We dog parents spend countless hours teaching our furry friends to sit, stay and come when called. But here's a question that might make you chuckle: while you've been busy training your dog, have you ever stopped to consider how much your dog has actually been training
you?
I know, I know – it sounds a bit mad at first. But stick with me on this one because once you start thinking about it, you'll realise just how clever our four-legged friends really are.
The Great Role Reversal
Let's start with a proper example from my own world of scent detection training. My dog Rem freezes like a statue when he finds his target scent – and on a good day, he can hold that freeze for a whole 20 seconds.
I used to think, "Blimey, look how clever my dog is!" But then it hit me – what if Rem's actually thinking, "Good grief, my human is so dim that they can't smell this obvious scent. I'd better stand here like a statue for ages so they can't possibly miss it."
It's quite funny when you flip the perspective, isn't it? We think we're training them to be brilliant but maybe they're just making allowances for our human limitations.
The Art of Canine Persuasion
Dogs are absolutely brilliant at reading our body language and picking up on patterns. Once they've worked out these patterns, that's when the real training begins.
Think about it: does your dog jump up and you automatically put your hand down to make a fuss over them? Congratulations - you've just been trained. When your dog barks during a chat on a walk, do you apologise and cut the conversation short? Your dog's successfully trained you to crack on with their walk.
One of my boys has mastered sofa negotiation. He'll rest his chin on my leg, give me that look and without fail, I'll say, "Oh yes, of course, darling," and shift over. He's basically trained me to be his personal butler.
Classic Examples From My Pack
Here's another one many might recognise. I taught one of my dogs to ring bells when he wanted to go out for a wee. Brilliant system, right? He rings the bell, I come running, off we go to the garden.
But from his perspective? "Ding-a-ling! Come on, human - I know exactly what sound will make you drop everything and come running." He's not asking to go out; he's giving me a direct instruction.
During lockdown, I developed a terrible habit with another of my dogs. Whenever I was on work calls, if he barked, I'd quickly throw him a treat to keep him quiet. Well, didn't he work that out quickly! Now, whenever the phone rings, he gives a little woof because he knows I'll want him to be quiet. The clever clogs has even figured out which calls are important - if it's a casual chat with a mate, he doesn't even bother.
He's essentially trained me to become a treat-dispensing machine at the sound of a ringing phone. Absolutely brilliant, really, even if it is rather annoying.
How They Do It
So how do our dogs manage this feat of reverse training? It's actually quite simple - they use the same principles we use with them. Dogs understand that rewards work. They'll come up with their best "aren't I adorable" face, offer us a fancy trick or give us that soul-piercing stare when they want something. And more often than not, we cave.
They've learned our patterns and use them to their advantage. It's not about dominance - it's just brilliant communication.
Finding the Right Balance
Now, before you start thinking your dog has taken over your life (though let's be honest, they probably have!), it's important to remember this should all be about balance. These little training sessions are often quite sweet and harmless - the sofa negotiations, the treat requests, the gentle nudges for attention.
But sometimes, we need to recognise when the balance has tipped too far. If your dog's pulling you about on the lead because they've trained you to follow wherever they want to go, it might be time to reestablish some boundaries.
The key is maintaining that lovely mutual respect whilst still enjoying these charming quirks that make our relationships with our dogs so special.
It's all part of the wonderful, mutual relationship we have with our furry friends. Sometimes we teach them, sometimes they teach us and most of the time, we're both just muddling through together - which is exactly as it should be.
Your Turn to Confess!
Here's some homework for you: have a think about how your dog has trained you. What little things do they do that make you respond exactly as they'd like? Do they have a special spot where they sit to ask for treats? A particular look that gets them what they want?
I'd love to hear your stories because I bet they're absolutely brilliant. If you fancy sharing this or anything else dog-related, head over to the
Potter Paws Facebook Group where you’ll find a friendly bunch of dog owners sharing their experiences and advice on doggy parenthood. We love meeting new members so do come join us!
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