There are paradigm-shifts at work in the field of dog training these days – and one way to hasten this transformation is by changing the words humans use to describe their relationship with dogs and the training process more generally. I wanted to identify some key verbal shifts reflecting this new understanding. 

Changed words signify a reality that more closely emulates the partnership that I envision for the dog-human bond. 

So here are my New Year’s (verbal) Resolutions for dog training:

INSTEAD OF “Attention-seeking” (as in attention-seeking behaviors), there is “Connection-seeking.”

INSTEAD OF “Nuisance” behaviors (as in countersurfing, destroying the flower beds and eviscerating couch pillows), there are relief-seeking outlets for innate canine behaviors such as chewing, scavenging & digging.

INSTEAD OF “Just a dog,” there is “What a dog” recognizing that dogs are sentient beings with a rich emotional life & cognitive abilities on a par with humans.

INSTEAD OF “My dog needs to do what I say because I say it,” we substitute “My dog should have a say in what is happening to him/her.” This is otherwise known as agency.

INSTEAD OF micromanaging a dog’s every move as the remedy for  “reactive” behavior, we give dogs the time and space to process environmental information safely and in their own way.

INSTEAD OF dog behavior training defined as “Stopping unwanted behaviors” (a quote from a dog training business website), dog training becomes an exercise in mutual learning and INTERSPECIES COOPERATION.

Thanks to Laura Donaldson for advocating for our canine companions. Retrieved from Internet 2024