When it comes to our four-legged companions, it's easy to attribute human-like qualities to them, and "stubbornness" often finds its way into the conversation. Phrases like "he knows how to do it, he just doesn't want to" or "she can do it, she just doesn't feel like listening to me!" are all too common. However, the truth is, stubbornness is not a trait that dogs possess. Instead, the majority of the time, the issue lies in miscommunication rather than deliberate defiance.
The Canine Communication Challenge:
Dogs and humans share an incredible bond, but it's important to remember that we speak different languages – dogs communicate primarily through body language and visual cues, while we rely heavily on verbal communication. This communication gap can lead to misunderstandings and perceived stubbornness.
Limited Verbal and Visual Communication:
Our conversations with dogs involve limited verbal communication, comprising a few words, tone, and inflection. The majority of information exchange happens through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. This means that when we're trying to convey something to our furry friends, they're interpreting a mix of sounds and movements. Despite this, dogs remarkably manage to comprehend our intentions.
A Communication Example:
Imagine a scenario where you're training your dog to place a cookie on top of a book using positive reinforcement. After consistent practice, your dog seems to have grasped the concept. However, one day, instead of complying, your dog puts the book on top of the cookie. It's easy to jump to conclusions and label your dog as stubborn, but a closer look reveals a different story.
The Communication Breakdown:
In this scenario, your dog isn't being stubborn. Instead, there's a communication breakdown. While you thought you were teaching "cookie on top of book," your dog had picked up on "stack up the cookie and the book." The confusion arises from the mismatch between your intention and your dog's interpretation.
The Solution: Teach, Train, and Communicate:
Dr. Susan Friedman, a renowned behaviorist, emphasizes the concept of "performance-feedback-revision." This approach highlights that when our dogs display unexpected behaviors, it's an indication of communication issues. The solution isn't to label them as stubborn but to revisit our training methods and communication techniques.
- Teach: Instead of assuming that your dog is deliberately disobeying, approach the situation as an opportunity to teach. Recognize that dogs don't understand things the same way we do. Be patient and willing to break down behaviors into smaller steps for clearer understanding.
- Train: Effective training involves consistency, positive reinforcement, and clear cues. Celebrate successes and gradually introduce new challenges. Remember, it's not about your dog being obstinate; it's about refining your training approach.
- Communicate: Focus on improving communication with your dog. Pay attention to their body language and responses. Experiment with different cues and cues to find the ones that resonate with your furry companion.
Dogs aren't being stubborn when they seem to resist our cues or act unexpectedly. Their actions are a reflection of the communication barriers that exist between us. Instead of frustration, let's embrace the opportunity to bridge the gap through effective teaching, training, and communication. By understanding their perspective and adjusting our approach, we can foster a stronger bond with our canine companions and eliminate the notion of stubbornness from the equation.