Is It Really Anxiety? How to Tell If Your Dog Is Anxious or Just Being a Dog

Is It Really Anxiety? Understanding What's Really Going On With Your DogIs your dog truly anxious, or could something else be driving their behaviour?In this episode of Pawsitively Spoilt, Tanya sits down with dog behaviour expert Sarah Rutten to unpack one of the most commonly used (and often misunderstood) terms in the dog world: anxiety. Together, they explore what canine anxiety actually looks like, why the label is often overused, and how owners can tell the difference between genuine anxiety and behaviours caused by boredom, lack of boundaries, learned habits, or simply a cheeky personality. Sarah shares practical advice on recognising the true signs of anxiety in dogs, what steps owners should take if they're concerned, and when it's time to seek professional help. They also discuss calming products, supplements, medications, and whether they're being used appropriately in today's pet industry. If you've ever wondered whether your dog's behaviour is anxiety, attention-seeking, frustration, or something else entirely, this episode will help you better understand your dog and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.In this episode, you'll learn: What canine anxiety actually is  Common behaviours that are mistaken for anxiety  How to identify genuine signs of stress and anxiety  When to seek professional behavioural support  Practical ways to help an anxious dog  The truth about calming products and medications Whether you're raising a puppy, supporting a rescue dog, or navigating behaviour changes in an older dog, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for dog owners.Sarah Rutten Dip CBST KPA CTP CPDT-KA is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, canine behaviourist, and welfare advocate who has spent over 20 years helping humans and dogs actually understand each other. Her witty, tell-it-like-it-is approach has earned her features on The Morning Show (Channel 7), Apple TV, Roku, Better Homes & Gardens, The Courier Mail, and a stack of radio and podcast appearances. Sarah runs online programs and 1:1 behavioural consultations — in person on the Sunshine Coast or via Zoom, anywhere in the world.Website – www.thecanineperspective.com.auFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecanineperspectiveInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecanineperspective/Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thecanineperspectiveJoin our free Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecanineperspectivecommunityLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rutten-5454112a/ Not sure if your dog has anxiety? Send a DM with the word ANXIETY to Sarah on Instagram for a complimentary checklist to identify what anxiety really looks like. See if your dog is showing signs – and what you can do about it.