we do best. Help.

 

Michael Baugh teaches aggressive dog training in Houston TX and Sedona AZ

When a dog growls, snaps, bites, or menaces other dogs or people, it can feel overwhelming. Many guardians assume the only solution is to bring in a trainer to the home. But in reality, online aggressive dog training is often safer, less stressful, and equally effective — sometimes even better — than in-person training.

Why Online Training Works for Aggression Cases

1. Safety First

• In-person visits can trigger the very aggression we’re trying to solve.

• With online sessions, your dog isn’t forced to face strangers right away.

• Trainers can coach you step-by-step without putting anyone at risk.

2. Focus on You — The Human Learner

• Behavior change starts with the dog’s guardian.

• Online training lets us concentrate on teaching you how to handle triggers, reinforce calm, and set up safe environments.

• Less distraction means more effective learning for you, which means better outcomes for your dog.

3. Lower Stress for the Dog

• No new people barging into the home.

• No stressful setups that make the dog feel threatened.

• Training happens in the comfort of your dog’s familiar environment.

4. Flexibility and Access

• Sessions can happen anywhere — whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, or across the country.

• Online scheduling is easier for busy families.

• Follow-up is simple: video calls, email support, and shared training resources.

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What Online Aggression Training Looks Like

A typical online session might include:

• Reviewing video of your dog’s behavior in everyday life.

• Step-by-step coaching on safe management strategies.

• Live demonstrations from your trainer with their own dogs.

• Guided practice with immediate feedback (you on camera with your dog).

• Written follow-up plans so you know exactly what to do next.

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Isn’t Aggression Too Serious for Online?

It’s natural to feel hesitant — after all, aggression can feel dangerous. But remember: most of the work in dog aggression cases is about what you do, not what the trainer does. A skilled dog behavior consultant doesn’t need to provoke your dog in person to help you.

When in-person work becomes necessary (e.g., carefully staged practice around real-life triggers), we plan it safely, at the right stage of training, and sometimes in partnership with trusted local colleagues.

Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ Safer for people and dogs

• ✅ Less stressful for the dog

• ✅ Focused on coaching the guardian

• ✅ Flexible scheduling and location

• ✅ Proven to work for serious cases

Aggression is serious, but it doesn’t have to mean chaos in your home. Online training provides a safe, proven, and highly effective path forward for families living with dogs who growl, snap, bite, or menace others.