Ignoring Your Dog and Knowing When
Is this really necessary with most dogs? Well, the short answer is no. The work and dogs I'm involved with is at the more complicated end of dog behaviour. Some dogs work themselves into a stressful state based on a cycle of attention seeking that is being rewarded by attention from the owner. By use of this ignoring method, your dog will calm down much more quickly at key times.
I cannot emphasise enough that the behaviour you mark with attention (even negative attention can mark it) will reinforce the behaviour and you're likely to see more of it. Simple.
The difficulty comes with the fact that we as humans do not ignore, and dogs understand and respond to it far better than we can. You won't hurt your dog's feeling if you ignore it :)
I'm talking about selective ignoring of unwanted behaviours. Some, of course, cannot be ignored, and we may need to intervene in a calm way free from aggressive intent.
I also advocate the ignore upon homecomings. This is nothing to do with wolf behaviour (I know little about wolves...I work with dogs and humans) as I know it; it's just a simple case of waiting for the behaviour we do want, and to mark that behaviour in a calm way.
From an owner’s perspective, the owner enters the home, a wave of anxiety and frustration often washes over them, stemming from the challenges they face with their dog's behaviour. This mental state is marked by a sense of helplessness; they worry about the dog's responses to everyday situations and fear potential conflicts that may arise within the household. The weight of these concerns can overshadow their joy, making the home feel less like a sanctuary and more like a source of stress. They crave a solution to restore harmony and rebuild that trusting bond, hoping for guidance to navigate the complexities of canine behaviour while fostering a calm and loving environment.
Knowing when to ignore your dog can be crucial for fostering a balanced relationship. It is important to discern moments when attention-seeking behaviour, such as barking or pawing, is being used to gain your focus. By ignoring these actions consistently, you can teach your dog that attention will only be given when they are calm and well-behaved. This approach encourages self-regulation and helps reduce anxiety or frustration in your pet. However, it’s essential to ensure that your dog’s needs are met, such as exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction, so they feel secure and understood, allowing for a more harmonious living environment.
