What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘obedience’ in relation to your furry friend? For many, it conjures up images of a perfectly behaved pooch that follows commands to the letter and never puts a paw wrong. Sounds brilliant, right? But is that really what you should be aiming for?
In my years as a dog trainer, I've come to realise that there's a world of difference between a dog that's truly happy and one that's simply obedient. Don't get me wrong – I think having a well-behaved dog is fantastic. But at what cost?
The Problem with Obedience
You see, our canine companions aren't robots. They're living, breathing beings with their own unique thoughts, feelings, and opinions. When you focus solely on obedience, you risk overlooking these important aspects of their personalities. You might end up with a dog that follows instructions - but at the expense of their emotional well-being.
Choice-Based Training
So what's the alternative? Instead of fixating on obedience, try shifting your focus to something I call choice-based training. The idea is simple. Rather than constantly telling your dog what to do, create situations where they can make good choices on their own.
For example, if your dog learns that being calm when another dog approaches results in praise and treats, they're more likely to repeat this behaviour in the future, even without your direct instruction. But if you constantly have to tell them to "heel" and correct them with lead pulls, they'll only do it when you're actively controlling them. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Building Bonds, Not Giving Orders
This approach isn't just about behaviour – it's about respecting your dog’s emotions and building a stronger bond with them. It's about being their advocate, not their drill sergeant. After all, how would you like to have someone controlling your every move?
Patience Pays Off
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But Debbie, I need my dog to behave NOW, not after weeks of choice-based training!" I hear you. We live in a world of instant gratification, and it's tempting to want quick fixes. But just as we don't expect children to behave perfectly all the time, we shouldn't place unrealistic expectations on our dogs.
Training takes time, patience, and understanding. It's about creating an environment where your dog can learn and grow, make mistakes and ultimately choose the behaviours we want to see. And the best part? When your dog makes these choices willingly, you'll find you need to give fewer instructions. Your walks will be more chilled, your home life more harmonious.
The Power of Choice
So, the next time you're tempted to focus on obedience, stop and ask yourself: "What choice would I like my dog to make in this situation?" Then, work on creating scenarios where your dog can practice making that choice. Make a fuss over your dog when they make the good choices and you'll soon find your dog naturally behaving in ways that make you both happy.
Remember, it's not about having a dog that sits, stays and heels on command. It's about having a happy, confident companion who chooses to behave well because they understand and enjoy the benefits of doing so. And isn't that what you want for your pet pal?
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