Do you remember, before doggy parenthood, dreaming of picture-perfect walks where your furry friend would trot happily by your side, coming back with a wagging tail at the first call? Bet the reality has been quite different, hasn’t it?
If your daily walk is more of a tug-of-war than a relaxing stroll, or if your dog's recall seems to vanish at the sight of another pup, you're not alone!
Take comfort in knowing that you're in good company. These are two of the most common challenges for dogs.
Is It Really a Lead Work and Recall Training Problem?
When our dogs are pulling on the lead or ignoring our calls, we usually assume it's a training issue. But what if I told you that in many cases, it's not about training at all? In fact, about 90% of the time, these behaviours are driven by something else entirely - emotions.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Dog Walks
Think about it from your dog's perspective. They spend most of their day indoors, and then suddenly, they're out in a world full of exciting smells, sights, and potential playmates. It's like being a kid in a sweetshop! This excitement can overwhelm their training, leading to pulling and poor recall.
But it's not just excitement. Sometimes, it's anxiety or fear that's causing the problem. A dog that's nervous on the lead might pull to get away from scary things, rather than because they don't know how to walk nicely.
The Tell-Tale Signs
So how can you tell if it's emotions rather than training? Here's a quick test:
- Practise lead work or recall at home, with no distractions. Rate your dog's performance on a scale of 1-10.
- Now, try the same exercises and cues outside with distractions. How does the score change?
If there's a big difference, chances are you're dealing with an emotional response rather than a lack of training.
The Power of Neutrality
One of the keys to addressing these emotional responses is teaching our dogs to be 'neutral'. I'm not talking about turning your bouncy labrador into a robot! What I mean is helping them learn to stay calm and relaxed around things that might usually get them overly excited or anxious.
This is where the concept of 'ignoring' comes in. It might sound counterintuitive, but teaching your dog to ignore distractions is often more valuable than teaching them to interact with everything they see.
Building Better Emotions
So, how do we go about changing these emotional responses? Well, it's not an overnight fix, I'm afraid. Changing emotions takes time and patience. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start small: Practise in low-distraction environments and gradually build up.
- Reward calm behaviour: When your dog is relaxed around distractions, that's the time to give praise and rewards.
- Be consistent: Emotions are built over time, so consistency is key.
- Seek help if needed: Sometimes, a professional trainer or behaviourist can give you the tailored advice you need.
The Path to Enjoyable Walks
Keep in mind that the goal isn't to have a perfectly behaved dog all the time. It's about building bonds with your dog so you can enjoy your time together, whether that's on a lead or off.
By understanding and working with your dog's emotions, you can start to turn those challenging walks into the enjoyable experiences you've always dreamed of. It might take some time and effort, but trust me, it's worth it!
If you're struggling with these issues and want more personalised help, why not check out our online programmes at www.potterpaws.co.uk? We'd love to help you and your furry friend on your training journey!
Or join our
Facebook Potter Paws Community for a casual chat about all things doggy-related. You can pick up tips and share experiences with a supportive bunch of fellow dog owners just like you. We hope to see you there!
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