Processing information – understanding how our dog learns
We process information based on a few main elements,
Our individual personality and preference – learned behaviour
Influence
Sight
Sound
Smell
Energy
Some of our senses are acute, some less so. As humans, we may have lost some of our natural instinctual behaviour, or at least be less aware.
There are a lot of relatable traits and synergy between human and canine behaviour.
Dog’s senses are superior to our own in many ways, and dog’s function through sheer instinct and impulse, compared to our capacity of intellect in process and decision making.
This is not to say that dogs don’t, like lots of animals make considered choices based largely on the option of survival, preference, or gain.
I would much prefer a volunteer rather than a conscript. This simply means, I look at how individual dogs process information and their preferences for what they enjoy and respond too most.
This way it’s easier and more enjoyable to affect learning in an individual dog.
The process will take time regardless of the age of a dog. Age, breed type, gender (hormones) will all be factors in this process.
Things to think about when training/communicating with dogs,
Think about your energy – slow down to help your dog slow down and calm.
The environment will affect your dog’s attention to you
Young puppies will be slightly short sighted. And in any case, when introducing new behaviours, it’s a good idea to be close and obvious with your physical cues
Use a tasty treat in your closed palm to simply lure your dog, a good start and build for future training.
What type of toy does your dog enjoy playing with, preference for certain games. This is useful to know because play is a vital part of canine learning and wellbeing.
These are just some areas to consider when we approach dog training, canine learning, and our relationship with them.
In my experience, dog training has many elements, and after all - affective communication is the point to developing relationships and effective leadership. If we get this right, this only serves to enhance or relationships with these amazing sentient beings.
I have witnessed the power of dogs in many working roles, including leaning assistance roles within schools where dogs play a key role in day-to-day child learning and wellbeing.
It’s no accident dogs love and thieve in these roles, they have natural tendencies and preferences which lend so well to their innate skill at building relationships.
They are often experts in reading, feeling, and processing our emotions which helps them communicate with us, if we apply the same in our approach to understanding dogs this will be hugely beneficial.
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