BEHAVIOR
the ABCs: why dogs behave the way they do
what
Something happens (Antecedent); this results in a Behavior of the dog; there is a Consequence to the behavior.
If the consequence is something the dog likes, the behavior will increase.
If the consequence is something the dog does not like, the behavior will decrease.
These rules are at work all the time, when we manipulate outcomes for the dog and and also when we let things play out naturally.
When we add things the dog does not like (such as a startling noise, or taking a toy away) with the goal behavior change, this generally works to suppress/subvert behavior. It does not change the need (A) for the behavior, however. This strategy can therefore decrease the dog’s motivation, lessen trust, and increase frustration, among other fallout.
Using things the dog likes to change behavior (such as giving a treat every time the dog lays down on their bed) is usually a better way to work on behavior change, because there are no serious fallout results. This strategy may not work very well if the learning environment is too hard, if the job is too hard or if the reward (consequence) is not very motivating for the learner. Remember, a reward is only a reward in the eyes of the receiver.
Dogs are learning all the time! Even if you are not in ‘training mode’, the dog learns through repetition and predictable patterns.
Remember, the environment is full of reinforcers. Food is only one reinforcer that motivates your dog. so if your dog keeps behaving in a certain way, there is probably a reinforcer somewhere.
By understanding the ABCs, you can become a detective and start to understand what is shaping and motivating your dog's behavior, and how to create consequences to your dogs behavior that work WITH you to get a relationship of cooperation and mutual understanding. Here’s an article if you are interested!
how
Prevent unwanted behavior as much as you can (we are what we do!). This creates good habits…anticipate what may be too hard for your dog and arrange the environment so they do not practice old habits and undesired behavior.
Redirect (not this, that!) kindly and gently remove the dog when your dog does something that is unwanted – Stop the behavior as soon as possible, so it is not practiced a lot; then think about what you can learn about how you can prevent it later, and what you would prefer.
Reward generously when the dog does what you want them to do even if it's not looking perfect yet and even when it’s not training time.
NEXT SECTION: how dogs learn
