You’ve heard of endorphins.

But do you know how to harness them to change your dog’s behaviour?

In the chaos of training advice, quick fixes, and social media trends, we’ve forgotten to look inside at what’s happening in our dogs' bodies and brains.

And the answer?
It starts with endorphins.

❝Endorphins are your dog’s natural feel-good switch.
 They calm, regulate and reconnect — but most owners (and trainers) don’t know how to use them properly.❞
 – Jessica Probst, Head Behaviourist at Honest Hounds

🧠 Why It Matters

Today, dogs are more anxious, reactive, and dysregulated than ever, yet most training advice overlooks the chemical states that drive these behaviours.

📈 A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports found that dogs can detect human stress through scent, which influences their own behaviour. The study revealed that dogs exposed to the smell of stressed humans exhibited more 'pessimistic' choices, indicating a negative emotional state.

This isn't just about "fixing" behaviour; it's about changing your’s and your dog's internal state. If you’re stressed, so are they.

Endorphins are natural feel-good chemicals that counteract stress, helping dogs transition from a state of hyper-vigilance to one of engagement and trust.

They don't just reduce reactivity; they alter how your dog feels in their body, which changes everything.

And here's the kicker...

It's not just about your dog's endorphins.
Your state matters too.

When you're stressed, your dog senses it.
When you're calm and connected, they respond in kind.

This is about chemistry, connection, and choosing a new way forward — together.

And no matter your dog’s age, breed, or challenges, you can start using them right now.

🔍 A Glimpse Into the “Endorphins Up” Webinar

To build on our April theme of Endorphins Up, we gave the Honest Hounds community a deep dive into how this powerful chemical changes behaviour, for both dogs and humans. Here’s a taste of what we explored:

✔️ Why “feel-good chemistry” matters more than control, especially for anxious or reactive dogs
✔️ The two sides of endorphin release: from calm connection to high-motivation activities like scentwork and mantrailing
✔️ How dog sports can override fear and trigger joy, even in challenging environments
✔️ What it means when a dog is in hypervigilance vs. thinking mode, and how endorphins help switch them over
✔️ Why your state affects theirs — and how getting your own endorphins up changes the whole dynamic
✔️ Real-life examples from Atlas’ journey, highlighting how chemistry + conditioning = breakthrough behaviour change

❝We’re using endorphins to change the pathway.
 We’re not just managing behaviour — we’re helping dogs create a new emotional state.❞
 – Jessica Probst, Honest Hounds Head Behaviourist

This is just a small slice of what we covered…

This webinar was practical, heartfelt, and a game-changer for so many members. If you missed it, it's not too late…

🎥 Watch the full session by joining the community today.

Use the code ENDORPHINSUP to get your first month for just £1
👉www.honesthounds.co.uk

💬 What the Community Thinks

“Totally compelled to say thank you – such a brilliant and informative Zoom!
For those who missed it, definitely put it on your to-do list.”
– Louise & Tink

Our members bring the magic to every session — whether live or catching up on replay.