When dogs get frustrated, they can’t learn
Our dog is learning to walk politely when on leash. Our trainer advised us to stop and change directions each time he pulls. Unfortunately, we are walking in circles and he is now jumping and biting at us. How can we fix this problem?
Jumping up and biting are often signs of frustration. Frustration happens when dogs are wrong too frequently.
Regardless of what other dogs can or cannot do, what matters is the skill level of the dog currently before us. If we want our dogs to learn quickly, we want them right about 80 per cent of the time.
When this success rate drops, dogs become agitated. Sometimes we become too caught up in what a dog ought to be doing rather than what they should be learning.
Our dogs may need an easier lesson. We do this for ourselves when studying in a quiet location. We choose easy projects when first attempting home renovations. When tasks are too difficult we quit or procrastinate. When forced to complete tasks that are too hard, we can become emotional.
The rage that comes from assembling boxed furniture is fodder for comedians because it honestly represents how many feel when hopelessly struggling.
Our dogs are no different. Each time we change directions on a walk, the dog is wrong. Frustration mounts.
As our dog’s teachers, we need to stop and assess the situation with a test. First, choose a specific behaviour to test. For example, “My dog will get a treat if they walk three steps without pulling on the leash.”
Get exactly 10 treats ready and take three steps. If the dog is correct, give them a treat.
However, if you stop or change directions on account that the dog is pulling, place a treat in your pocket.
After 10 repetitions, the treats in your pocket represent the dog’s fail rate.
Two unearned treats means that the dog is right 80 per cent of the time.
Most dogs, when tested, are well below that level. That is when owners and their dogs struggle. Temporarily make the exercise easier.
Try fewer steps or a quieter location where the dog can focus and learn. With practice, the dog’s skills will improve.
When the dog becomes right more than 80 per cent of the time, it indicates that they are ready to move onto greater challenges.
Continuously self-assess and adjust to keep your dog successful. We need to muzzle our dog for veterinary visits. When we try to put it on him, he runs. How do we muzzle train our dog?
Set aside a few days when introducing new equipment to dogs. Like taking a child to the dentist for a chair ride, dogs benefit from seeing new things. They learn there is nothing to fear.
Hide the muzzle in an accessible location. Several times a day, bring it out of hiding and show it to the dog. After the muzzle is in full view of the dog, reach for a high value treat and feed it to your pet.
Hide the muzzle until the next repetition. Continue to do this until the dog is visibly happy at the sight of the muzzle.
At this point, owners can start using the muzzle as a makeshift bowl. Hold treats inside the muzzle with your fingers so the dog has to reach in to take them.
Gradually have the dog push into the muzzle further and for longer periods.
As a final step, have the dog wear the muzzle while they are given plenty of treats and attention.
Before long, it will be a piece of equipment the dog wants to wear.
Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. She recently completed the Pet Professional Guild (P.P.G.) accredited certification process for dog training professionals, making her one of Canada’s first accredited trainers. Write Yvette at advice@awesomedogs.ca