Waiting On Your Dog’s Breakthrough
Real Dog Behavior changes occur when we have a breakthrough.
In the world of dog training, genuine behavior shifts come from experiencing a breakthrough moment. Surprisingly, this breakthrough often needs to happen within the human before it can manifest in the dog.
Scenarios just like this are common. My client has an endearing little white fluffy companion who recently celebrated his first birthday. While this bundle of joy is a delightful ball of energy and a source of great amusement, he presents a challenge during walks and tends to get overly excited when guests visit. As much as his family adores him, they find themselves struggling with the situation, feeling frustrated.
Can you relate to this scenario?
Our focus has been on implementing effective techniques to address the challenges with walking and exuberant jumping. Although we've made some progress, we're still in the process of achieving a complete resolution. Why is that? The breakthrough needed to happen with the owners themselves. I had to find the right words and demonstrations to pinpoint where the issue lay.
The fundamental problem lies in the perception of time, duration, mindset, patience, and prioritizing the walk. The crucial first step in enhancing the dog's mindset isn't the walk itself, but the waiting that precedes it.
In my blog post about teaching your dog not to pull on the leash, I emphasize halting, making u-turns, and refusing to move forward if the dog is pulling. I always advise my clients: master the training in your driveway before venturing on a walk. Start by going one house to the right, one to the left, and back to the driveway for several days until the dog grasps the concept.
The key element is "NO." Absolutely no forward movement until the dog learns to pause and settle down. However, the dog must not just sit; they need to shift their state of mind before taking the next step forward.
It's not merely about the sit command; it's about managing the dog's energy levels and arousal. This adorable canine has always associated the "outside" with excitement.
To address this, we've gone back to square one, focusing on the first step: waiting for the dog to reach a state of calmness. We practice this in the driveway, emphasizing duration work to achieve complete relaxation. This includes commands like "place outside," "down stay outside," and "sit and observe the world around you" for extended periods—all without an actual walk!
Patience is key during this process. For some dogs, the initial days may present a struggle. It could take over 30 minutes for the dog to transition from high arousal to boredom, learning to ignore distractions. We must be patient and wait until this transformation occurs.
When the outside environment no longer serves as a stimulus, walking can significantly improve using the appropriate techniques.
I once worked with an extremely high-strung, anxiety-ridden dog that never seemed to settle down. Through teaching the "place" command and patiently waiting for him to relax, we achieved a breakthrough. This experience validated the importance of persistence and patience in establishing a calm state of mind.
Teaching the "place" command often tests a dog's limits and challenges us as trainers. Dogs prefer freedom over restraint, having likely been accustomed to it for a while, possibly even influencing the household dynamics. It's crucial to reclaim control.
In summary, awaiting the breakthrough moment is essential in any situation where your dog tests the boundaries of your leadership. Effective skill teaching can only happen when the state of mind is intricately connected to the dog and the exercise. Remember, the real transformation begins within us and extends to our beloved four-legged companions