If you are someone who finds it helpful to create annual New Year’s Resolutions, I have some suggestions for you as it relates to dog training and your relationship with your pet. Below is my updated 2019 list of resolutions to give you some ideas.
I will stop labeling my dog.
Calling your dog dumb, stubborn, bad, or jealous will not help you to solve the behavior issue and may actually prevent you from getting to the root of the cause.
I will stop blaming my dog when he/she does something that I do not like.
Always remember, your pet is behaving for a reason. Instead of blaming your pet, stop and ask yourself, “What was the consequence of value to my pet in making that choice and what could I have done differently to have made that choice less valuable for my pet, or to have not set that behavior up to occur in the first place?,” and “What behavior would I have liked for my pet to do instead to fulfill his/her need and how can I make the WANTED behavior MORE valuable?” … then teach him/her that behavior.
I will pay attention to the behaviors my dog does that I want to see more of and make those behavior choices more valuable by offering positive reinforcement immediately upon seeing them.
Remember, behaviors with reinforcements histories will continue and even strengthen in the future.
I will teach my dog new, and even novel behaviors.
Training new behaviors helps you to improve your own teaching skills, is mental and physical enrichment for your dog, strengthens your relationship with your pet, and is fun to show people.
I will give my dog plenty of appropriate outlets to exercise his body and mind, and I will include myself in some of those choices – even incorporate practicing learned behaviors in our activity.
Not only is this a great relationship builder, it is a great way to incorporate positive reinforcement-based teaching (and learning), enhance socialization skills, build stronger bodies, and improve quality of life,
I will incorporate training into my everyday life.
Remember – on every minute of every day that we are alive we are learning by the consequences of our behavior. Be aware of that with your dog. Pair behaviors you want to see with consequences your dog values; and be careful to avoid inadvertently reinforcing behaviors you do not like.
I will find the joy in sharing my life with my pet.
More than likely your pet has added to your own quality of life in many ways. Practice feeling gratitude for what you have brought to each other’s lives.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and educational new year!
