Training Troubles: Are Some Dogs Beyond Training?

The idea of an untrainable dog is a common misconception. While some dogs may be stubborn or dominant, there are no dogs that are completely untrainable. The key to training a dog is finding the right motivation for them to learn. For some dogs, this may be treats, toys, or praise, while for others, it may be the satisfaction of completing a task or pleasing their owner. Consistency and patience are also important factors in dog training. It is essential to create a calm and positive training environment, as dogs in a state of stress or fear will not learn effectively. Additionally, it is crucial to start with basic commands and gradually increase the difficulty, as well as provide sufficient exercise and routine to channel their energy positively.

Dogs with brain disorders or injuries may struggle with training

While all dogs can be trained, dogs with brain disorders or injuries may struggle with the process. Brain disorders can cause a range of issues, from physical problems to difficulties with cognition and following commands.

Brain disorders in dogs can be caused by genetic disorders, cancer, trauma, and toxins. For example, brain tumours may cause seizures or behavioural changes, while ingesting toxins like chocolate or antifreeze can lead to seizures, stumbling, and a lack of coordination.

Traumatic brain injuries in dogs can be caused by severe hyperthermia or hypothermia, abnormally low blood glucose, prolonged seizures or shock, infections involving the nervous system, and immune-mediated diseases. Symptoms of brain injuries include spontaneous loss of consciousness, abnormal posture or irregular movements, bleeding inside the eye, and abnormal heart functions.

Veterinarians can diagnose brain disorders and injuries through a combination of physical examinations, bloodwork, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, or intensive care to normalise body temperature and blood pressure and prevent hypoxia.

In addition to brain disorders and injuries, some dogs may struggle with training due to other neurological disorders that affect their nervous system. These issues can cause symptoms such as lack of coordination, unusual eye movements, head tilting, muscle tremors, and weakness. Neurological disorders can be caused by genetic factors, cancer, trauma, and toxins, and they may require medication, surgery, or lifestyle modifications as treatment.

Overall, while it is important to recognise that brain disorders, injuries, and other neurological issues can impact a dog's ability to learn and follow commands, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment for the dog's specific condition.

Calm, positive training environments are essential

It is vital for dog owners to create a calm, positive training environment. Punishing a dog for making a mistake or failing to learn can lead to anxiety and fear of the owner, which can result in aggression or submissive behaviour.

Dogs in a state of stress or fear will not learn, so it is important to train dogs in times of calm. It is also crucial to find the right motivation for the dog to learn. For example, some dogs are not food-motivated and may prefer a favourite toy as a reward.

Training should be consistent, and it is important to reinforce the behaviours that you want to see in your dog. Rewarding quiet, calm, and non-demanding behaviours with play, affection, and attention will help to shape a dog's behaviour.

Training should be approached with patience and positivity. Dogs will respond better to consistent, positive reinforcement than physical punishment or being yelled at.

It is also important to note that dogs with psychological impairments, such as fear or stress, may struggle with learning. In these cases, it is crucial to address the underlying anxiety or fear as part of the training process.

Exercise, routine, and early training can prevent unruly behaviour

Exercise, routine, and early training are key to preventing unruly behaviour in dogs.

Exercise

Dogs are naturally energetic and excitable, particularly when they are young. It is important to ensure that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. This will help to prevent destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging, and barking, as well as calming overly excitable dogs.

Routine

A daily routine with sufficient exercise, chewing outlets, and training can help to prevent unruly behaviour. This includes basic obedience training, such as teaching your dog to sit, stay, and follow commands. It is also important to teach your dog how to relax and settle in a safe location, helping them to learn self-control.

Early Training

The importance of early training cannot be overstated. Waiting until your dog is 6 months old to begin training can allow disobedient behaviours to take hold. Puppies may be excitable, difficult to control, or hard to train, but this is not considered excessive given their age and the time required to adequately train them. Early training can help to channel a puppy's behaviour in the correct direction.

Training Techniques

It is important to note that reprimanding or punishing your dog for misbehaviour is often ineffective and can lead to fear or aggression. Instead, focus on reinforcing calm, settled behaviour and training your dog to exhibit the behaviour you want. For example, if your dog is chewing something they shouldn't, get their attention and replace the item with a chew toy.

Additionally, avoid giving attention, even as a form of reprimand, to unwanted behaviours. This includes not only physical attention but also verbal attention, such as saying "bad dog". Instead, ignore the unwanted behaviour and reward the behaviour you want to see.

Other Tips

• Crate training can be useful for preventing unwanted behaviours, such as barking at the door or getting in the way of intimacy.
• Keep personal items away from your dog and, when you are not home, keep them crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused.
• Dedication and attention to detail are important when addressing unwanted behaviours. Consistency and patience are key.
• If your dog is exhibiting aggressive tendencies, consult your vet first as it may be related to a health problem.

Reinforce calm, settled behaviour instead of punishing undesirable behaviour

While it may be tempting to scold your dog for undesirable behaviour, this is not an effective way to train your dog. Punishment may lead to anxiety, fear of the owner, and problems such as aggression or submissive urination. It may also be interpreted as attention, which can be rewarding for your dog.

Instead, the key to changing excitable and disobedient dogs into calmer, better-behaved pets is to reinforce calm, settled behaviour. This means rewarding quiet, calm, and non-demanding behaviours with play, affection, and attention. Demanding, jumping up, or excitable behaviours should be met with inattention.

For example, if your dog is barking at you for attention, wait for them to stop and the second they stop, give them a treat. If they stay quiet, give them more treats. If they start barking again, turn away and ignore them.

Another example is if your dog is jumping up at you. Instead of pushing them away or scolding them, teach them to sit and then reward them for sitting.

It is also important to avoid accidentally rewarding undesirable behaviour. For example, if your dog is barking at you and you give them a treat to try and stop the behaviour, this can actually reinforce the barking as they are getting what they want.

In addition, it is important to teach your dog what you want them to do instead of the undesirable behaviour. For example, if you want your dog to stop jumping up at you when you come home, teach them to sit and then reward them for sitting when you come in.

By reinforcing calm, settled behaviour and teaching your dog what you want them to do, you can effectively train your dog without resorting to punishment.

Training should be tailored to the dog's needs

Dog training is a big time commitment and it takes plenty of patience. Training can be a huge benefit for dogs of all ages and can help address certain behaviours. Training classes can help your dog learn new skills, but they can also be a great way to enrich your dog's daily life and build a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Dog training isn't one-size-fits-all. It can be focused on improving specific behaviours or teaching you about your dog's specific breed and their needs. For example, if you have a dog who is bred to dig, your trainer may help you find an outlet for digging at home, like a sandbox in the yard.

There are two options to choose from when enrolling in dog training classes: group classes or private one-on-one sessions. Private sessions are usually reserved for dogs who display aggressive behaviours towards humans or other animals, separation anxiety, resource guarding, fearful behaviour, or more severe behaviour concerns.

Virtual training is also an option, where you can learn the basics of dog psychology from the comfort of your home. This option is typically one hour in duration and will go over your pain points to come up with a strategy that works for your particular situation.

The key to a good dog is a well-trained dog. When you train together, an unspoken language builds between you through words, hand signals, whistles, and other methods.

Frequently asked questions