Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
One of the very most basic learning concepts is to reward good behaviour, and to correct bad behaviour.
When our dogs do something we do not want them to do, we say "no" and show our displeasure through our tone of voice and body language.
We then take some sort of action to prevent the continuation of the bad behaviour, such as bringing a barking dog indoors, taking away the toy causing the growling, or simply walking away when the play gets too rough.
Whatever method is used, the basic idea behind correction is to display your unhappiness and to intervene with the bad behaviour.
Rewarding is also a simple process, but it seems to be the more difficult one for dog handlers.
When our dogs do something good, listen well or accomplish something, we reward them. We do this through praise, a play session with a favourite toy, or food.
Using this very simple method, we provide our furry friends with incentive to repeat whatever they just did — because it was what we wanted. The better your timing, the more effective a reward system works.
Now, you are probably thinking — that’s a very simple concept. Why would it cause a problem for people?
The problem is that we like to do these things with our dogs. We like to tell them they are good, to play with them and to give them treats. We do these things not only as rewards, but because we enjoy our pets.
Timing really is everything — and sometimes we just aren’t aware of it.
Begging is one of the more common bad canine behaviours. This behaviour is learned and usually starts when a dog’s longing look at his owner during dinner results in a few shared morsels. Your dog quickly learns that by staring at you, he earns a reward.
At some point, we try to not "give in" and attempt to ignore the behaviour. Our dog responds by putting a greater effort into getting in our line of sight.
Some dogs give up quickly if their efforts are ignored, but others — especially those who are very used to getting rewarded — will step it up and try to get our attention through pawing, pacing, whining, barking, jumping and even offering tricks!
If this performance earns them any reward, then you will have most certainly started something.
To correct begging — an unwanted behaviour — we have to show our dogs this is not something we want them to do.
This does not involve a conversation where we explain our guilt and regret for not sharing our food. This does not involve an apology and scratch behind the ears. This most certainly does not involve slipping them "only one" and then telling them to get lost.
To correct begging, say "no" and show our displeasure through our voice and body language. Turn away from your dog, do not look into his eyes or talk to him. Ignore his attempts to share your meal, and simply turn away.
Don’t give in.
If you really want to share some of your meal with your dog, consider using that time to teach and reward a more appropriate behaviour. Some pet owners teach their dog to sit on a mat or go to a dog bed when they are eating, and reward their dog for staying on the mat using a little bit of their dinner as the reward.
There are ways to achieve good behaviours and still share things with your pet. Dogs learn very quickly when they are rewarded — and rewarding the wrong things can be disastrous.
While rewarding and correcting are simple and basic training concepts, it’s the timing that really means everything. When you stop and reflect on things you reward your pet for, you may be surprised at how often a treat, a toy or praise are given to a pet that is misbehaving!
You can always share things with your dog — just make sure you are aware of what you are rewarding when you do.
Dana Grove is an animal lover who works with several pet organizations in Brandon.
» communitynews@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 3, 2012
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One of the very most basic learning concepts is to reward good behaviour, and to correct bad behaviour.
When our dogs do something we do not want them to do, we say "no" and show our displeasure through our tone of voice and body language.
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One of the very most basic learning concepts is to reward good behaviour, and to correct bad behaviour.
When our dogs do something we do not want them to do, we say "no" and show our displeasure through our tone of voice and body language.
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