12/07/2022
Well said!
Behavior Modification takes time- whether we are talking going to the gym as something we do 5 times a week and making it a 'habit', or whether we are talking about changing your dogs emotional response to something.
Often your dog has rehearsed this for a while, and is really good at the undesired behavior you wish would 'just go away'.
It is tempting to reach for 'quick fixes' to these behaviors.
I truly understand.
Thats why it's tempting to sign up for plastic surgery, do a crash or fad diet rather than embark on a lifestyle upheaval commitment of diet and exercise!
Not many of us want to do it the hard way- and we want results 'now'!
But a lot of the 'quick fixes', that seem to work at first, are not always what they seem. There are things that affect the dog deeply. And it can often take time, maturity, the 'right' (or wrong) environment or releasing stimuli (and many other factors) that will show us the long term affect of some of these 'quick fixes'.
We have often not just suppressed the behavior (which is why they seem to work so fast- super attractive for us in society today!), but we frequently have fallout to deal with.
And often, it is not good. Often, it is very dangerous.
Sometimes quick fixes are too good to be true.
Just like 'getting fit and leading a healthier life', canine behavior change takes time, effort and commitment to working with your dog.
And both of those things are often achieved with a qualified trainer on a carefully laid out, personalized plan.
Your dogs behavior is as individual as you are!
Sometimes you can achieve what you are wanting with consistent use of short sessions and quickly, just like 8 minute abs! But you need the whole plan to achieve goals- 8 minute abs wont work if you are consuming 5 chocolate sheet cakes a day...
So , just like the grapefruit diet won't lead to longterm health and wellness, using aversive tools probably won't lead to longterm mental or behavioral wellness with your dog.
Choose carefully.
