In a previous article, we discussed how many people systematically teach their dogs to ignore them. Although none of us set out intending for this to happen, having a dog that is attentive, well-behaved and responsive is for many. nothing more than a dream. It may seem a daunting task, but there are a few small details that can have a huge impact on creating a well-mannered, receptive and, just as importantly, happy dog. And, you’ll be pleased to learn they don’t take a lot of time.
Whether you are actively training or not, your dog is always learning. Even outside your specific training sessions, he is learning there are consequences to his actions and developing associations with things in the environment. You have the CHOICE to make your dog’s interactions with the world (and with you), positive and productive ones, or not.
But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to be working on something every moment. Most of us are goal-oriented, and as there seems to be so little time to get things done, we can get caught up in getting results. Often in our haste, we lose track of what’s happening with the little one at the other end of the leash. This can impact both your dog’s learning and well-being.
Take, as an example, having your dog meet people. Depending on how you do it, it can have several different outcomes. If your only concern is getting your dog to sit, you may not be paying attention to what your dog is taking away from the experience. Is the equipment you are using creating discomfort or concern? How about your handling or your demeanour? Is your dog at all concerned or unsure during the interaction?
By being aware of the quality of the experience, you can help create positive associations and build confidence in your dog. This will help to build the connection as well as build trust in you. In the situation above, we want the dog to walk away feeling great about meeting new people and feeling that you kept him safe and comfortable. And you can still help him learn to sit as part of the process!
Sadly, this is often not the case because of the way situations are handled. It is just as easy to create negative associations, damage the dog’s trust and slow down their learning. HOW things happen is just as, and often, more important than WHAT is happening.
Keeping it Positive
Keeping all your dog’s experiences positive may seem a daunting task, but it’s not. You just need to keep a few points in mind:
Is the interaction helping to create a stronger bond?
The quality of your interaction and the type of feedback you provide your dog will impact the relationship you have. What you do and how you respond to him will either be building trust and connection, or it won’t be. You’ll be strengthening the relationship or you will not. This is especially important when your dog is concerned about something. How your dog responds to you in the future, whether he looks to you for direction or chooses to give you attention, are all impacted by the relationship you are fostering.
Is the experience helping to build confidence?
Attention to your dog’s emotional state is vital in creating a confident dog and an essential component of good learning.
How you set up interactions and experiences can build your dog’s confidence or damage it. Just as all socialization is not good, quality plays a part in this as well. You can set your dog up for success by focusing on what you like and make the right choice easier for him. Doing well feels just as good to your dog as it does for you!
When coming across new things, allow the dog to proceed as he feels comfortable, rather than making him interact. Give him space so he can find a comfortable distance when checking things out.
Is your dog learning something useful from the experience?
It’s easy to only react to situations and have your dog go through them with no benefit from the experience. By giving an unskilled dog too many options or conversely, micro-managing him all the time, he will not be learning the skills and lessons you are hoping for. As mentioned above, set your dog up for success!
With a bit of care and attention, you can prevent your dog from leaving with a bad feeling that can affect future interactions. Rather than just taking it for granted that things are OK for your dog, it’s worth it to actively create positive associations by pairing daily experiences with things he enjoys – a treat, a kind word or an enjoyable activity.
Equipment and Methods
Your choice of equipment and how you use it influences the quality of your dog’s experiences.
Another important consideration is the equipment you choose and how you use it. Just as you can damage trust and confidence, you can also create negative associations to seemingly unrelated stuff in the time it takes for a single collar jerk or spray from a correction can. Even something as benign as a gentle push on the bum can be unpleasant for some dogs. Although this may seem a bit extreme, consider how you feel when someone stands too close, for example. It’s not that big a deal, but it can be unpleasant and leave you looking for an escape route the next time that person appears. By simply removing these aversives, you will greatly improve the quality of your dog’s experiences.
Your choice of equipment and how you use it influences the quality of your dog’s experiences.
Body Language
All the considerations above can be enhanced by learning to watch and assess your dog’s emotional state and watching for signs of stress or discomfort. Understanding body language and what it means is an invaluable skill. Like us, every dog is different in the way they experience and feel about things. Watching body language will allow you to judge how your dog is feeling and in turn, whether things are good, or need to be adjusted in some way.
These concepts apply to everything you do with your dog – when you’re just hanging out; playing; on a walk; encountering something for the first time. You are continually being presented with opportunities to strengthen your relationship and build your dog’s confidence and skills. So keep these points in mind the next time you are together, no matter what you are doing. This attention and awareness will be invaluable in helping him have a happy, comfortable life.
And keep in mind:
If you have a young puppy, some things in his learning cannot be omitted or put off, such as providing a well-thought-out, positive socializing program. This part of your young pup’s learning is time-sensitive, and should not be delayed.
If you do notice something with your dog that you don’t know how to deal with, don’t delay in getting some good help, hoping instead it will get better with time. Seek the assistance of an experienced, force-free professional.
Originally published in http://www.petconnection.ca/
