Understanding "Learned Behavior".

jillkudera

Feb 123 min read

Let's start by defining "Learned Behavior." In general, a learned behavior is one that an organism develops as a result of experience. Learned behaviors contrast with innate behaviors, which are genetically hardwired and can be performed without prior experience or training. Of course, some behaviors have both learned and intrinsic elements. For instance, zebra finches are genetically preprogrammed to learn a song, but the song they sing depends on what they hear from their fathers. Yes, dogs can learn to be reactive and bark at other dogs by observing and interacting with other dogs who exhibit similar behaviors; this is considered learned behavior, especially when a dog is young and impressionable, and can be influenced by the dogs they spend time with, picking up on both positive and negative behaviors. (Source: https://www.khanacademy.org/)

In this post today, I am sharing a first-hand experience from my one-to-one training session with a client.

Today, I had a conversation with a client about her dog, who has made a remarkable journey from a playful, mischievous puppy into a well-mannered adult. This transformation is a testament to their dedication and hard work in training! However, during a recent Thanksgiving visit with family, they faced a challenge: a visiting dog that loved to bark excitedly. To their surprise, their well-mannered dog picked up on this behavior and joined in the barking.

Now, every time they return home, their dog barks with excitement! When I inquired about their response, they said they would repeatedly tell him to stop. When that fell short, they raised their voices, saying, " Enough!" This reaction is almost automatic—after all, we are only human! Unfortunately, the dog views this as a form of engagement, thinking, “Let’s all yell and shout in excitement together!”

To address this behavior, it's important to change your homecoming routine. Enter your home calmly and hold off on engaging with your dog until he has settled down. Once he is quiet and waiting for your attention, engage with him by praising him for his calmness. This will quickly teach him that remaining calm is the key to receiving the attention he desires.

Often, tweaking a routine just a little will lead to significant changes in behavior. Dogs will not waste any time on something that isn’t working for them. With patience and consistency, your dog can return to being the calm companion you’ve come to appreciate.

Is your dog reactive? Do they bark, lunge, or become overly aroused by other dogs, people, or noises? It can be stressful and isolating, but you're not alone, and you can help your dog. Reactive dogs can learn to manage their emotions and interact more calmly with the world.

Beyond the tips below, professional training is key to unlocking your dog's potential. I can help you understand the root of your dog's reactivity and develop a personalized plan to address it. Click here to learn more about my reactivity training program: https://www.piedpipersdogtraining.com/post/reactive-dogs-become-overly-aroused-by-common-stimuli-as-a-certified-dog-trainer-i-can-help

Here are a few things you can start doing today to support your reactive dog:

Controlled Exposure: Carefully manage your dog's interactions with other dogs. Keep them at a distance where they're aware but not reactive. Gradually decrease the distance only if your dog remains calm. Positive reinforcement, like high-value treats, can help create positive associations.
Observe Body Language: Become a student of your dog's body language. Learn to recognize the subtle signs of stress before they escalate into reactivity. Common indicators include lip licking, whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes), a tucked tail, stiff body posture, and avoidance. If you see these signs, calmly remove your dog from the situation.
Professional Training: This is the most important step. A qualified trainer can assess your dog's specific triggers and develop a tailored training plan. We'll work together to teach your dog coping mechanisms and build their confidence. I serve Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Silverdale, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, and other Kitsap County communities.