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Understanding Your Dog's Behavior: Tips from a Professional Trainer

Writer's picture: Nina BrochuNina Brochu

Are you puzzled by your dog's behavior? Do you wonder why they lunge, pull on the leash, or become anxious at the vet's office? In this blog post, we'll explore common canine behaviors and provide insights from a professional dog trainer to help you better understand and address these issues.


Why Does My Dog Lunge?


Dogs may lunge to warn someone or something to back off, often out of fear rather than aggression. This behavior typically occurs when previous signals have failed. For dogs not accustomed to city life, the bustling environment can be overwhelming, leaving them with a "fight" response. Imagine feeling trapped in a rough neighborhood late at night; it's a similar sensation for some dogs.


Others view the great outdoors as a thrilling amusement park, with potential new friends around every corner. When they spot someone offering an ear scratch or a new friend, they may go wild, barking and lunging to get attention. How you respond matters; if you joined in with excited signals, did the pulling bring them closer to their new friend, or did it end in frustration? Don't worry; your dog will keep trying to communicate their desires.


The key to addressing lunging is understanding your dog's threshold, the point at which a trigger prompts a reaction. Working within this threshold allows you to communicate effectively while keeping your dog's brain in a calm state, which is essential for learning.

Forcing your dog to accept a situation when they're panicking is counterproductive. Teaching your dog a choice and rewarding them within their comfort zone can help reduce lunging behavior.


Why Does My Dog Pull on the Leash?


Dogs usually pull on the leash because they've learned that it gets them where they want to be. Pulling forward can lead to meeting other dogs, people, or exploring interesting scents. To address leash pulling, teach your dog that pulling means they need to return to you, reducing frustration on both ends of the leash. Once they understand this concept, you can work on teaching them where to walk.


While walking with your dog, remember that it's their time to explore and unwind. Sniffing the environment is their version of checking social media and leaving "pee mail" messages. Using a front-clip harness can help manage leash pulling while you work on loose leash skills.


How Can I Teach Reliable Recall?


Having a dog with a reliable recall (coming when called) is crucial. You can make recall training a fun game, invoking a response similar to the excitement of an ice cream truck. Multiple recall cues can be developed, each with slightly different meanings. Practicing emergency recall with a high level of reinforcement ensures it becomes a lifesaving tool when needed.


Helping Your Dog at the Vet's Office


To make vet visits less stressful for your dog, start by making the vet's office a fun place. Take a few trips without any plans for a medical examination. If your dog gets anxious as you approach the office, start by making getting into the car an enjoyable experience. The goal is for your dog to walk into the office calmly and wait in the lobby without stress.


Science-Backed Dog Training


Effective dog training is based on methods aligned with how science has shown learning occurs in the brain. Using tools like clickers, which provide instant feedback to your dog about their correct behavior, can accelerate the learning process, strengthen the human-animal bond, and produce long-term recall. By teaching dogs that they have a choice and which choice leads to rewards, you can create positive experiences and foster enthusiastic learning.


What to Do About Counter Surfing?


Instead of pulling your dog away from counters when they're counter surfing, focus on teaching a redirection tool that helps them understand what is expected. If all the rewards happen at a lower level, like treats or toys on the ground, counter-tops become less appealing.


Making Guests' Arrival Less Stressful


The front door can be a source of frustration for many dog owners. To manage this, teach your dog that a person at the door is a cue to sit and wait at a boundary, making opening the door easier.


The Power of a Clicker


A clicker is a powerful tool for communicating with your dog. The sound of the click marks the moment your dog does something correctly, reinforcing the behavior and encouraging them to repeat it. Clickers can accelerate learning, improve recall, and foster enthusiasm for learning.


Cue vs. Command: Changing Your Language


The language you use can influence how you ask for behaviors from your dog. Instead of giving commands, use cues that offer opportunities for your dog to earn rewards. This encourages your dog to work with you willingly and makes training more enjoyable for both of you.


Do I Always Need Treats and a Clicker?


Treats and a clicker are essential during the teaching phase of a behavior. As your dog learns, the rewards can be gradually reduced. Your dog's motivation to learn varies, just like your motivation to work for different rewards. Understanding your dog's "pay scale" will help you choose the right incentives for training.


In conclusion, understanding your dog's behavior and using science-backed training methods can lead to more effective communication and a stronger bond between you and your furry companion. By working within your dog's comfort zone, offering cues instead of commands, and making training a positive experience, you can address common behavior issues and foster a harmonious relationship with your four-legged friend.

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