Note from Con Slobodchikoff: This is a post by guest author Nancy
Frensley, CPDT, CAP2, who is Manager of Behavior and Training at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society in Berkeley, California. She
will write periodic posts about the behavioral challenges and joys of shelter
dogs.
Once you make the decision to add a dog to your life, you begin a journey. Choosing a dog you can love, one that fits your lifestyle and is safe to live with is challenging in itself. It is easy to think choice alone will give you everything you want in a pet. But, it is only the first step of many in creating that livable, lovable, give and take relationship we all strive to have with our dogs.
Many adopters are surprised when they bring that ‘ideal’ puppy or dog home. Behavior, being a very fluid attribute of any species, changes as animals adapt to new environments and seek ways to get their needs met. So, new adopters are often shocked to find what their perfect puppy (or adult dog) is capable of mastering. Besides destroying shoes, a remote control (or two) and plants, he seems to have no interest in settling down. How could this happen… when the choice was made so carefully and thoughtfully?
Those of us who observe adoptions on a daily basis know from experience that starting out with a solid plan; consistent rules and good management will prevent a lot of behavior problems from the get-go. And, we know that what you see is not always what you get. However, you will get what you reinforce and mold. Doing what is necessary to get a dog successfully situated in your life will go against every instinct you have. Taking home a new dog is akin to falling in love. You are fascinated by him, love him, and want to do right by him. Chances are you want to make up for the poor life he had before you adopted him. The last things you’ll want to do are to confine and limit your new canine friend.
But, to confine and limit is exactly the recipe for success! From day one, limiting his freedom in order to show him the right way to get things provides the best start in your home. Dogs are opportunistic and great at adapting. They are good at figuring out what works best to get their needs met. The secret to setting up the situation for success is getting them to understand that all of their needs will be met through you (and other family members). I have always said that dog training can be summed up in two phrases: “Dogs want stuff” and “we show them how to get it.” It is that simple. Limit them through supervision and a good (but humane) confinement system to prevent impulsive acts. Give them plenty of structured interaction with people in their new home. Make sure they get enough exercise, chewing material, play and training to keep them from getting bored. Allow them to earn their freedom, one bit at a time, by working for you. They will repay you by becoming good canine citizens, learning what is theirs and how to behave in their new environment.
A recent study* showed owner consistency resulted in a higher level of obedience and fewer training problems. So, as the song says, “freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” When you adopt your new dog from a shelter, start with a good plan that includes consistent rules. Make sure everyone in the household abides by these rules. Don’t feel guilty about confining your dog in a way that prevents mistakes. Be fearless in asking your dog to do little tasks, like waiting before going out and sitting before getting affection and food. Dogs really appreciate it when they know the rules. They are willing to give us everything we ask and more.
*The Importance of Consistency in Training Dogs, G.E. Eskeland, R.H. Hillung, M.Bakken, http://www.atferdssenter.no/IVBM_poster_tekstprintes%20word%20fil.pdf
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