What is predictability and why is it important?
Predictability refers to the likelihood that something will occur as expected. Predictability contributes to emotional comfort and prevents frustration.
How can I provide predictability for my dog?
Establishing a consistent routine is one way to provide predictability. For example, if you regularly play with your dog at 3 p.m., or always after your yoga class, your dog can learn to wait patiently. He can lie quietly by the door or near his toy bin. But if your dog is not certain when he will finally get an opportunity to play, he may try to get your attention by barking or pawing at you.
These demanding behaviors can become disruptive, particularly if they occur while you are trying to relax or get some work done. In addition, demanding behaviors are sometimes effective, so dogs naturally try harder until the reward finally comes. A basic principle of learning is that intermittent reinforcement strengthens behavior.
Providing clear, consistent communication is another way you can provide predictability. The best way to clearly communicate your preferences and expectations is to teach your dog how and when to do the behaviors that you prefer. You just need to consistently reward him when he engages in a desired behavior.
For example, if you consistently reward your dog for lying quietly on a mat until you are ready to play, he will begin to volunteer to do this behavior instead of engaging in less desirable behavior, such as barking. The more behaviors you teach your dog, the better the communication. Your dog can quickly learn that when he responds to a cue (or “command”), he predictably receives a reward.
Though it can be tempting to scold your dog when she exhibits unwanted behaviors, such corrections are likely to cause frustration. Your dog may understand that you want her to STOP doing something, but she will have no idea what to do instead, unless you teach her exactly which behaviors you would like to see. To be fair and effective, it is important to use a reward-based training strategy. Correction-based and confrontational training methods can create fear and may even contribute to aggressive behaviors.
Create a list of your preferences and maintain consistent expectations. Your dog will become confused if you change the rules without telling him. Clarity of communication goes both ways: you become predictable to your dog and your dog becomes predictable to you. For example, if you have trained your dog to “sit” for a treat, you can expect (predict) she will sit when you say “sit.” Likewise, your dog has learned to expect (predict) that you will deliver a treat if she sits on cue.
Once your dog has earned many rewards for sitting, she may begin to volunteer to “sit” without being asked, when she would like something from you. This new shared language allows you to clearly communicate your preference while allowing your dog to clearly communicate his wants and needs: he can now effectively say “please” by offering a trained, desirable behavior.
How do normal behaviors become problem behaviors?
Dogs naturally exhibit a wide range of normal “dog-typical’ behaviors. These behaviors are innately rewarding to the dog — they feel good. In a day, a dog might bark, chew a stick, or chase something that moves. Some dogs naturally jump up for greetings and climb onto furniture for a cozy nap.
Dog-typical behaviors are not always convenient or appropriate from a human’s perspective. What is normal to the dog can be problematic for the person. That is fair: as the caregiver, you do get to choose if, when, and where your dog may engage in the behaviors that don’t fit in with your lifestyle. For example, digging is normal dog behavior, but would be considered problematic if your dog were to dig up your beautiful flowers.
Training desirable alternative behaviors is an effective way to reduce unwanted normal behaviors. It is also important to remember that your dog is naturally motivated to do certain behaviors and needs outlets that satisfy these innate behavioral needs. If your terrier likes to dig, you can offer enrichment that includes providing him with an acceptable digging location.
What is enrichment, and is it the same for all dogs?
Enrichment may be defined as an enhancement that provides mental and physical stimulation to improve your dog’s health and emotional well-being. Enrichment strategies are designed to be positive — they should feel good for you and your dog. Preferences can vary from dog to dog. Consider your dog’s breed, personality, and physical abilities, as well as your own interests and lifestyle when designing an enrichment program. Your dog trainer can give you some ideas. You may have to experiment to learn your dog’s favorite activities.
Here are some examples of things that your dog might enjoy:
Sniffing
Dogs experience odor in a unique and powerful way. The way dogs smell is sometimes compared to how people might hear a symphony. Help satisfy your dog’s desire to sniff by taking them on leisurely walks — let your dog set the pace. During an enrichment walk, allow your dog to sniff to their heart’s content. Another way to help your dog use her nose is to hide treats or toys around the home or yard. If your dog is a sniffing expert, you could enroll in a nosework class or learn about search and rescue opportunities in your area.
Exploring
Many dogs enjoy searching, exploring and foraging. Offer your dog a snuffle mat or a food puzzle toy. Frequently introduce novel objects for your dog to investigate.
Chewing, Shredding, and Dissecting
Many dogs love to chew, shred, and dissect objects. Food-filled rubber toys and stuffed toys give opportunities for enrichment, as do chews that are firm enough to feel satisfying but soft enough not to break teeth. This type of enrichment and play requires direct supervision to ensure dogs interact with the items safely and do not choke or swallow undigestible items. Ask your veterinarian for advice about the benefit versus risk of specific toys.
Shredding boxes and cardboard tubes can be a fun activity for some dogs. To create a shredding box, fill a small cardboard box (or series of boxes) with a few treats or a favorite toy. Crumple up a bit of paper in the box as well, and invite your dog to tear it apart to discover their treasure.
For small dogs, try placing a few treats inside a toilet tissue roll or paper towel roll and wrapping it in paper with twisted ends. Always supervise your dog, as bits of cardboard can become a choking hazard. To reduce the chance that your dog will shred your valuable packages and boxes, set up a specific location for any approved shredding activity.
Social Enrichment
Dogs are a social species with an innate need for social interactions with trusted partners. Individual dogs vary widely in the type of companionship that they seek. Some of this variation may be genetic, though much is based on a dog’s prior experiences and past socialization opportunities. Observe your dog closely so you can learn the type of social interactions that she enjoys and try to arrange opportunities for these positive experiences.
If your dog is shy with people or other dogs, social enrichment may mean playing with the immediate family while avoiding crowds and dog parks. Consider that not all dogs are comfortable playing in large groups. If your dog is uncomfortable, dog-dog play is not suitable for their enrichment program.
If your dog does enjoy playing with other dogs, choose playmates carefully and take your time introducing the potential play partner. Play partners should be healthy and matched for size and temperament. Limit interactions to dogs that are known to be dog-friendly, particularly if you have a young puppy. Not all dogs are tolerant of puppy antics.
All dogs, young and old, benefit from regular playtime with their families. Start with a predictable set of play signals, such as saying “Let’s Play!” before you begin a game. If you have a young puppy, schedule many short play breaks during the day. Play games that will be safe even as your puppy grows up — no roughhousing or wrestling. Gentle tug, hide and seek, and fetch are great options. Do not encourage your puppy to bite at your hands or legs. If your puppy does playfully grab your hand or leg, quietly disengage or present a toy that she can keep in her mouth.
Cognitive Enrichment (Mental Stimulation)
Problem solving builds confidence. Not only that, thinking takes energy and can be as tiring as a long walk. Cognitive enrichment can include providing puzzles to solve, teaching new words, and training new skills. Try teaching your dog to identify objects or toys by name. Or create a simple maze and let your dog find his way through. Dogs of all ages and physical abilities benefit from mental stimulation. Since puppies have short attention spans, they benefit from short, frequent activity and training sessions.
How can dog sports provide enrichment?
Many dog sports simulate dogs’ innate behavioral tendencies and can provide excellent enrichment opportunities. Whether you decide to advance to competition level or just participate for fun, there is a dog sport for everyone.
Rally obedience, basic obedience, and nose work classes are suitable for almost any size and shape of dog. Other organized dog sports include herding, trials, agility, and lure coursing — and many more. Consider the working function of your dog’s breed when deciding on the most appropriate games, play, and training activities.
Look for a trainer or training club that supports reward-based training methods throughout the training process. Training should be safe and fun for you and your dog. Consult your veterinarian to ensure the sport you are interested in is safe for your dog.
How do I meet my dog’s enrichment needs for short periods when I am busy?
Long-lasting food toys may be used to keep your dog occupied when you are busy. You can prolong your dog’s interest by freezing the toy ahead of time or by carefully stuffing the toy so it takes time for your dog to get all the treats.
If you need some time for yourself, consider providing your dog his meal in a foraging toy instead of a food bowl. That will keep him occupied for a while and won’t add any extra calories.
If you use food-filled toys, be mindful of the calorie count. Monitor your dog’s weight and make sure they maintain a good body condition. Also monitor for frustration: if your dog stops trying to get the food and walks away from the toy, or if he aggressively bites or barks at the toy, the difficulty level may be too high.
How do I teach my dog to accept periods of inattention from me?
Dogs can learn to predict and accept periods when your attention is unavailable. Before training for a rest period, ensure your dog has had adequate exercise, food, and a chance to eliminate.
It is important to establish a location where your dog will learn to go when you are busy. This can be a “settle mat” or a gated area. To train your dog to rest independently on a mat, begin with the mat set close to you and reward your dog with treats as she remains resting. Start with a short 5- to 10-minute session. After some successful sessions, gradually increase the interval between treats, and then begin to move the mat slightly further away from you. You may also try providing a food-filled toy to keep your dog independently busy.
Another option is to use a barrier such as a gate, crate, or exercise pen to indicate to your dog that you are busy. Crate-training can benefit young puppies that might be destructive or hurt themselves if left unattended in a room. It also prepares them for travel, veterinary visits, boarding, and grooming. As with the mat, start with short sessions, rewarding your dog for resting quietly or independently playing with her toys.
Your dog will soon learn to predict that when they are asked to settle in bed or when they are led to the rest area, you will be unavailable for a block of time. If your dog is distressed during this exercise — if she barks, whines, or continually scratches to get out — do not continue on your own. A behaviorist can help design a more gradual desensitization technique so your dog can relax and succeed.
