In order to have the best relationship possible with your dog it is important to understand the way he thinks and perceives the world around him.
It is important to take on board that dogs do not think the way that humans do, as this causes much heartache and frustration on the part of the owner and results in a stressed unhappy dog.
Dogs do not have the ability think rational objective thoughts, take revenge, use hindsight or foresight. Placing these expectations on your dog is unfair and unnecessary. Dogs have their own unique amazing qualities, some of which we can only begin to imagine (e.g. their sense of smell). We should concentrate on the qualities they do have instead of the ones we think they ought to.
Understand that dogs are Amoral. That is, there is no right or wrong, just survival or death.
If we want to teach them not to do something we must understand that they will not percieve it as wrong in the same way that we do, but will simply learn that when they do act something negative will happen.
They learn by positive and negative experiences, therefore if something they do results in a pleasant experience (eg. they get food or play) they will do it again. If it results in an unpleasant or neutral experience (eg. they get hurt or frightened) they will be less likely to do it again.
Dogs are social animals like humans and dislike isolation. They are natural predators and have very strong instincts to stalk, chase, catch, chew and even kill in varying degrees (depending on the breed). Many dog behaviours are unacceptable to us humans eg. sniffing each other, peeing in public etc. But if you have a dog, you should be aware of what its natural behaviour will include and understand that its not wrong, its just 'dog'.
The happiest and best behaved dogs have owners who understand the way they their dogs think and learn and what motivates them and take time to use this knowledge to improve the relationship. Take the lead role in a calm, kind but firm, no nonesense manner. Shouting continuous commands to a dog who is taking no notice for whatever reason is futile and confirms that you are not in control of the situation.
Training involves patience time and effort and when done with these pays off a hundred times over. It is important for safety when you are out with him and allows you to relax and enjoy your time together much more. It is also a great way of building the relationship between you.
Never expect your dog to do something because 'he should want to please you'. Its rubbish, and will cause you heartache and frustration. Give him a reason to WANT to please you ie. the right motivation. You wouldn't go to work just to please you partner / boss if you weren't getting paid would you?! exactly!
About Me
- Dog Trainer
- Norfolk, United Kingdom
- Following a very animal orientated childhood I finished school and went on to do a National Diploma in Animal Management with the idea of going in to vet nursing. However, during the course I became more fascinated with animal psychology and after completing I applied to do a Degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training, graduating 2006. In 2008 I went on to do an Advanced diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy with COAPE and became an member of the CAPBT (COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists & Trainers). I have owned a variety of animals from rodents, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits, to cats, dogs, goats and horses. I also have experience with some reptiles and other exotics through college courses.
