Why would we do that… teach a dog to be afraid? You would be amazed if you really stopped to think about what we actually teach our dogs to do, and we didn’t mean to! If there is a thunderstorm and your dog reacts in a negative way – shaking, crying, hiding –  he/she is immediately waiting for your response to his reaction. As humans, we have a natural reaction to provide what we would want – comfort. However, in the canine world, comforting is seen as a positive reinforcement for whatever is happening currently… In our example, the scared behavior. So, next time, skip the coddling and  show your dog the scary thing (a storm, fireworks, etc) is nothing to worry about. Clap your hands with a happy tone, break out the cookies and treats, and get your dog to think that every time a scary thing comes, treats rain from the sky!

Pay close attention to what you actually reinforce – I think you will react differently next time a storm rolls in!

Yours In Training,

Christine Fox

 
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wagntails.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/author-image.png[/author_image] [author_info]About the Author Christine Fox, APDT, CTDI and a Pet Sitters International member, is the founder of Wag ‘N’ Tails Dog Activity Center with two locations in Michigan. She has been involved with many pet dog trainer certification initiatives, all based on learning techniques that involve humane practices and the latest in scientific research. Christine also raised a service dog for Paws With a Cause and plans to train her newest pup in therapy work. Through her work with dogs and their parents, Christine has developed many happy and healthy relationships with both humans and dogs in the community.[/author_info] [/author]