06/06/2024
100%.
•☆• Are you Enabling Your Dog? •☆•
Being an enabler means unintentionally reinforcing unwanted behaviors in your dog. If you reward your dog with attention, petting, or treats when they’re anxious, fearful, or overly excited, you are only reinforcing those states of mind.
❤️ You Get What You Pet ❤️
For example, comforting a scared dog during a thunderstorm might seem helpful, but it actually reinforces their fear. Instead, wait until your dog is calm & relaxed before giving affection. If this doesn't work, try to get them walking around or do try doing something physical like Doggy Push ups ("Sit", "Down", "Sit", "Down", etc). Just get their body moving. 9 times out of 10, if you can get their body moving, the brain will follow instead of getting stuck & shutting down.
Set clear boundaries & be consistent. If you don't want your dog to jump on guests, make sure everyone follows the same rule. Mixed signals can confuse your dog & reinforce bad habits.
Remember, timing is everything in dog training. Reward the behaviors you want to see more of & avoid reinforcing those you don’t. By setting clear boundaries & being mindful of your responses, you can help your dog develop into a well-behaved companion.
⚠️ Did You Know? ⚠️
Chronic anxiety, stress & fear can negatively impact a dog's overall health & potentially shorten its lifespan. Just like in humans, prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol can lead to a range of health issues in dogs, including weakened immune function, gastrointestinal problems, & heart disease. Additionally, stress & anxiety can lead to behavioral issues that might result in a lower quality of life.
Dogs, by nature, prefer to feel safe & secure, & it is our job to teach them proper coping skills in order to achieve that. They don’t enjoy being in states of anxiety, stress, or fear. These feelings can cause significant discomfort & can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or aggression.
Ensuring your dog leads a calm, happy, & stress-free life through proper training, desensitization, regular exercise, mental stimulation, & setting clear boundaries can contribute to their long-term health & longevity. By recognizing & addressing the sources of stress, anxiety & fear in your dog's life, you can help them live a stress free, more enjoyable life together.