03/06/2024
Think 50% conditioning/and or training, and 50% relationship is my advice to my students with dogs with behaviour issues. Initially they are always a little suprised when I seem to be placing a lower emphasis on actual training drills then they would expect, because their thinking is that they will be able to train the behaviour issue out of by simply doing all training exercises drills.
When it comes to behaviour issues; often a huge component of it is is relationship based with their favorite people who they share their world with. This is so common because dogs act differently with different family members, in different homes, at different settings, etc. For example I am frequently told by dog groomers and boarding facilities that dogs come in who are so called reactive, or aggressive to either dogs, and/or people. Yet with the groomers the dog shows good social skills and is even socializing well with the dogs around it. How is this? (www.thepackway.com)
Dogs are always trying to determine if they feel safe, or where they fit/what is expected of them. A lot of behaviour issues stem from a dog feeling/nervous, stressed, on edge, or a dog not sure where it fits socially/trying to find itself or what is expected of them.
By working on the relationship we have with our dogs, through relationship building and molding in addiction to actual training drills/conditioning exercises we are helping out dogs become overcome their stressors. Because a lot component of behaviour issue has a relationship based component.
