How Providing Choice Can Help Your Dog

We make every decision for our dogs. We decide when and what they eat, when they use the bathroom, where they sleep, and who they will meet. We even decide where they can venture on their walks outside.

And though we give our dogs the best life possible, the constraint of not having any autonomy is something we easily overlook. But, it's something that's easy to add back in to their daily routine! Providing choice between activities lessens anxiety, strengthens thinking skills, decreases problem behaviors, builds confidence, and can make them happier. Here are some ways you can give your dog the power of choice:

●  Play: When it’s play time, offer two toys and see which one your dog chooses. Praise them for their choice.

●  Treats: When it’s treat time, offer two different types of treats by placing one in each hand and then closing your fists. Whichever fist your dog paws or boops with their nose is the one they choose. Reward them with that treat and praise them. Put the other treat away.

●  Sleep: Allow them to rest or sleep in many different spots in the home.

●  The Walk: Let them choose which direction to go on the walk starting at your front door. At every intersection, stop and then let them choose which path to take. Praise them for making a choice.

●  Petting: Dogs don’t always want to be petted. We can ask them though! Call your dog over to you. Pet them three times on the flank or the chest and then stop. If they move away or try to chew your hand, they are making the choice not to be touched right now. If your dog paws you, looks up longingly, or leans against you, they want you to keep petting. Continue to take brief pauses during petting to see if they actually want to be petted more or are just tolerating it.

● Social Time: Your dog does not need to meet every person or dog on the sidewalk. Allow your dog space to move away from people/dogs they don’t want to meet. If someone wants to approach your dog but your dog moves away, shows a stiff posture, tucks the tail, pins the ears back, or gives more intense signals such as baring teeth or growling, advocate for your dog and let the other person know by saying “Oh, it looks like he doesn’t want to be petted right now. We better not.” Then, create more space between your dog and that person. Your dog will thank you!

And if you’re at the dog park or a neighbor’s backyard and your dog trots over to the gate repeatedly, they are letting you know they have had enough and are ready to go. It’s time to take them home.

Happy Training!