Is Training The Solution To All Dog Behaviour Problems?

You may be struggling with this question when it comes to a certain behaviour with your dog. It's safe to assume that when there is a behaviour problem, most of us are wanting to address it so that it doesn't get out of hand. But, did you know that in some cases it's completely FINE and acceptable for you to simply choose prevention and/or management of that problem behaviour? Training is not the solution to all dog behaviour problems!

I'll explain...

Now, labelling behaviour good or bad isn't helpful because that is far too nuanced and this will vary from person to person depending on who you ask. I'm going to use "problematic" instead. Behaviour is something we should look at from the functional perspective vs moral, as animals do NOT have a moral compass. I digress...

Training has its place with our dogs but it's not the only option to solve problems.

What Is The Prevention & Management Approach?

I'll give a few examples, and no, it's never black and white.

1. Your dog barks at dogs and people walking past your front window in the house.

   Management & prevention could look like installing frosted window film halfway up the windows, moving furniture that your dog accesses to "patrol" or installing blinds that have the open to remain open at the top.

2. Your dog resource guards (without causing injury) their food bowl.

   Management & prevention could mean feeding them in an entirely different part of the house. It also could mean leaving them alone while they eat (which I encourage everyone to do regardless).

3. Your dog becomes reactive at pubs and patios (specific environments).

   You may want to just leave your dog at home! Not all dogs will be suitable for all environments. Do NOT think you have to train this "out" of your dog, often times this is not realistic anyways!

4. Your dog does not do well with on leash greetings.

   ADVISE YOU TO AVOID THEM! In my professional opinion this is something dog guardians should aim to implement at all costs, regardless of whether your dog is fine meeting other dogs on leash, the margin of error here is huge and it is not worth the risk to engage with unknown dogs while on leash.

Avoid on leash greetings at all costs with unknown dogs!

When To Manage & Prevent Problematic Behaviours

I'm referring to behaviours you'd like to change here.

Answer? Always.

Whenever humanly possible, preventing the rehearsal of the behaviour we are hoping to change is a key element in the behaviour change process. The more that a behaviour is rehearsed, the more likely it will become a pattern. So, it doesn't matter the seriousness of the behaviour, you should always have a prevention & management plan on board.

When To Use ONLY Prevention/Management

This is going to depend on some variables. I have created a flowchart below. Now, no matter what issue you are facing, engaging with a behaviour professional when you're in doubt is always a great idea!

Some people struggle with the thought of "just avoiding the problem", however, as I mentioned above, prevention & managements should ALWAYS be used if we don't want the behaviour to continue. There is pressure put on dog guardians to try to train away every issue that arises, and I'll tell you why; people have courses, products and services to SELL YOU! Do NOT feel pressured to "train" if avoidance or prevention is easiest, safest and the most realistic route to take!

In closing, I want you to take away some important messages:

1. You get to choose what to manage vs train when it comes to problematic behaviours

2. If the behaviour involves an injury to them-self or others (including dogs) then in addition to management & prevention you need to work with a professional because... (see point 3)

3. Management always fails at some point. We are human beings and there is a margin of error. So, if the behaviour is dangerous you must have a back-up plan so that no one gets hurt.

Get in touch if you'd like to work together on any problematic behaviours!