Dogs come into our lives, and we bring them into homes. A species we domesticate them now living and learning how to navigate in a human world. Often when behavior problems show up it is the lack of needs not being met.
When we have routines in our daily lives, dogs learn what is predictable. In the early morning, many of us fix a morning meal for our dogs. The dog hears the bag open; the scent of the food is in the air. The dog predicts food will soon be delivered and fresh water is suppled in a bowl. Maybe you have time to take your dog for a short walk before work or this may just be some time in the backyard. Whatever you do before you head off to your job, the dog is learning. The leash being pulled off of a hook or from the area you keep it, the dog is learning what will happen next. They learn you are involved in all of this.
Telling a dog "I will be back" becomes a cue, they start to understand. When you walk out the door and you are consistent, your dog begins to understand. Communication with your dog is very important.
Predictably is establishing how things work in our human world. It's much like teaching a child what we do at dinner time. I remember those days; my mom would ask me to help in the kitchen. A routine of first washing my hands before handling the food. We teach our dogs how things are going to work also. They are not just going to know how things work without our help. As you are teaching your dog, be mindful to be clear and consistent.
Prepare meals at the same time each day. Be consistent on how you deliver the meal. This helps your dog to have a better understanding and predictability. Daily enrichment is also important and use phrases. I often use food tossing in the early a.m. and cue the dog "find it" this gives the dog some early mind stimulation and can be enriching as the dog usually finds another interested scent on the ground. Allowing your dog to sniff on a walk, can be put on a cue word also.
In the evening when you come home from work, be consistent with feeding and any routine you do with your dog. It's a routine you develop with your dog, but in your dog's mind it is like a pattern. Your dog learns "how things work" in your human world.
Being a pet dog in our 21st century is different than being dog many years ago. That had jobs to do and was actually used for a purpose. Today they live with us in our homes as pets. Often behavior problems start because of the lack of needs not being met.
Until next time!
© 2024 Mecca Curtice CDBC Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, Sheboygan, WI.
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