Things That Dog Trainers Want You To Know - Part 2
The longer I do what I do, the harder it is to ignore what I see in the human/canine interaction scenarios of the general dog parenting public.
Those of us who help modify dog behavior for a living have to try not to see things during the course of our daily life. If we fully absorbed everything that we see between dogs and their humans, it would be hard to remain sane. What dogs are trying to communicate to humans is often a mystery to some, but to us, it’s glaring. This brings me to part two of what dog trainers want you to know. This second edition is a bit more somber than the first edition of this subject.
You get me!
Being at an event that is dog-centric is a little like being multilingual in a foreign country where you obviously don’t belong. Most people don’t know that you can understand everything that goes on. But the dogs who are near enough to see you usually do know. Their recognition of our understanding of what we see they are saying is often clearly on their faces. YOU GET ME, their faces say as they make clear eye contact with you. But sometimes that clear eye contact seems to be issuing a plea. Those are the hardest visuals to ignore. But ignore we must, unless what we are seeing is illegal, of course. So in the interest of seeing less pleading eyes directed at me and my fellow behavior colleagues, here is what we want you to know.
1. We LOVE that you want to teach your dog manners
But we want those teachings to be instructional rather than frightening. Seeing someone on an outing with their dog actively using a shock collar means that we see that pain at the same time that the dog feels it, whether there is a vocalization or not. It shocks us (pun intended) to our core and if it meant that the dog would not feel that pain, we would gladly take it for them. Please consider other alternatives to electronic collars. Your relationship with your dog will be enhanced so much more than I can even express when you base your training on mutual respect.
2. A leash is a safety device only
While still on the subject of training methodology, at the risk of an outcry, I will briefly touch on other punitive training methods such as leash corrections, etc. When I see this type of handling on a dog in public, it takes everything in my power to not intrude. As previously mentioned, if I felt that a law was being broken, I would step in immediately, but unfortunately in the USA, there is far too much latitude given to people who hurt dogs in the name of training so intruding in many cases would only land me in jail. And the dog, more likely would suffer more corrections. Learn more about the importance of positive training here.
3. Please let go of the outdated language
All modern reward-based dog trainers hear certain keywords or phrases that make us wish that there was an immediate way to educate the entire dog-loving world all at once. We would do so in a heartbeat. We want to spread the word because this information is not just an opinion. It’s a documented fact. Your dog is not stubborn, nor does he believe he is alpha, nor is he dominant, nor is he plotting to take over the “pack”. There is no pack, even if you have multiple dogs. You can allow your dog to walk in front of you without worrying that he thinks that he is alpha. None of your multiple dogs are alpha. Your dogs don’t even know what that means! That theory was disproved. Read more on that here. Just teach him that you are walking in partnership rather than as a dictatorship as defined by your own needs. Your dog is not dominant if he lays on the couch. The couch is simply comfortable. If you don’t want him there, provide an equally comfortable space for him and pleasantly teach him an “Off” cue. Your dog is not stubborn if he doesn’t respond to your cues (you may call them commands, but that is another article). You have simply not taught him this cue completely or you are asking him to perform it at an inappropriate time. Your dog desperately wants you to understand him better. Read more about “dominance” here.
4. Be your dog's advocate
Your dog is mentally and emotionally similar to a child. Please don’t leave your dog unattended outside of a store, tied up to be at the mercy of anyone. That is such a vulnerable position to be in. Think about how you would personally feel in that position. It’s not a good feeling, is it? Please don’t do it to your dog. You would not do it to a child. I see dogs looking around in a panic when placed in this position. Your dog needs to trust in YOU to be their safety. Don’t allow that trust to be misplaced. Your dog is not barking while you are shopping because he is being demanding. He is terrified. Please look into his eyes and see that emotion. Read more about this here.
5. Respect your dog's space
So often I see people allowing strangers to touch their dog when the dog in question is clearly begging to be allowed to get some space. Dogs are not public property. Please ask your dog whether he wants to be touched. Do you like to be touched by strangers? Then chances are that your dog doesn’t welcome it either. Please learn about dog body language so that you see your dog’s requests. You get to say no to touch. Allow your dog that same option. Being touched by anyone should be the dog’s choice. Please read this article for a better understanding of this subject.
6. Watch your tone
Telling your dog no. "No" is a very general concept. I often have people tell me that their dog understands the word no. What is more likely that they understand is the tone of voice that you use when you say this word. The tone is everything. Say no in your happiest tone of voice and see whether they still understand the word. Better yet, show your dog what you want him to do instead of what you are telling him no for. Win/win on both sides. You will be amazed at the communication that follows!
7. Stop comparing
The saddest situation that I come across, both in public when talking with dog guardians and in private lessons with clients and potential clients, is what is now coined as MLD syndrome. My Last Dog… Just as you have a different personality from every other human, your dog's personality will never mirror that of your last dog, even if both dogs are the same breed. Please accept your dog for who he is, not who you want him to be. He will be so relieved.
8. Allow enjoyment
Watching a dog guardian walk a dog with the intention of said dog walking immediately by the human’s side like a soldier makes me sad. Of course in a crowded city scenario, heeling is a necessity. But when out on a walk for enjoyment with space to do so, allow your dog the courtesy of exploring his environment. This is his time to get caught up on neighborhood current events and check his pee-mail. This simple act gives your dog more mental stimulation than anything else you can arrange on a daily basis. Read here for more on this subject.
9. Consult a qualified professional
We love that you want to help your dog, but please don't ask random dog guardians for behavior advice. At best, this will confuse your dog as you try different options. At worst, this will make whatever behavior that has prompted your inquiries, become more concerning. Would you go online and ask random parents how they deal with a serious behavior problem, or would you go to an expert in that field? Do yourself and your dog a favor and seek out an expert so that you can truly help your dog resolve his behavior issues safely.
This is obviously not as lighthearted as part one in this series. I expect that some people will be offended. I hope that number is few. My fondest wish for this information is that it helps educate the dog parents who simply don’t know any better. YOU are my audience. You and your dogs are my goals to help. Please accept this information in the spirit that it is given. To educate so that both your life and your dog's life are enriched. What you do with the information is your choice. I hope that you welcome it and put it to good use.
