Dogs do take strolls down memory lane
Is it true that dogs have poor memories and forget things almost immediately? We were told that dogs should not be punished for things they did in the past because they cannot remember doing them.
This statement, although popular, is half myth and half truth. Dogs certainly can remember things. Most owners can recall instances where their dog rushed to the last known location of a bone, clearly remembering where it had been. Many dogs show signs of recalling scary places, such as the veterinary clinic or the location where an accident or attack occurred.
Scientific research clearly shows that dogs can remember quite a lot.
Whether dogs can remember past actions, to recall them and mentally “time travel” is a far more complex question. Studies involving birds and rats show evidence that some species can remember past events as well as when they occurred. More research is needed, especially when it comes to dogs.
Owners still should not reinforce or punish behaviours that happened in the past. Dogs lack the ability to understand language and past tense. We can tell a person that they earned a bonus for their specific actions yesterday. We cannot communicate similar messages to a dog. As such, consequences of any type will affect behaviour that happened just prior to them occurring. Punishing or reinforcing dogs for behaviours long past is futile and ineffective. We have a dog that is reactive on leash. Finances are tight and we are trying to fix the problem on our own. Online tutorials, videos and protocols have not helped. At what point do we concede that our dog cannot be helped?
Obtaining competent coaching and training can be somewhat costly. Unfortunately, some families pay double or triple because they fail to find the right coach the first time.
Despite the problems with the pet industry being unregulated, a dog’s best chance of success is a competent coach and trainer. Few dogs are beyond help. Although, families may need to evaluate their tolerance for risk. This decision should factor in the welfare of others who come into contact with the dog, such as children, neighbours or other pets.
Pet-behaviour professionals should be expected to perform a functional assessment. This is an assessment of the problem and the factors that support it. By evaluating the problem, the right approach can be suggested the first time. Goals are set. The benefits and risks of strategies are discussed.
Online advice that is wrong for the dog is no help at all. Throwing things at a wall to see what sticks can use up valuable time and energy. It can also create new problems. Free help can be very costly.
Video tutorials, while not all bad, do not coach owners. Training requires a degree of precision. Without feedback from a trainer, owners may not realize that simple execution errors are undermining progress.
Before giving up on the dog, recognize that some problems such as reactivity on leash do not lend themselves to do-it-yourself learning. It’s likely that the online help was not targeted enough to be helpful. Pets and their people require a solid plan, tailored for their needs. Limit online help to groups that act as support networks. Read books and watch videos to become better educated on what to expect when meeting with a professional.
Trainers cannot work for free any more than a dentist, auto mechanic or store clerk. However, many will make payment arrangements. Deep down, most trainers want to help any dog lucky enough to have committed owners. It doesn’t hurt to ask for a payment plan.