Notes To Self
By Lisa Ellman
It’s time again to consolidate all the notes I’ve made about article topics into a mixed bag of information. Sometimes I’m out and see someone that could use a suggestion to make walking, or living, with their dog easier. But, after all these years, I don’t offer advice. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut. Unless, of course, I see something so outrageous or dangerous that I must speak up. Or I’m writing an article…LOL.
Here follows a few things about behavior that will help humans and dogs live a happier, less chaotic life with each other.
Remember the 3’s. If you’ve just acquired a dog, specifically from a rescue or shelter, keep in mind this dog may have experienced extreme trauma and or abuse. Expect (at least) 3 days of decompressing in its new home, 3 weeks to acclimate to new behaviors and routines, and 3 months to start to feel safe enough to establish trust and bonding.
Entering a dog park.There is a “staging” area at every dog park. It’s between the two entrance gates. When you enter it, and both gates are closed, take your dog’s leash off. Don’t enter the park with all the other dogs and then try to take off the leash. If there are other dogs there, wanting to meet your dog, they will probably be attempting to get to your dog’s butt to do the sniff greet. This gets chaotic if you’re in the middle, especially if your dog is a bit nervous or excited. A dog on a leash around other excited off leash dogs may tend to be somewhat defensively reactive; growling, lunging, etc. Also, if you have a “dominant” dog, or a dog with a high prey drive, your dog is not a good candidate for the park. Too much stimulation for them can be potentially dangerous and disastrous.
Next, thinking like a human. Dogs don’t do that. I often have to remind my clients to use their “dog brain”, not their human brain when training. Think like a dog. Dog brains are not wired exactly like ours. Yes, we both learn from classic and operant conditioning, but our brains are much more complex. We have common sense (hopefully) and we are conscious of our bodies in 3 dimensions. Dogs don’t know that a car will kill them if they run into the street. If they see a squirrel or cat across the street, they don’t stop to look both ways before the chase. They don’t know that scratching at a wound will make it worse. If you’re dog is in a fearful headspace and you provide comfort, words like, “it’s ok, good dog”, you’re inadvertently reinforcing that fear headspace. The dog hears praise and thinks it’s doing something right. It isn’t. Positive words are what we would say to humans to alleviate the fear, that’s “human brain”.
Acting out. There are many reasons your dog acts out; being mad at you is NOT one of them. The dog has no reasoning capabilities in its brain wiring; it’s all conditioning and instinct. If your dog suddenly starts having accidents in the house, barking or nipping at people (or even you), not eating its food or sleeping in another room, it is not because they’re upset with you. Changes in routine, confusion, lack of structure, anxiety, boredom, fear, even age or illness, can all contribute to changes in your dog’s behavior.
Learning how dogs think is an amazing, eye opening chance to really get to know your dog.
Strive to understand the differences between dog brain and human brain. When you do, life with your dog becomes harmonized, calm, easy.
A couple of books I would recommend are Inside of a Dog, by Alexandra Horowitz and A Dog’s Mind, by Dr. Bruce Fogle.
You’re welcome.