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Understanding and Managing Human Expectations of Our Beloved Dogs
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I often get asked, what is the hardest breed to train...honest answer....humans! The hardest thing in my role as a dog trainer is managing the humans expectations of their dogs. For example, sit is one of the first things that we teach or dogs, however does the dog always want to sit in every situation...probably not! would you like to sit on a cold, hard, wet or muddy floor?
Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, offering us unconditional love and joy. However, as much as we cherish our furry friends, our expectations of them can sometimes be unrealistic. Recognizing and managing these expectations is key to nurturing a healthy relationship between humans and dogs. This blog post will explore the common expectations we have of our dogs, the motivations behind these views, and how we can shift our mindset for a more fulfilling bond.
The Nature of Dogs
Dogs are unique beings with distinct instincts, behaviours, and needs. They are not just pets; they are sentient creatures with emotions and personalities.
Over generations, dogs have been bred for different roles, such as herding, hunting, and companionship. Each breed comes with its unique traits. For example, a Border Collie, bred for herding, typically has high energy and a keen desire to work, while a Bulldog tends to be more relaxed and lower in activity. By recognising these differences, we can set realistic expectations for our dogs' behaviour and abilities based on their breed and personality. For instance, expecting a Greyhound to play fetch for hours may not be realistic compared to an energetic Labrador, which thrives on playtime.
Common Human Expectations
Many of us have certain expectations when it comes to our dogs. Here are some widespread ones that can sometimes be misaligned with a dog's natural behaviour:
Obedience: We often want our dogs to follow what we ask without hesitation. While proper training is vital, dogs may struggle to understand commands, particularly in distracting environments. For example, a dog may sit on command at home but ignore the command in a busy park full of exciting scents and sounds.
Socialization: We might expect our dogs to be friendly and get along with every person and animal they encounter. However, some breeds, like the Chow Chow or Shiba Inu, tend to be more aloof by nature. They may need gradual socialisation to feel comfortable, rather than forcing interactions that could lead to stress.
Affection: While most dogs show affection, not all are naturally cuddly or eager for physical contact. Breeds like the Basset Hound might enjoy your company without being overly affectionate. It’s essential to respect each dog's boundaries to ensure they feel safe.
Behaviour in Public: We may expect our dogs to be well-behaved in public spaces. However, dogs can easily become overwhelmed by new sights, sounds, and smells, which can lead to anxiety or excitement. For instance, a dog that is calm at home may bark on a busy street because of the multitude of stimuli it encounters.
The Impact of Unrealistic Expectations
Holding unrealistic expectations of our dogs can lead to frustration and disappointment. This can negatively affect our relationship. When we expect our dog to be compliant without consistent training, we may feel angry or upset when they don’t act as we desire. This frustration can lead to negative interactions that harm our bond.
Additionally, such expectations can stress our dogs. If they constantly feel pressured to meet our demands, it can cause stress and behavioural issues. Understanding that dogs have emotions and thoughts, just like humans, is essential for fostering a supportive environment.
Adjusting Our Mindset
To cultivate a more harmonious relationship with our dogs, we must adjust our mindset and expectations. Here are some practical tips for managing your expectations:
Educate Yourself: Learn about your dog's breed and personality. Understanding their natural instincts can help you set realistic behaviour expectations. For instance, a high-energy breed like a Border Collie thrives on mental and physical stimulation.
Practice Patience: Training requires time, and each dog learns at their own pace. Be patient and celebrate small victories in their training journey, such as when they pass a dog calmly on walks.
Embrace Individuality: Recognise that every dog is unique and may have different social needs. Appreciate your dog's individual personality.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement: Instead of punishing undesirable behaviours, emphasise rewarding positive actions. This method encourages dogs to repeat good behaviour and strengthens your relationship.
Set Realistic Goals: Instead of striving for perfection, create achievable training and behaviour goals. This approach helps maintain a positive outlook during your training journey.
The Role of Training
Training is crucial in managing our expectations of dogs. It helps them learn commands and builds a strong bond between you and your pet. Here are some effective training tips:
Start Early: Begin training as soon as you bring your dog home. Puppies are generally more receptive to learning, and early socialisation helps prevent behavioural issues later on.
Consistency is Key: Use the same cues consistently during training. This helps your dog understand the behaviours you expect.
Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief and engaging. Incorporate rewards or play to make learning enjoyable for your dog.
Seek Professional Help: If you're facing challenges with training or behaviour issues, consider consulting a professional reward-based dog trainer that uses positive reinforcement. They can offer tailored techniques that resonate with your dog's specific needs.
Celebrating Our Furry Friends
Managing our expectations of dogs is essential for fostering a healthy and happy relationship. By understanding their nature, recognising common expectations, and adjusting our mindset, we create a more harmonious environment for ourselves and our furry companions.
Dogs are family members deserving of love, respect, and understanding. Appreciate their individuality, practice patience, and enjoy the journey of companionship. By focusing on positive reinforcement, we can build a strong bond with our dogs that lasts a lifetime. Let’s celebrate our furry friends for who they are and savour every moment spent together!
Remember no human is perfect, so let's stop expecting dogs to be perfect!
