THE BARE-BONES BASICS
“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” - Orhan Pamuk
As our dog’s stewards, it’s our job to learn their language, be keen observers, and really get to know them for the unique individuals they are. Ask questions like: What do they move towards? Move away from or avoid? Do they have treat preferences? When and where do they like to sleep? How do they like to be pet? What’s their favorite toy? When do they have the most energy? When we make note of their daily activities and preferences, it is much easier to create routines that will optimize their overall welfare and ultimately eliminate undesirable behaviors. Behavior is never purposeless. Dogs simply do what works best for them at achieving their desired outcome.
The acronym T.H.E.M.E.S can be helpful in recognizing key body parts to keep an eye on. Tail, Hair, Ears, Mouth, Eyes, Stance. All of these parts are constantly working in symphony and should always be considered alongside specific context to guess how our dog may be feeling at any given moment. Dog’s have their own version of nuanced dialects so to help simplify things, you can consider what stressed versus relaxed usually look like. When any of the above parts appear stiff, still, tense, tight, quivering, moving erratically, clearly pointed and leaning towards or pulled close to the body and leaning away from something, those are all likely signs of heightened stress. When any or all of the above parts appear loose, smooth, floppy, in normal position, relaxed, soft, wiggly, or curvy, those are all likely signs of comfort. Once we’ve decoded our dog to the best of our ability, we can start making better informed decisions about how to move forward.
There are some obvious non-negotiable behaviors like ‘not causing emotional or physical harm to humans or other dogs’ but beyond that, you get to make the rules of what is acceptable or not. Are they allowed on the furniture? Will it be okay if they put their front feet on you while receiving affection? Do you have a preference for where they will relieve themselves? What, when, where, and how will they be fed? When, where, and how will you play together? Where will they be while unsupervised? When all the humans are aware and in agreement about how you would and would not like your dog to behave, it is MUCH easier for the dog to learn the rules. It is important to kindly share relevant information with visitors, guests, and friendly strangers as well.
“If you’re proactive, you focus on preparing. If you’re reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” - John C. Maxwell
In order to eliminate undesirable behaviors, you have to set up the environment and their activities in a way that meets their unique needs and prevents them from practicing the things you don’t like. Crates, gates, and playpens are helpful tools to prevent accessing off-limits areas and potty accidents. Free access to bones can help to reduce destructive chewing. Window coverings and white noise can help to reduce alarm barking at outside stimuli. Using leashes in unfenced areas will prevent running away. Providing opportunities to sniff can help reduce hyperactivity. Keeping a safe distance away from known triggers will help reduce reactivity. You can work on teaching new skills via positive reinforcement all day long but if you aren’t also proactively managing your progress will plateau.
1) Learn their language and preferences
2) Meet their unique needs
3) Proactively manage for success
Written By:
Courtney Roberts
Free Free Certified Trainer
CPDT-KA
Apri
April
A
