| Correcting undesirable behavior | Tips Index |
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Because of our ability to communicate, we can explain to each other how to alter future consequences by changing our behaviors. But dogs, like a two-year-old child, only understand the moment. A pup’s mom doesn’t explain to her youngster that his behavior is out of line. One quick, well- placed and aptly timed snap will get her point across very effectively. George just brought home a beautiful yellow lab pup. Full of energy, George has placed all his hunting dreams in young Hopeful. He spent his first afternoon bonding with Hopeful and is pleasantly surprised at how quickly his pup learned the initial training. "He knows his name. In just one day!" George proudly tells his buddy that evening on the phone. (What kind of learner do we have? What personality?) Monday morning George is off to work. Hopeful is left in the house, alone, to produce his own entertainment. At first, the stuffed toy and little chew stick George left amuse him, but this only lasts a short while. He discovers the garbage. It smells good, tastes interesting but ultimately upsets his stomach. |
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George comes home around 4pm after a long day at work to a house decorated courtesy of Hopeful. The pup runs to greet George who had a terrible day at work and this is the last straw. He hurls his anger toward the pup. Poor Hopeful, confused about the shouting, hides under the couch and tries to figure out what made that nice guy so mad. Later that evening of coarse, they make up.
But Hopeful is smarter than old George, ‘cause George makes the same mistake Tuesday that he did on Monday
and again leaves the pup up to his own devises. George believes that Hopeful has learned his lessons from
the day before and certainly won’t make that mistake again. Yet at 4pm, George walks through door to another mess. However, our very smart pup looks at George, feels the building anger and slinks under the
couch to avoid the yelling man. George interprets the pup’s disappearance as an admission of guilt and is
now certain the pup knows what he has done wrong. Though Hopeful isn’t sure what the yelling is about,
knows leaving the room can turn it off. George’s poor timing and lecture style correction have set the
stage for a vicious negative cycle. Left unchecked, Hopeful will loose his faith in George. The lack of a
trusting relationship will undermine George’s future training and ultimately his dreams.
Moral of the story: Correct undesirable behaviors timely and appropriately.
Sub moral: Never leave a puppy unattended in the house.
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