31/05/2025
Following on from the post about 'Too Much Freedom' (which is best to read before this post, link at the bottom of the page)
Setting Boundaries
I recently discussed how too much freedom is probably the leading cause of behavioural issues in dogs.
I’d like to talk about how to prevent the issues that arise with too much freedom and how to set appropriate boundaries.
We all need boundaries.
It’s a fact of life. If we don’t know where the boundaries are, how can we—or our dogs in this case—understand what is acceptable and what isn’t? Lack of consistent boundaries can lead to confusion, especially if certain behaviours are allowed as puppies and then lead to being scolded later in life due to safety or welfare concerns, or distress when not being able to exhibit behaviours usually allowed under different circumstances.
Dogs can contextualise situations, meaning they know that certain things happen one way in specific contexts and differently in others. However, these boundaries still need to be learned.
It's generally easier to relax the rules as your dog matures and has already learnt to behave appropriately than to try to establish boundaries that have been non-existent for the first months of living with a family.
As those who've trained with me know, I enjoy using analogies to explain behaviour and socialisation. For instance, implementing a boundary with two six-year-olds giggling in the corner during art class would differ significantly from addressing five 22-year-old tradies who haven’t shown up for work on a Monday for the sixth time due to hangovers!.
In both cases, you would begin with gentle boundaries—using interruption, communication according to their understanding, redirection, and rewards for the correct behaviour— This would probably work immediately for the 6 year olds, however, with the older set, who this has already failed with and who already know what is unacceptable, you would escalate to more serious, possibly aversive measures. This would still be done in increments.
A common behavioural issue due to a lack of early boundaries is when dogs get overly excited as someone comes to the door, or when they drag their owners to meet other dogs or people while on walks.
For the first few months of a puppy's life in its new home, visitors probably come by frequently to admire the adorable new addition, resulting in a lot of stimulation—petting, treats, and cuddles. With all this attention, the puppy learns that jumping and being overly excited at the door is a way to receive attention. As the puppy grows older and the novelty wears off, this overexcitement becomes problematic.
Clients often say, “My dog misbehaves because it jumps all over everyone who comes to the house.” If I had ten pounds for every time I heard this, I could afford a new van! However, when I explain the reasons behind the behaviour, it becomes clear that we have inadvertently taught the puppy to act this way due to a lack of rules regarding greeting visitors and other dogs from the outset. If we could train our dogs as consistently and effectively as we inadvertently do when it comes to excitement at the door, we would all be excellent dog trainers!
Once new rules, protocols, and boundaries are established, the behaviour can change, and the issue of overexcitement is resolved. However, we should never jump directly to punishment for this behaviour. The dog typically does not even realise it shouldn’t be acting this way, and we have actively encouraged it.
Considerations for Implementing Boundaries with Dogs
1. **Understanding the Dog's Knowledge**: Assess the dog’s level of comprehension regarding what you're asking. Is this behaviour something the dog is encountering for the first time, whether as a normal environmental behaviour or a response to a command?
2. **Behavioural Training**: Are you teaching a new command or altering an existing behaviour? Has the dog been fully trained and proofed, or is this a behaviour you have been modifying for some time?
3. **Approach to Setting Boundaries**: Establishing boundaries should not be aggressive, prolonged, or frightening. Instead, they should mainly involve interruption and redirection, followed by a reward for the desired behaviour. However, the interruptions may need to be stronger as a dog matures and realises there is more reward for following a behaviour they have a strong drive for. We can't ‘out reward’ every behaviour!
4. **Gentle Learning**: Boundaries don’t need to be scary or painful.
Other Factors Influencing Dog Behaviour
1. **Genetic Predisposition**: Certain breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as aggression or anxiety.
2. **Maternal influences,** including the mother’s health and behaviour during pregnancy and while rearing pups, can impact a puppy's temperament.
3. **Early Socialisation**: Lack of appropriate socialisation during puppyhood can result in fear, anxiety, and aggression in adulthood. Adverse experiences during this critical period can lead to behavioural problems, even in otherwise well-socialised dogs.
4. **Environmental Factors**: Stressful changes and traumatic events, such as accidents, attacks, or abuse, can contribute to behavioural issues, including fear or aggression.
5. **Medical Conditions**: Physical ailments like pain, allergies, or hormonal imbalances(e.g., hypothyroidism) can cause irritability, aggression, or other behavioural changes. It is important to rule out medical causes before attributing behavioural issues to other factors.
6. **Additional Factors**: Boredom and a lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behaviours. Miscommunication between the owner and the dog can also result in undesirable actions.
By understanding these potential causes, dog owners can take proactive steps to address behavioural issues. This includes appropriate boundaries from the beginning, early socialisation, consistent training, seeking veterinary care for medical conditions, and addressing environmental stressors.
Too Much Freedom; https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1293836482743718&set=a.458933302900711
