The dog’s internal environment isn’t at optimum
To support future learning, our dogs need to be:
- Pain/Discomfort free: Address skeletal, muscular, skin, and digestive issues.
- Low Stress: Positive or negative, too high levels of stress significantly impact the body and mind.
- Well Rested: Adult dogs need 12-16 hours of quality rest and sleep daily. Sleep lowers stress, regenerates and repairs the body, and helps form memories.
- Healthy diet: A healthy attitude and reliable intake of quality food are essential. The brain needs energy to process information, which comes from their food. A poor attitude towards food may indicate a health issue or too much stress.
Your dog’s external environment needs to set them up for success
At Home
- Ensure the home supports a healthy sleep/rest routine and is a low-stress haven.
- Maintain an overall feeling of safety, including their relationship with you and all other individuals (of all species).
- The home should be a minimal conflict zone and set up to reduce undesired behaviours (e.g., use a stair gate to stop jumping at visitors or adhesive film on windows to prevent barking at passersby).
During Walks
- Ensure the walking environment is as low-stress as possible, setting up training to succeed with low stimulus intensity.
- Avoid roadside walks if your dog barks or startles at traffic.
- Prevent your dog from running after wildlife.
Are you and everyone else being consistent?
Consistency is key. We cannot determine if something is working if the advice is not strictly applied for a long enough duration to assess its efficacy. Dogs need clear cues and consequences for effective communication.
The intervention, protocols and/or overall ‘diagnosis’ isn’t correct
Sometimes, the chosen methods may not be suitable for the specific behaviour issues. For example, removing food bowls mid-eating or moving hands towards a dog with a resource may worsen guarding behaviours. Misinterpreting a frustrated dog as fearful and removing them from dog society can escalate frustrated behaviours.
When progress is challenging
Sometimes, a dog’s genetics, internal and external environment, and owner resources (time and energy) can make progress difficult. Creative problem-solving is needed, and seeking a second opinion from a vet or behaviour professional may help. Consider options such as:
- Blood tests or faecal screens
- Diet review
- Pain relief trials
- Secure fields
- Driving to remote locations for walks
- Hiring dog walkers
- Taking a holiday with or without your dog to reassess the relationship
Knowing your limits
Sometimes, the best outcome for the dog is beyond your scope. It’s important to remain honest about your dog’s welfare. If you’ve worked tirelessly to improve things with no success, rehoming is not a failure if it results in a happier dog and happier humans.
Choosing the right professional
Given the numerous variables involved in training and behaviour modification, avoid anyone who guarantees positive outcomes. Work with accredited and/or qualified professionals who only work via vet referral. Check out professionals with PACT, IAABC, APBC, ABTC, COAPE, and ASAB.
