You've been working so hard to train your dog properly. Leash walking, recalling, jumping, and greeting guests - it's all going beautifully until it isn't. It's like your dog turned into a lunatic overnight, with no impulse control and the focus of a toddler with a Redbull. What happened?
Like most dog owners, you were so focused on training your dog that you neglected the most important point of growth: your dog's behavior. Discover how to work through your dog's behaviors and turn your Tasmanian Devil into an angel in no time.
Understanding the Difference in Dog Training vs. Dog Behavior
Did you believe they were identical? Essentially, behavior typically results from a blend of impulse control and fear/anxiety. To illustrate, aggression represents the maximum level of fear combined with the minimum amount of impulse control. Separation anxiety involves a high level of anxiety with a low amount of impulse control. In essence, these aspects are inherent in all dogs, but they are currently manifesting in a negative manner.
Behavior is organic, whereas training is a set of learned responses to a specific situation. Here's the rub:
Training alone will never address your dog's issues with impulse control and anxiety.
One of my dearest friends, a psychologist, kept trying to put her dog into more and more tricks, scent work, and agility classes in an attempt to get her wild dog under control. But when I asked her if she would suggest a child with behavioral issues could be treated merely by putting them into soccer, piano lessons, and art classes, she laughed and said, "Of course not."
Again, behavioral issues are a mixture of a lack of impulse control combined with anxiety. To address the behavior, you must focus on those two components. Because that kid having a meltdown in the toy aisle at Target has been signed up for three sports, plus dance.
Breaking Down Your Dog's Impulse Control Issues
The very first place I always have my clients start when working through their dog's behavior is with impulse control. Teaching your dog sit/stay/come/place is adorable, but useless. Yes, your dog knows the words, and what is expected, but doesn't give a flying fuck about the words coming out of your mouth because they lack the impulse control to see or hear what's happening outside their little selves right now.
Think of impulse control as a muscle that needs to be built up. Just as I would never expect to be able to bench press 250 the first day I decide to lift weights, I would never expect that a dog would have enough impulse control to come when I call them the first day I get them, regardless of if they know the word "come" or not.
There are just too many other, more interesting things that are competing for their attention, and right now, whatever commands I have for them holds the least value in their eyes. They are running on impulse right now, and that impulse is telling them to investigate that squirrel across the street RIGHT NOW.
So start by building up your dog's impulse control "muscle". Start slowly, and build up to more "expensive" activities. For example:
Take a moment to make your dog calm(er)
Making your ball-obsessed dog sit calmly, even for just a second, before throwing the ball.
Have them sit before calming taking a treat.
Let them become comfortable with boredom (teach them how here).
Don't put too much expectation on your dog (at first)
Working on leash skills in the house as a warm-up before heading outside.
When in an off-leash environment, call your dog frequently, and start when they are only a few feet from you, rather than waiting to call them when they are 3 counties over investigating said squirrel menace.
Keep a leash on your dog when guests come over. Think of a leash the same way you'd think of holding a toddler's hand: when their impulse control is highly sus. A leash, like holding a hand, keeps them within your sphere of influence better.
Managing your dog's expectations
Not letting your dog be an asshole yes, you heard me right. I call it the "yo bitch" It’s the human equivalent of saying, “Yo, Bitch, gimme a cookie.” Or “Yo, Bitch, that’s my chair”. Vulgar? Absolutely. Acceptable? Never. You wouldn’t accept a human addressing you like that, so don’t accept that from a dog. Dogs are perfectly capable of using polite, “May-I-Please” body language. Start to demand respectful dialog from your dog at all times.
Doling out positives for showing impulse control, especially in "expensive" situations. As I'm fond of asking my clients, "Your dog just did a really good job there...but do they know that?" You can never give too many positives for proper behavior. Learn how here.
Negate your dog's unsavory behaviors
Get in the habit of asking yourself if you like your dog's current behavior they are evidencing right now. If the answer is "no", give your dog a gentle negative.
Your dog is not "bad". Your dog is incapable of being "bad", so stop putting human emotions into an unemotional situation. However, their behavior (and lack of impulse control) is having a negative effect on the situation at hand.
There's a saying that only your mom will tell you that your face is dirty. Your dog's face is dirty...now love them enough to let them know. Give them a gentle negative. Learn how here.
Conclusion: Starting Off Right
Whether you're just starting with your first dog, or have finally decided that you're older dog's behaviors are no longer tolerable, the first step is always with impulse control building. By giving your dog the advantage and skills necessary to not only hear you, but listen to you as well, you are building bonds of trust and understanding, rather than becoming frustrated with your dog's inability to follow even the most basic command.
Dog Training, Differently
Most dog owners are confused about how to work with their dog’s behaviors, so we created a dog training method focused on simple and effective techniques based on trust, because every dog deserves to be the Best Dog Ever.
If you're struggling with your dog's behaviors, or looking to start your new dog or puppy off on the right paw, discover our innovative Piloting Method of dog training. From coaching packages to our in-depth Best Dog Ever programs, we have the solution to your dog training needs.
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