Become more predictable for dogs

Often dogs get nervous and “behave badly” where there seems to be no reason for this. Sometimes this happens due to the fact that they have no idea what to expect from the owners. That is, a person is unpredictable for a dog.

But dogs are practically slaves of rules and rituals. For them, predictability is essential. And if the pet does not understand what will happen in the next moment, his life turns into chaos. So, it is fraught with distress (“bad” stress) and behavioral problems. The dog can become anxious, nervous, irritable and even show aggression at the slightest provocation.

What to do?

One way to increase predictability in your dog’s life is to make your behavior predictable. That is, to warn the pet about what will happen next.

For example, a dog sniffed some particularly attractive bunch of grass, and you have absolutely no time right now to contemplate the world around you. In this case, do not pull the pet by the leash, dragging it along, but enter a signal (for example, “Let’s go”) so that the dog knows that it will not be possible to sniff the tags right now.

If you’re going to examine your dog’s ears, say the signal first (such as “Ears”) so he can mentally prepare.

And so on and so forth.

It is important that the signal is always the same and used before the target action. In this case, your further behavior will not be a surprise for the dog. This will enhance your pet’s well-being and make your life together more comfortable.

Excessive predictability becomes the cause of boredom, so everything should be observed in moderation, of course. And this measure is different for each dog. So it is worth focusing on the condition and behavior of a four-legged friend. And if you are not sure that you have provided the optimal balance of predictability and diversity, you should contact a specialist who works with humane methods.