My Sidekick and Me: Meeting Needs

By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC

Often dog guardians tell me about their dog knowing he did something he was not supposed to do. 

When I hear that, my question to them is, “What causes you to think your dog knows he did something that he was not supposed to do?”

They will describe behaviors such as their dog running away with an item or eating it quickly when they get close or showing submissive body language when they catch their dog in the act or they see the aftermath. 

Here is my interpretation of what just happened. 

Their dog had a need or a desire, and he behaved to get that need or desire met. It may not be the choice of his guardian, but he is a dog and that choice was very satisfying for him in the moment…until you showed up. 

When we bring a non-human animal into our home, we need to recognize that our pet will have biological needs based upon our pet’s genetics. Different breeds of dogs will have different need tendencies, and each individual dog’s needs and desires will also be unique to that dog. 

Some examples include herding breed genetics specialize in perceiving and responding to sudden environmental change and include a strong need to learn and solve complex things; terriers were historically bred to act independently and be tenacious in unearthing critters from their hiding places. Giving them activities that involve hunting (for food or stuffed animals), problem solving (through mental games, foraging, scent work as examples) is important. 

Many dogs benefit from foraging, using their noses, and mental games. 

Why do these dogs run away from their guardians or show submissive body language when they have been discovered? 

This has more to do with their response to their guardian’s body language than it does to them ‘knowing they did something bad’. When guardians approach with raised and stern voices, holding a water bottle or moving in to take the valued possession, this is not pleasant to these dogs. It is stressful, even scary.

These dogs are responding to avoid and get distance from their guardian in that moment. 

Unfortunately, these dogs are learning, their guardian can cause them to feel unsafe in the presence of their guardian. It can heighten these pets’ need to guard. 

What it will not do is take away their biological needs. 

This is why a better approach for people living with dogs (or other companion animals) is to give their dogs ample opportunities to get those needs met in human approved ways while managing to prevent access to non-human approved choices. 

Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, with So Much PETential was voted 2024 Cincinnati’s Best Community Choice Award winner in pet training. She is a certified dog trainer, a certified Family Dog Mediator, and the first trainer in Hamilton County to earn Fear Free certification. She is also a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator. She is committed to using and teaching the most positive, science-based approaches to changing behavior. For more information, visit SoMuchPETential.com.