Direction Before Affection

Parents, CEO's, Teachers--they all have something in common. These different kinds of leaders all do one thing to make them effective in their individual positions: they give direction BEFORE they give a reward. As a parent, the reward may be getting a special kind of dessert after dinner. As a CEO, maybe it's giving a promotion to the best worker in the company. As a teacher, the reward is being able to give your student an A on a project because they followed all your notes and directions correctly. Getting something positive has always been the reward for doing what you are supposed to do, in the human world.

Why is it, then, when it comes to our dogs, that we put this concept in reverse? I am constantly seeing my clients reward their pups with physical affection at the wrong moments. And when I dig a little deeper for the 'why', they tell me they feel bad making the dog do something that doesn't make him happy.

Well, here's the kicker: when your dog jumps on people, barks incessantly, chews your furniture, bites your family member, or is misbehaving in any other way--they are NOT happy! They are confused, frustrated, agitated, and are SEEKING reliable guidance from YOU! Being given that direction is EXACTLY what they are looking for, and getting a reward for finally doing the right thing brings them pure joy. The action of misbehaving is a symptom of an overall problem of not knowing what to do. Step up as their human. Step up as their leader. Direct your dog down the right path, and then reward them for a job well done! A truly happy dog is a dog is a dog that knows their purpose in life and understands their place in your world.