Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour: Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs

One of the most common questions I get asked is: Why does my dog behave this way? Whether it’s a dog suddenly ignoring their training, showing signs of anxiety, or struggling in certain situations, the key to understanding their behaviour lies in looking at what’s motivating them in that moment. I refer to it lot in, so in this blog I’m going to explain Maslows pyramid of needs and explain how we can use it to gain a better understanding of your dog’s behaviour and why they make the choices they do despite our best training efforts.

Maslow’s Pyramid and How It Relates to Dogs

Maslow’s Pyramid was originally created to explain human motivation. It describes different levels of needs, from the most basic physical survival needs to higher-level emotional and intellectual fulfilment. While it was originally created for humans, it applies just as well to dogs, and any animals really. When you understand how it works, you’ll get a much greater understanding of your dog’s behaviour.

The pyramid of needs consists of five levels. Each level represents different types of needs, and a dog’s behaviour will often be driven by the level they’re most focused on at any given time. Let’s break it down:

1. Physiological Needs (Basic Survival Needs)

At the very base of the pyramid, we have the most fundamental needs—food, water, shelter, reproduction, warmth, and sleep. If these needs are not being met, then nothing else really matters.

If a dog is hungry, thirsty, or sleep-deprived, their behaviour will be influenced by that first. They won’t be interested in training or social interaction if they are physically uncomfortable or they are thinking about reproduction. This is why trying to teach a dog when they are exhausted or starving is usually a waste of time. Their body prioritises survival over everything and will take big risks if these aren’t met and could show aggressive and reactive behaviour.

Neutering can play a role here. Neutering can remove the influence of reproductive hormones which takes reproductive behaviour off the table. Similarly, a dog that’s too hot, too cold, or in pain (even minor pain) will also struggle to focus or maintain an even mood. Making sure that these basic needs are met consistently is essential for any training or behaviour work.

Check out this blog on how food needs being met changed Polar Bear behaviour in the most wonderful way

2. Safety Needs (Feeling Secure and Protected)

Once the physical needs are taken care of, a dog’s next priority is safety. Dogs need to feel secure in their environment If they don’t, their behaviour will be defensive and protection in nature.

For example, a dog that has been moved to a new home may suddenly become anxious or clingy. They aren’t being difficult or “needy” – their world has changed, and they’re unsure of their place in it. Similarly, a rescue dog that has had a difficult past may struggle with separation anxiety or react fearfully to certain situations. They’re not disobeying; they’re prioritising their safety needs.

3. Social Needs (Belonging and Companionship)

Dogs are social animals. Once they feel physically safe, their next need is social connection. This includes bonding with their human family, interacting with other dogs, and feeling part of a group.

If a dog’s social needs aren’t being met, they might develop behavioural issues such as excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or separation anxiety. Recall often fails because dogs are too busy running to other dogs and people and not coming back -this could be because their social need hasn’t been met fully so it has become a priority at that moment. They may also struggle with training because they don’t feel connected enough to their owner to want to work together.

This is why building a strong relationship with your dog is so important. Training should never just be about commands—it should be about communication and trust. If your dog sees you as a safe and consistent figure, they’ll be much more willing to work with you.

4. Esteem Needs (Confidence and Achievement)

As we move higher up the pyramid, we get to self-esteem and confidence. This is where training and problem-solving really start to come into play. A dog that feels safe, secure, and socially connected will now want to achieve things and feel good about themselves. Rewards will mean more to a dog that is not consumed by other, higher priority needs. If your dog isn’t taking treats, it is because they could be concerned about something else like safety, or maybe they are lacking positive social contact.

A confident dog enjoys learning and trying new things. This is why clicker training and positive reinforcement work so well—they help dogs feel successful.

However, if a dog is struggling with self-esteem, they might be hesitant, nervous, or unwilling to try new things. This is often the case with rescue dogs or those who have experienced punishment-based training in the past. They may have learned that trying new things leads to failure or negative consequences, so they stop trying altogether.

The key here is to build resilience through success. Reward even the smallest wins. If your dog is nervous about walking past another dog, praise them for just looking at the other dog calmly. If they hesitate before jumping into the car, reward them for just putting their front paws in. These small successes build confidence over time.

5. Self-Actualisation (Personal Fulfilment and Mental Stimulation)

At the very top of the pyramid, we have self-actualisation—when all other needs are met, a dog can truly thrive. This is when they engage in activities that challenge them, stimulate their mind, and bring them joy.

This might include advanced training, scent work, agility, or complex problem-solving games. Dogs at this level are confident, happy, and secure enough to fully engage in activities that they enjoy. They are not just surviving; they are thriving.

Why This Matters for Training and Behaviour

Understanding this pyramid explains a lot about why some dogs struggle with certain aspects of training. If a dog is focused on a lower level of the pyramid—let’s say they feel unsafe or anxious—they won’t be able to focus on their training, no matter how many treats you offer. So when your dog ignores your request for a sit and chooses to bark at someone passing the fence, it is because his safety need has been more urgent.

This is why it’s so important to meet your dog where they are. If they’re struggling with anxiety, work on making them feel safe before pushing training. If they’re distracted and unable to focus, check that all their basic needs are met before expecting too much from them.

Practical Ways to Use This in Everyday Life

1. Check their needs before training. Are they hungry? Tired? Feeling unsettled? In pain? Address those first.
2. Work on safety and trust. If your dog is anxious, focus on building a secure environment where they feel safe before expecting big behaviour changes.
3. Build confidence gradually. Use positive reinforcement to create small wins that help your dog feel successful.
4. Encourage social connection. Dogs need companionship, so make sure they’re getting enough interaction with you and, if appropriate, with other dogs.
5. Offer mental stimulation. Once all other needs are met, challenge your dog with enrichment activities that keep their brain engaged.
6. Build a predictable routine, especially around food. This build confidence and trust and reassures anxious dogs too.

What about puppies?

Puppies are different. Until adolescence kicks in we could almost flip the pyramid upside down. Puppies are only interested in socialising and learning. The bottom layers of the pyramid are their carers problem, so while their mum worries about providing food and security, the pups can play and discover the world around them.

As teenagers things start to change. They are in a transition phase as the pyramid flips the right way. Sometimes they are concerned with safety, food and reproduction, and sometimes it all about the play. This is a difficult time for everyone! But by the end of it, your pup will grown into an adult with different needs. Many people tell me they can’t understand why their sociable and playful puppy changed so much as they grew up – this is why.

Final Thoughts

Dogs, like humans, have complex motivations that influence their behaviour. If your dog is struggling with training or showing behavioural changes, it’s worth stepping back and asking yourself: Where are they in the pyramid right now? Are they feeling safe? Are they getting enough social interaction? Are they feeling confident in themselves?

By using the pyramid you’ll get a deeper understanding of your dog’s behaviour and what your dog truly needs in the moment so you can tailor your approach to help them succeed. Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about meeting your dog’s needs so they can learn, grow, and thrive.