Dogs Mirror Owners Stress

Jan 16

The Emotional Mirror: What Is Your Dog Reflecting?

When you look at your dog’s behavior or health… what do you see reflected back?

I know—it’s an uncomfortable question. But it might just be the most important one you ask today.

Our dogs are deeply connected to us. Energetically, emotionally, physically. They pick up on the cues we’re barely aware of: our stress, our tone of voice, our tension, our avoidance. And sometimes, what we see in our dog’s behavior is actually a mirror of what we’re not addressing in ourselves.

Conflict avoidance or relationship tension
High-energy, chaotic reactions to stress
Restlessness, clinginess, or detachment
Insecurity and lack of trust or even fear
Health shifts with no clear root cause

Sound familiar?

It’s not about blame—it’s about awareness.

How Dogs Respond to Human Stress

Dogs have evolved to attune to human behavior. They read our microexpressions, feel our energy shifts, and adapt to our routines. This emotional sensitivity is beautiful... but it can also mean they carry burdens that aren’t theirs.

If you’re anxious, your dog might:

Pace, pant, or whine
Withdraw from interaction or become overly clingy
Struggle to relax or settle
Start showing signs of gut trouble, skin irritation, or reactivity

Chronic stress in dogs—just like in people—can wear down the immune system, disrupt digestion, and contribute to what we might call “mystery symptoms” that don’t resolve with diet alone.

The Role of Essential Oils and Emotional Energy Work

Essential oils offer a beautiful bridge between emotional and physical support—for both humans and dogs.

Some of my favorite options for releasing emotional buildup and easing tension include:

Lavender – soothing, grounding, helps settle the nervous system
Roman Chamomile – emotionally calming, helpful for conflict resolution
Bergamot – uplifting and releasing, useful when grief or tension are held in the chest

These oils can be diffused, or used topically (always diluted and with safe brands—I exclusively use Young Living in my protocols).

This is also where tools like The Raindrop Technique and Emotion Code sessions come in. These energy-based modalities help to gently shift patterns of held stress—releasing what the body, mind, and spirit may no longer need to carry. They are powerful additions to wellness routines, especially when behavior challenges don’t resolve with training alone. (We discuss emotion code in the community forum!)

Creating a Grounded Environment—for Both of You

Helping your dog starts with helping yourself.

Here’s where to begin:

Check in with your emotional baseline. Are you feeling anxious, rushed, disconnected? Your dog likely feels it too.
Prioritize grounding rituals: breathwork, time in nature, intentional touch, or walks without your phone.
Use calming oils to shift the tone in your home—diffuse before training or walks, or apply oils to your own wrists before interacting.
Create routine and predictability in your dog’s day to help them feel secure.
Reinforce emotional safety with gentle, respectful training methods rooted in relationship, not dominance.

Sometimes, a shift in your energy is the missing link in resolving what you’re seeing in your dog.

Dana’s Thoughts

Next time your dog is “acting out,” pause before you label the behavior.

Instead, ask:
What energy did I bring into this moment?
Was I emotionally available… or distracted, anxious, frustrated?

This isn't about blame. It’s about empowerment.

Our dogs don’t expect us to be perfect. But they do reflect our energy back to us—sometimes as a gift, sometimes as a gentle nudge.

When we change our approach, they often do too.

Top 5 Things to Try Today

Pause and observe your dog’s behavior during your own moments of stress.
Try diffusing Lavender or Roman Chamomile in a quiet space you both share.
Add grounding rituals to your daily routine—walks, massage, or quiet time together.
Reflect on your own conflict patterns and how they may show up in your dog’s behavior.
Book an Emotion Code or Raindrop Session for you and your dog to clear emotional stagnation.

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?
Join the client forum for ongoing support and resources!
Member Forum: https://members.welloiledk9.com
Downloads: https://welloiledk9.com/download
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FDA Disclaimer:
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed.

Fascinating Article from Nature.com regarding how dog and owner stress levels become synchronized.

Dana Brigman