It is never too late to start off on the right foot with your dog. Dogs are incredibly adaptable. Whether you have just brought your dog home, you have just been slacking on your training, you have been letting your dog run amuck, or you just want to give everything a fresh start — there is no better time than the present!
Not saying no to your dog is the same as saying yes. Dogs are always learning. Allowing a dog to do a naughty behavior is the same as telling them it is okay — especially since these behaviors are often self-rewarding to a dog.
Everything a dog does has been rewarded in some way — either positive or negative. Have you ever grabbed a hot pan? That was a negative experience, but you learned the lesson to be mindful of the stove very quickly. Do you have a favorite family member to ask for money when you were growing up as they were the most likely to pass out the dough? A positive influencer directed your decision.
Your dog is going to look for the things he likes (reinforcement) from where he usually gets it.
That’s why it is very important to realize…
There Is More Than One Way To Reward A Dog
A common misconception is that food is the only way to train your dog or to reward them for doing something right. Your dog wants far more than just this out of their life. Food, toys, touch, eye contact, verbal praise, space, being allowed to do something are all different ways (and there are more) to reward your dog.
It is also important to remember that each individual dog decides what is and isn’t a reward. Having a ball thrown for one dog might feel like they won the lottery, whereas for another dog, their idea of a good time would be much more of a full body massage.
Food: This is the most commonly thought of reward. But, make sure you aren’t giving it away for nothing! A resource loses its value quickly if it’s commonly available.
Space: This is a very important resource and one that almost all dog owners don’t consider. Control it wisely! Remember – Beings who are in charge claim their space. People who follow give space.
Attention: Leaders influence the behavior of others. Many dogs will seek to gain their owner’s attention, either positively or negatively. Those who follow seek constant validation from those in charge. Attention can come in many forms; looking at your dog, touching your dog, or talking to your dog – whether you’re praising or scolding them.
Toys: Dogs want what they can’t have. By controlling access to your pet’s toys, the toys become more interesting.
While it seems tough or strict, setting clear guidelines with your dog will build a better relationship with your dog and they will become more confident. Remember, they don’t know how to speak human, they speak dog. So, they need to learn how to fit into a human world and what we want out of them. If you allow a behavior some of the time, but correct them for it at other times, this is very confusing to the dog- and also not fair to them.
Critical Thinking: Think about some of the behaviors your dog does that you like and dislike. What kind of reinforcers, both positive and negative, has your dog received to encourage these behaviors? What can you do to enforce alternative behaviors that are more desirable?
