If your dog barks at strangers, lunges on the leash, or guards their food like it’s gold, you’re not alone. And if your cat scratches furniture, hides away, or marks areas of your home, you’re in good company too. Pet behavior can be confusing and frustrating, especially when it feels like it’s coming out of nowhere.

Over the years, I’ve seen that behavior is never as simple as a “bad habit.” It’s a complex result of genetics, early environment, emotional triggers, and ongoing interactions. Whether your pet is reacting out of fear, guarding resources, or struggling to adjust to a busy household, their behavior is shaped by much more than what we see on the surface.

When I talk with pet parents, I always encourage a shift in perspective: instead of labeling a pet as “aggressive” or “anxious,” we need to look at behavior in context. What’s the trigger? How do they react? What can we teach them to do instead?

Behavior in Dogs

Reactivity is not a personality flaw

Reactivity—like barking, lunging, or pulling—is often a mix of genetics, early environment, and learned responses. Dogs aren’t acting out on purpose. More often, they’re just trying to create distance from something that feels overwhelming or frightening. With patience and consistent guidance, their responses can improve.

Watch the precursors

Every dog is unique, but most reactive behaviors stem from fear or anxiety. How that fear shows up can vary. Some dogs respond with defensive behaviors that may look like aggression, such as barking, lunging, or snapping. Others shut down, showing appeasing behaviors like cowering, trembling, or even urinating when stressed.

Learning to recognize early warning signs can help you intervene before things escalate. Look for changes such as a fixed stare, mouth closing tightly, ears shifting forward, body becoming tense, or the tail rising. In more anxious dogs, you might see ears pinned back, panting, shaking, or trying to retreat from the situation.

Positive reinforcement yields positive results

Working near mild triggers, rewarding calm behavior, and using praise or treats builds positive associations. You’re not rewarding the reactivity but helping your dog learn that what once felt threatening can actually predict something good.

Consistency is key

Practice calm behavior in easy settings before asking for it in tough situations. Small wins add up and build confidence, though this process can take weeks or even months.

Calming aids could help

While training is the foundation for lasting behavior change, calming aids can be a helpful support along the way. Natural tools like CBD/CBG Tincture, Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, and our Relax Mushroom Chews can help reduce the intensity of a pet’s stress response, making it easier for them to focus and learn. These aids don’t replace training, but they can take the edge off so your dog can stay calm and more receptive during challenging moments. For dogs that prefer a treat-friendly option, our SilverDog™ Chews are an easy way to add daily calming support.

Behavior in Cats

Cats show stress differently, but it can be just as disruptive. One of the most common issues I see comes from social stress, especially in households with multiple cats. Cats are territorial by nature, and when they feel crowded or threatened, it can lead to scratching, urinating outside the litter box, hiding, or even fighting.

Urine marking is especially challenging. Even after a spot is cleaned, the scent can linger, attracting the same cat or a different one to mark it again. Over time, this can lead to deeply ingrained patterns that are hard to reverse. If the problem persists, it can be frustrating. I’ve known pet parents who had to remove carpet, padding, and even parts of the subfloor to eliminate the odor completely. 

What you can do to help

Neutering early is one of the most effective ways to prevent marking behavior. Hormones fuel territorial instincts, and spaying or neutering before puberty can greatly reduce this drive. Feline pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) can also help calm tensions. These products mimic natural scent signals and can make the home feel safer and more “owned” by all cats, reducing the need for competitive marking. Environmental adjustments can go a long way. Create separate zones for food, water, litter, and resting, especially for cats that don’t get along. If you have the space, giving each cat a defined area to call their own often reduces conflict.

Natural Support for Cat Stress

For ongoing stress or household tension, I often recommend a combination of calming tools:

CBD with CBG – to help ease anxious energy and promote calm more quickly

Functional Feline – a daily meal topper that supports long-term balance and stress resilience

Mushroom Relax Soft Chews – formulated with calming mushrooms and herbs for a deeper sense of calm

Lion’s Mane Mushroom – to help support the nervous system and cognitive stability

SilverCat™ Chews – a palatable option for cats who prefer soft treats over powders or tinctures

Feline pheromone diffusers – to help reduce territorial stress and turf-related tension

These tools often work best when combined with household adjustments and, if needed, behavior strategies tailored to your cat’s specific needs. Managing feline social anxiety can feel frustrating and takes patience, but it can be done!

Need more help? Find the right trainer

Look for certified trainers who use positive reinforcement. Avoid anyone promising a “guaranteed fix." If you’re feeling stuck, work with a certified trainer or behaviorist who uses positive reinforcement techniques. There are also many virtual options for training available.  Avoid anyone promising a “guaranteed fix”, as behavior is dynamic and changes over time.