But I Don't Want My Dog To Be A Robot!

But I Don’t Want My Dog To Be A Robot!

On Good Behavior LLC

When people call me for help, the first thing they always tell me is how great their dog is: he loves everyone, snuggles with their toddler, plays nicely with the neighbor’s dog, and then there is always a ‘BUT’. That thing that Buddy does that makes it hard to live with him. Sometimes this is something that is just annoying like barking out the window while other times it’s something that could be dangerous like lunging at passing cars, but no matter how dire the situation, many people who call me are clearly hesitant about starting training. They know they should train their dog, but they are afraid that in teaching their dog to behave, they will lose that special spark that makes Buddy, Buddy. Or as they tell me, “He doesn’t need to be perfect and I don’t want a robot dog!”

I’m happy to reassure them that with positive training, they have nothing to worry about. I don’t want to see their dog turn into a sad robot either. But I do want their dog to learn to be civilized. To be on good behavior when needed.

Cash Tugging On His Leash Like A Nut!

Default canine behavior is much like default human toddler behavior: MINE, NOW, I WANT IT! Just like we teach little kids the basics of functioning politely in society, we need to teach dogs how to greet people politely, how to walk past other dogs and people on the street, how to behave when dinner is being served etc. Training should be thought of more like education. It broadens possibilities for your dog rather than limiting them. Well trained dogs are easy to travel with and easy to bring with you on errands or to a friend’s house. Well trained dogs get to have more fun!

My dogs are well trained, but they still do all kinds of silly, happy doggy things. I roll around on the floor with them and play games of I’m gonna get you. Cash loves to play tug of war with his leash and quite often I let him tug his way to the front door. If I’m in a hurry and don’t have time or patience for his happy tugging antics, I can ask him to leave it and to sit politely to have his leash put on. If I have the time, I find his tugging and bouncing funny. Training gives me a choice, but it doesn’t in any way make Cash a robot, just a much more enjoyable companion.

Cash Sitting Politely For His Leash

On a more sober note, there sadly are some dogs who have been trained to act like robots. Dogs who have been trained primarily through punishment (including all the various remote controlled collars no matter how ‘gentle’) learn that the safest thing to do is to do nothing. Punishment, by definition, suppresses behavior and dogs who have experienced a lot of punishment just do less. Yes, that means they do less jumping on people and couches, but they also do less rolling around looking for belly rubs, chasing butterflies, and bringing you slimy tennis balls. Poorly timed punishment can result in learned helplessness (remember that one from Psych class?) and a dog who gives up on trying to engage you and have fun. Now that would be sad!

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