Understanding Challenging Behaviour in Dogs with Dr Karolina Westlund

Join internationally recognised ethologist and educator Dr Karolina Westlund for a day and a half exploring challenging behaviour in dogs, and how understanding Mood, Emotion and Function can change the way we approach it.

Challenging behaviour can be frustrating, embarrassing and sometimes genuinely difficult for the people living or working with dogs. But from the dog's perspective, that behaviour may make perfect sense. What we see as a problem may actually be the dog's solution to something they are experiencing, and understanding that is often where meaningful behaviour change begins.

When working with unwanted behaviour, we often focus on the immediate circumstances using the familiar ABCs of Antecedent, Behaviour and Consequence. While this approach has considerable value, it doesn't always tell us everything we need to know. During this seminar, Karolina will explore a broader approach using her MEF framework: Mood, Emotion and Function.

We will begin by examining how a dog's underlying mood influences perception, decision making and behaviour. Karolina will discuss how changes to the environment, daily experiences and opportunities for enrichment can affect mood, and how addressing these factors may reduce challenging behaviour without directly targeting the behaviour itself.

From there, we will explore the emotional responses dogs have to particular triggers and how different exposure techniques can help change those responses. Rather than simply concentrating on what the dog does, we will consider how changing what the dog feels can influence the behaviour we see.

Finally, we will look more closely at the function of behaviour and where the ABCs fit into the wider picture. Karolina will discuss approaches including antecedent arrangements, non contingent reinforcement, differential reinforcement procedures (DRA, DRI and DRO), the Matching Law and Premack Principle, with examples of how these concepts can be applied when addressing unwanted behaviour.

Drawing on ethology, affective science and behaviour analysis, this seminar offers dog trainers, behaviourists and other canine professionals an opportunity to explore challenging behaviour from several scientific perspectives and consider how these approaches can inform their work with dogs.

About Dr Karolina Westlund

Dr Karolina Westlund is an ethologist, educator and international speaker with a PhD in ethology. Her work explores animal emotions, learning and behaviour, bringing together research from different scientific disciplines to help professionals better understand the animals they work with.

Known for her engaging and accessible teaching style, Karolina works with animal professionals internationally, helping them connect behavioural science with practical applications.

Event information

Saturday 20 March 2027

9.00 am arrival for a 9.30 am start, finishing at 4.00 pm.

Sunday 21 March 2027

9.30 am to 2.00 pm.

Venue: Kemble’s Field, Charlton, Worcestershire, WR10 3LQ.

Included: Refreshments throughout both days and a digital certificate of attendance.

Please note: Lunch is not provided, so attendees should bring their own.

Places are limited and advance booking is required.