Dog Psychology Corner - Appearances can be Deceiving

By Dale McCluskey
www.k9pack.com

Appearances can be very deceiving when it comes to understanding the dog and human dynamic and even more so as it relates to how a dog’s decision making process is governed and influenced via this shared nature connection.  Our emotions play a critical role both with interpreting behavior and relationally through this connection.  When you add another layer in that physical response does not always represent “good behavior” or a like minded state as many attempt to promote via learning based script it can become very problematic for those seeking help with overcoming behavior problems.  What I clearly show is that context isn’t just something but rather everything when it comes to understanding behavior.  When it comes to emotion I show that it is no accident or coincidence that those who establish a more emotional connection with dogs also have the most behavior issues and problems.  On the physical response script level it is very difficult for many to reconcile behavior based on the issue of objectification of the owner.  This causes a reverse fulfillment based on the dog being empowered relationally via the owner while at the same time the owner feeling “loved” via this possessive attachment from the dog.  Within this interplay emotions create a destructive loop from which it is difficult to escape.  Unfortunately the majority of those who are overly emotionally connected to their dogs at this level seek out methods which fail to create the level of relational change needed to influence their dog’s decision making process.  Often so called balanced trainers are at differing points on the relational change spectrum which can be very problematic when it comes to creating relational change.  To understand the effectiveness of any given model one needs to step back and look at how the ideology being promoted combines with the methodology to advance relational change.   When looking at my relational model I make a critical distinction between relational and corrective influence when it comes to get from Point A to Point B in the relationship.  The most critical distinction of all is how I define training right out of the starting gate as an intervention.  While many continue to debate the issue of dominance and learning theory I suggest looking at the personality types of the owners for answers and how they are connecting with their dogs.