How do dogs and people interact?
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jan 18
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Applying Dog–Human Interaction Science
A Practical Guide for New Dog Walkers
Based on The Whole Hound and Human approach
Introduction: Turning Knowledge Into Daily Habits
Understanding how dogs and humans interact only matters if it changes how we handle dogs every day.
Dogs do not learn only during training sessions. They are learning all the time through walks, routines, reactions, body language, tone of voice, and how we behave when things go wrong.
Every interaction teaches the dog something, whether we mean it to or not.
The Whole Hound and Human Approach
Core Idea
When a dog’s needs are met and they feel safe, understood, and calm, good behaviour becomes much easier.
This approach moves away from:
Constant commands
Correcting mistakes all the time
Controlling dogs by restricting them
And focuses more on:
Fulfilment
Clear routines
Good communication
Shared responsibility between the dog and the human
As a dog walker, you are part of the dog’s learning environment.
Dogs Are Always Learning
Dogs learn from everything, not just “training”.
Everyday Examples
Picking up the lead can create excitement or calm
A tense handler can make the environment feel unsafe
Mixed messages create anxiety
Calm routines create security
Even when you are not trying to train, learning is still happening.
What This Means for Dog Walkers
Your emotions give dogs information
Your reactions act as rewards or consequences
Your routines are training plans
Calm Comes Before Obedience
A dog that is over-excited, stressed, or scared cannot learn properly.
Before asking a dog to behave well, you should:
Lower excitement levels
Keep things predictable
Reduce pressure
Help the dog feel safe
In Real Walks
Calm lead clipping instead of hyping the dog up
Structured walks instead of chaotic running
Allowing sniffing and decompression
Pausing instead of constantly giving commands
A calm dog is built through emotional balance, not force.
Predictability Makes Dogs Feel Safe
Dogs feel safer when life makes sense.
Inconsistent handling is a common cause of anxiety and reactivity.
How Dog Walkers Can Help
Follow the same walking routines
Use consistent rules
Be clear and fair with boundaries
Start and end activities clearly
Structure is not about control. It is about helping dogs relax.
Communication Matters More Than Commands
Dogs are rarely being “naughty”. More often, they are confused or overwhelmed.
Better Communication Looks Like
Watching body language early
Responding before behaviour escalates
Using calm movement and posture
Talking less, observing more
Instead of thinking:
“He ignored me”
Ask:
“What did the dog not understand or cope with?”
Communication goes both ways.
Touch, Space, and Respect
Dogs do not owe humans affection.
Respecting a dog’s space:
Builds trust
Reduces fear-based reactions
Improves confidence
Practical Handling
Invite interaction instead of forcing it
Watch for turning away, freezing, or lip licking
Allow dogs to move away
Teach children neutral, calm contact
Dogs that have choice are calmer and safer.
Behaviour Improves When Needs Are Met
Many behaviour problems come from unmet needs.
Dogs need:
Physical activity
Mental stimulation
Social contact
Rest
Purpose
On Walks
Let dogs sniff
Use food for enrichment, not just meals
Match exercise to the dog’s breed and age
Avoid overstimulation
Meeting needs prevents problems before they start.
The Human Matters Most
Dogs respond strongly to the person handling them.
Dogs handled by calm, consistent people:
Learn faster
Show less stress
Are easier to manage
For Dog Walkers
Manage your own frustration
Avoid reacting emotionally
Pause before responding
Reset after mistakes
Your calmness leads the walk.
Boundaries Without Force
Dogs need boundaries to feel secure.
Good boundaries are:
Clear
Consistent
Fair
Practical Boundaries
Clear expectations
Gentle interruption
Redirection
Teaching what to do, not just what not to do
Dogs learn faster when shown the right choice.
Dogs Are Part of Daily Life
Dogs should not live separate “dog-only” lives.
Healthy integration includes:
Settling near people
Calm shared time
Learning household routines
Resting around activity
This reduces over-excitement and anxiety.
What Success Really Looks Like
Success is not just:
Perfect recall
Obedience
Tricks
Real success includes:
Emotional stability
Ability to calm down
Recovery after stress
Willing cooperation
Trust in humans
Behaviour without emotional balance does not last.
Conclusion: Walking the Whole Hound and Human Way
The Whole Hound and Human is not a technique. It is a way of living and working with dogs.
As a dog walker, this means:
Staying calm
Observing carefully
Reacting thoughtfully
Meeting needs first
Communicating clearly
Training through everyday life
When dogs feel safe, understood, and fulfilled, cooperation comes naturally.
See The Dog House Resources for templates you can use.
The Whole Hound and Human by Tori Lynn Crowther teaches dog owners and professional dog walkers how to understand dog behaviour, communication, and emotional needs. Using positive reinforcement, predictable routines, and science-backed methods, it shows how to train dogs through fulfilment, not force, creating calm, confident, and well-behaved dogs.
Take your dog care skills to the next level with The Dog House, Tori Lynn Crowther’s exclusive community for dog walkers, pet care professionals, and trainers. The Dog House gives you ongoing support, templates, expert advice, practical tips, and real-world strategies to work confidently with dogs of all breeds and behaviours. Learn how to apply science-backed training, positive reinforcement, and emotional awareness in everyday walks, group sessions, and professional dog care. Connect with like-minded professionals, improve client satisfaction, and create calm, happy, and well-managed dogs under your care.
About Tori & TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub
I’m Tori, founder of TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub and The Dog House, where I help dog walkers and dog owners build confidence, clarity, and success. With years of hands-on experience running a busy dog walking company and training academy, my mission is to make the industry easier to navigate. Whether you're growing your business or supporting your dog at home, you’ll find practical guidance, community support, and resources designed to help you thrive.
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