Extinction Bursts: Why Dog Behaviour Gets Worse Before It Changes (And What To Do About It!)

If you’ve ever felt like your dog’s behaviour is getting worse just as you start training properly… this episode will completely change how you see that moment. Because what most people interpret as regression or stubbornness is often something very different... It’s an extinction burst. And understanding this phenomenon properly is one of the most important shifts you can make if you want to create real, lasting behaviour change in your dog. In this episode, we go far beyond the basic definition and unpack what’s actually happening inside your dog’s learning system when behaviour escalates, why this moment is so critical, and how so many well-meaning owners accidentally reinforce the very behaviours they’re trying to reduce… without even realising it. We explore the science of reinforcement history, prediction error, and behavioural persistence, and (most importantly!) translate all of that into clear, practical strategies you can apply in your everyday training. In this episode, you’ll learn: What an extinction burst actually is Why behaviour often intensifies before it improves - and what that really means How reinforcement history and intermittent reinforcement make behaviours so persistent The critical mistake that can accidentally make problem behaviours stronger during training What’s happening in your dog’s brain when expectations are disrupted How the nervous system plays a role in behavioural escalation and dysregulation Why 'just ignoring' the bad behaviour is not a complete or effective strategy How to prevent reinforcing unwanted behaviour without increasing stress or pressure What true consistency looks like from your dog’s perspective How to navigate this phase with clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness 🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level? The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action. Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour. 👉 Join here: The Listen Dog Training Online Club 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover - it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!