Choosing what to do, and how to begin with positive reinforcement

One of the severe limitations of our email discussion groups is that we cannot "see" the dogs you folks are describing, cannot observe their behaviors with our own eyes. We also write our descriptions and our suggestions in a type of email shorthand. We do not mean to do so, but that's a limitation that occurs. As a result, some of the suggestions may not be clear. If you've noticed that, please ask questions.

Please don't do anything with your dogs based upon a discussion here unless you feel very comfortable in your gut that you're willing to try it. Trust your instincts and your observations about your own dogs.

 If anything, many owners tend to minimize problems with their dogs rather than to exaggerate them, in my opinion. By that statement, I mean that if an experienced and knowledgeable dog-behavior consultant were to evaluate the same dog in person, that consultant may assess the dog's behavior problems, its aggression problems, as more serious than the pet owner had believed them to be.

While you're engaged in a behavior program, if you sense that your dog is feeling stress, then pay attention to that feeling. Don't discount it or 'pooh-pooh' it as unimportant. Stress/ anxiety or mounting nervousness and agitation are very important.

We want to observe and observe, take lots of notes, even keep a journal to record any signs we've detected that the dog is beginning to feel less stress or is beginning to find better ways of coping with a potential stimulus or triggering event.

Along with all the other approaches already presented here, I like to take some time simply at the outset to give positive reinforcement to each student dog at least 25 times a day.

Yes, 25 times a day!!

That may sound like a lot, or very frequent reinforcement, but it really isn't. For instance, if I had 25 tiny treats counted out in a little jar or in a plastic baggie, I could use 5 for a tiny short session first thing in the morning, upon arising. What behaviors would I look for to reward? My choices may differ from yours. You may pick and select your own favored list of doggy behaviors to reinforce.

Hmm. Let's think about that. With a dog who has a tendency to become super alert, even hyper-vigilant and nervous or on edge, I think I might search for any tiny behavior that indicates calm or a bit of relaxation. For one thing, I sure
as heck would click/treat the play bow invitation to play. That's a very happy position for a dog to assume.

I might also click-treat the dog for a behavior that indicated 'at rest,' such as the pup or dog walking over to its doggie bed or mat to down-stay or settle there, all on its own volition, of its own choice.

Then I might click-treat the dog for offering to sit just before I open the door to take it outside in the morning. And, of course, a nice click/treat for coming back indoors again for breakfast.

Then a tad later, I could click/treat the dog for a nice wait (down-stay) in the upstairs hallway while I make the bed in the bedroom or while I gather up the towels from the bathroom to put into the washing machine.

We are all able to find daily events in life to which the the dog responds very appropriately. We need to celebrate those, make a fuss over the dog for the behaviors we find to be desirable. We may select those behaviors of the dog's own choosing to click/ mark for rewards. Then those behaviors will begin to increase. The dog will start to gain greater self confidence and will begin to show some self pride, too.

It's not difficult to find 25 times a day worthy of a small reward for the dog.

That's just something to think about. I find that the practice helps to change the dogs' owners tremendously. They're beginning to think like trainers now, seizing upon teachable moments throughout the day.

©  5/21/2003, revised 5/02/2008. Barbara D. Brill, North Chili, NY all rights reserved. No further reproduction permitted without express written consent.Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it