Bark's Glossary
Dominance Theory
The outdated belief that dogs need humans to be “pack leaders.” Based on flawed wolf studies from the 1940s that even the original researcher later debunked. Still popular with insecure trainers who mistake intimidation for communication.
Trauma in dogs
Trauma in dogs is the lasting emotional and physical impact of distressing experiences, often showing as fear, withdrawal, or reactivity.
Trauma-Informed Care
Not training at all. It’s the radical act of saying, ‘Hey, maybe the creature in front of me has a story, and my job is to make their world safer, not smaller.
In other words: Trauma-Informed Care is an approach based on understanding an animal’s past experiences and current emotional state, prioritizing safety, trust, and respect.
The Bark Twain Effect
The phenomenon where something absurd, inappropriate, or ridiculous turns out to be incredibly wise.
“He called my trauma a squirrel with a megaphone. I laughed, then I healed. Classic Bark Twain Effect.”
Pawcrastination
Delaying important things by doing tasks that feel slightly productive but are definitely not. Like cleaning behind the fridge to avoid making one phone call.
“I pawcrastinated myself into an entirely reorganized spice rack and zero progress.”
Howltide
A recurring wave of deep emotional instinct. Often appears near moon phases, memory anniversaries, or random Tuesday afternoons.
“The howltide hit. I cried in the grocery aisle next to the olives.”
Scent Trails
The emotional residue people leave behind. Can be comforting, haunting, or deeply confusing. Not always logical. Always real.
“Her scent trail was everywhere – coffee shops, poems, that one playlist I can’t delete.”
