LOOKOUT LIVING
Changing the Behavior of Your Problem Dog
By Debbie Tringale
Editor’s note: In the coming months The Lookout View will present a series of articles talking about four types of problem dog behavior. There are particular behaviors associated with each type, many of which you may recognize in your own dog. Obviously dogs of one behavior group can exhibit the behaviors of another group. These were selected because they are the most persistent and difficult to extinguish and because many of them are normal, instinctive dog behaviors. Unlike most training methods published in popular literature, this class method groups behaviors and addresses them as one problem, not as separate ones. This class-based strategy suggests some of the behavior modification that is most effective for each class. Many experts agree that most problem behaviors in dogs can be reduced by providing stimulating activity. In addition to defining classes of behavior, these articles will also define types of play. Each class of behaviors has a type of play associated with it that is part of the behavior modification plan. Together, classifications of problem behavior and types of play are a good starting point in creating a shared language between dog trainers and dog owners to understand ‘problem behavior’ and to eliminate it.
Profiles of Problem Behavior
The following are four different classes of problem behavior; demanding dog, rude dog, busy dog and spoiled dog. It is important to remember that these are very broad classifications. Many dog trainers use these terms among themselves to describe client’s dogs and their own dogs. This series is meant to open a dialog first among dog trainers to better define these classifications and second to help dog owners identify and resolve problem behavior. Many of the behaviors identified in one classification can be present in other classifications. For instance, barking can be a problem in all four of the classifications, but excessive barking defines the demanding dog. Within all of these classifications, jumping up is an issue, but jumping up characterizes the rude dog.
Again, these terms are familiar to dog trainers and some dog owners.
Four Types of Play
“Let a sleeping dog lay.” Dog owners have always known this. Wear the dog out and they will be easier to manage. The problem for some dog owners is that they don’t know how to play with their dogs or don’t have the time to do it. What is there to do if the dog does not bring the tennis ball all the way back? Dog owners get frustrated and give up. When dog trainers, day care supervisors and behaviorists talk about play they discuss different kinds of play. Within the context of this series, we are going to discuss four kinds of play, one for each classification of problem behavior; supervised play, appropriate play, focused play and independent play. When assigned to a class of problem behaviors, these four types of play do more than exercise dogs, it teaches them how to act appropriately in society.
Lifestyle Change
The behavioral problems presented here are all caused by a big misunderstanding between humans and dogs and they are not all going to be solved in traditional obedience classes. These problems require an entire lifestyle change. Dog owners need to correct the misbehavior and be proactive about preventing it. Let’s begin identifying and classifying the problem behaviors of demanding dogs, rude dogs, busy dogs, spoiled dogs and their owners. Let’s dig into their lives and provide strategies that fit their lifestyle. This class-based strategy to dog training creates a shared language between dog owners and dog trainers. It allows us to broaden our approach to behavior modification and treat the whole class of behaviors at the same time in order to enrich the lives of both the dog and their owners.
Demanding Dogs
Demanding dogs are attention seeking. Demanding dogs often lack independence and self
confidence. They lack social skills
and problem solving skills. They
bark, and they bark, and bark and
bark. It’s the barking that gets these
dogs in trouble. Demanding dogs
lack the skills to do things for
themselves. It usually starts as a
puppy.
Puppy problem solving is barking.
Owners who are over indulgent or
have no tolerance for the noise
will solve problems for them whether it is retrieving a toy or resolving conflicts with other dogs. These puppies grow up to be dogs that don’t know how to play on their own or with other dogs. Their world is dependent on their owner.
Inadvertent Reinforcement
A primary reinforcer is something a dog really likes, ie. food, water, attention, and barking. These normal behaviors are so strong it may take only one time when the behavior is rewarded for the behavior to occur again. For instance, the longer the dog continues to beg for food the more likely the owner will relent and give it to them. All too many dog owners give in to their dogs out of frustration and desperation, not realizing that they are reinforcing the very behavior they don’t like.
Demanding dogs drive people crazy with their persistence because from the dog’s perspective, food and attention are worth the effort. The longer they bark, the more likely they will get what they want.
Behavior Modification
It takes a strong will by dog owners not to give in. Do not yell, do not push, do not get frustrated. Instead, withdraw all attenention. Look away, turn away, walk away if you have to. A super nanny uses this same technique. She
puts a child to bed, gives them hugs and cuddles and walks away. Every time the child gets out of bed, no talk, no eye contact, she just picks them up and puts them right back in. This method works on dogs too. It is amazing how a dog will respond when we break eye contact or isolate them. Turning or walking away is very effective with demanding dogs because it produces the opposite result of what they are hoping for. Admittedly, it is hard to do. If you have watched the nanny putting a child on the naughty stool, you know what it takes. The first two weeks are the hardest, but if you don’t give up, it will work.
Go Outside and Play
The irony of demanding dogs is while they are all attention seeking, many of them are more focused on objects like balls than on their owners. We all know a dog that drops a tennis ball at your feet and barks until you throw it. Demanding dogs want and need to be active and they are persistent about letting their owners know this. It is not enough to just let them out on their own, go outside with them and play. They need exercise on a regular basis. High drive sporting and herding dogs are most often guilty of being called demanding because many of them don’t get enough exercise. These dogs need vigerous exercise in the morning and in the evening. Try chucking a ball or throwing a Frisbee™. It is easy on dog owners and fun and fulfilling for dogs. Another major problem with demanding dogs is their lack of problem solving skills. From an early age these dogs have barked for everything they needed. Instead of teaching young dogs do things for themselves, dog owners who want to stop the barking, give the dog what they think the dog wants like treats or petting.
The result is an overweight dog who cannot solve it’s own problems. In addition to regular exercise, demanding dogs should have supervised play. This is play that is directed or facilitated by the dog owner. Such activities include finding and retrieving hidden objects and digging for treasure. There are lots of “smart” toys on the market to purchase or you can be creative and make up your own games. Start by putting a toy under a chair or under a bed where they can just barely get it. Bury a bone in a shallow hole. Arrange a play day with another friendly dog. Remember, you are supervising, so help but do not problem solve for them.
So... It is the same traits that cause a demanding dog to bark that make a dog fun. A strong will, regular exercise and supervised play are what it takes to modify this dog’s behavior. Go outside and play together and the barking will stop!LV
