Choices are powerful!
When we think about the choices we have in life they are pretty special. They give us variety, security and confidence. They build on who we are as an individual by promoting control and fulfilment across our life. Each choice can usually fall into two main categories : choices that keep us HAPPY and choices that keep us SAFE.
On the whole, all this can be said of our dogs. When we give a dog a safe choice, their sense of who they are and their own confidence can build as a result. As does any relationship or bond you have with them 🚀
So how do we provide a happy choice for our dogs ?
Most dogs love eating and enjoy their food, so lets start there! The next time you are about to give your dog a chew, instead of reaching in and grabbing the nearest one ask your dog to wait while you place three or more different items down on the ground and asking them to choose for themselves (only one mind!).
Not only can this help build a safe amount of control over their own lives it can train impulse control and save your bank balance as you start to really get to know the dog in front of you... Winning 🏆!!
Safe choices for all.
Like wearing a seatbelt, locking the front door or avoiding a certain way home, some of our choices keep us feeling safe and secure. For dogs, one scary part of being cute and cuddly can mean everyone wants to touch them. Whilst most are comfortable with physical contact alongside people they trust, it's not always the case with strangers and given the choice your dogs may wish to disconnect, move away or limit any contact.
A good rule of thumb for any physical contact between you and a dog is the touch test as adapted from Grisha Stewart. The idea here is to allow your dog the opportunity to make a choice and under safe / normal situations choose to stop, pause or move away from any physical interaction such as stroking or petting should they want to.
This is how you can do it:
1. Wait for the dog to approach / interact with you
2. Stroke on the shoulder 3 times
3. Stop and wait to see if your dog turns or moves towards you asking for more or moves away / shows signs of wanting less.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, alternating between touching and observing.
As a choice based interaction this can really develop safety around dogs by really tuning into them and building confidence in each other through trust.
Give these ago away from your training and don't forget to tell if it helps.
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