When we start to see the environment as a cause of the behaviour instead of looking for the cause inside the animal, we give ourselves a chance to influence it. We can take responsibility and empower ourselves to influence our dogs’ behaviour. Avoid labelling him as fearful or angry and see how the change of the environment changes his behaviour.

We don’t always behave in the same way. Nor we, nor our dogs.

Changing behaviour changes your emotions around it. You can become more resilient with practice.

Many dogs need to wear a buster collar (a cone) at least once in their lifetime. It’s very common to see a dog not wanting to wear it. It doesn’t have to stay this way though! After training, you get a dog that as soon as you get the buster collar out, he runs towards it and puts his head through! Now that’s a party trick right there!

Behaviour principles can be applied across the species. From animal training to personal development. Changing my behaviour changed the way I talk to myself. It can be applied to any new skill you would like to learn, I applied it to changing my diet. I’ve done it, you can do it too.

Animals just as much as humans are individuals with their own set of preferences and biases. What works for one will have no effect on the other. We can influence a positive change in the behaviour of any individual but the approach needs to take the individuality into consideration.

Focus on what you can give, even if it seems small. It’s not small for the individual you gifted. Seeing the dogs happy makes all the difference! Think about the fabulous time you can give those dogs that you can take out. Focus on the value you can provide. You can be a highlight of their day, it’s worth a lot!

Stay safe and enjoy your interactions with your dog that will keep your spirits high in this difficult time for many. The benefits you’ll get by influencing your dog’s behaviour is just a bonus.

I write about many things and it might seem chaotic. There is one thread in all of this. Behaviour. Behaviour is everywhere. No matter the species and situation. There are principles of behaviour that are being researched by the field of behaviour analysis. Let me shed some light on it.

Learning takes time. For us, humans and for the animals that we are teaching alike. While working with owners and their dogs, it’s not just the dog that needs to develop a new habit, it’s also the caregiver. When we expect too much from ourselves we can easily get discouraged. If you never used treats with your dog – it’s going to take time for you to build a habit around it. You might not see the change in your dog immediately but have you made the sustainable change in you first? It’s easy to blame the dog but for him creating a new habit can be equally challenging as it is for you.

Dogs had years and years of evolution to become a different species from wolves. I find it unfair for both of the species to keep comparing them according to the leader of the pack belief. I will continue to provide content for everyone who loves to learn more and is not settling on the status quo.