In case you wondered about the blog radio silence, here is why. I am now a certified transformational coach! What has this got to do with dogs you might say. Well, the longer I am looking at unwanted dog behaviour, the more I come to the conclusion that often it is not the dog’s fault.
The clue is in the term ‘unwanted’. Unwanted by whom? Humans. So ‘unwanted’ is a very human-centred point of view. Without human intervention a dog usually follows their instincts and does what is beneficial to them. As they are a different species to us humans this can be vastly different from what humans expect and do.
However, due to their long history of domestication dogs are experts at reading human emotions. They are also completely reliant on humans in almost every aspect of their lives. That makes them very tuned in to human behaviour. Dogs often adapt their own behaviour in order to better get along with us. Sometimes they react in ways we don’t understand when we are asking too much of them.
How we live our lives today, many people are time-poor. The longer I think about it the more I come to the conclusion that this is the root cause behind most problem behaviours in dogs. People work, have families, a household, friends, hobbies and other commitments - often demanding their attention all at the same time. They love dogs. They want to have one in their lives. But realistically their time is limited. They can’t do everything they want. They need to prioritise. Or they stretch themselves in different directions and try to do everything at once. Often that is when a dog’s needs are no longer met.
If a dog’s needs are not met, problem behaviours arise. In that they are no different to us humans (and other non-human animals). Anxiety increases. Other outlets become a substitute for what is missing. Aggression can manifest itself, either as a form of protection or a way of coping. Feelings of powerlessness can lead to learned helplessness and emotional shutdown.
Often humans in their busyness don't even realise that their dog is struggling. They miss the little signs because their attention is elsewhere. It's only when visible problems such as destructiveness, reactiveness or excessive barking occur that they notice and start to take action to address the problem. Often then the objective is to stop the unwanted behaviour as quickly as possible, with little thought about why the problem exists. If a reason is found, it is often believed to be outside the dog-human relationship, i.e. environmental. That's understandable. Most people prefer looking outside of themselves for answers to being introspective because it relieves them from taking personal responsibility for what is happening. Yet looking at their own behaviour gives them the unique opportunity to bring about changes that are entirely in their own power to achieve. Often the environment can't be influenced. But one's own attitudes and actions can.
That's why I start every behaviour consultation with a discussion of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs (you can find out more about this in the Resources section of my website), asking the dog's human to think carefully about whether their dog's needs are being met and whether they can do anything to improve what they are already doing. I also ask them to make a conscious effort to spend more quality time with their dog and actively work on the connection they have with their dog. That's because a safe attachment and trust are two of the most important prerequisites for a successful relationship (not just with dogs).
However, even if they want to and love their dog dearly, not everyone can do this without help. That's ok. That's where a good behaviour consultant comes in. A canine behaviour consultant qualified in human coaching is even better. They can help the human reassess their thoughts, beliefs and attitudes and help them make the necessary changes that put them on the road to achieving a better relationship with their dog. That's exactly what a human coach can do. And that's why I decided to become one.
Human coaching is a natural extension of and builds on the skills I acquired during many years of teaching and tutoring in adult higher education. During this time I met and supported many inspirational people who decided to transform their lives through education later in their lives, sometimes without previous formal educational qualifications. Some changed jobs, some went on do postgraduate degrees, but most came away with a new sense of achievement and the necessary tools to go where they wanted in life. That's what I call transformative.
I am now transferring these skills to my work as canine behaviour consultant and hope to achieve at least a little of what mentoring, motivation and professional support can do in open education. If you need help in this area do get in touch. As a transformational coach I offer support for dogs and their humans. I am accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) so you know you are dealing with a certified coaching professional.
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