Redirecting an anxious or reactive dog is a common technique used to divert a dog's attention from a stressor or trigger to something else, ideally something positive or neutral. Often times it includes food and an alternate behavior of some form (sit, down, etc.) The idea behind this is to break the cycle of anxiety or reactivity so that the handler has time to refocus the dog's attention. While redirection can be a valuable tool, it's not the only answer, and I see many people get stuck in this ‘phase’ when working with their dogs. They’re unable to get past redirecting itself and spend most of their time out doing so.
Let’s go into a few reasons someone is likely to get stuck in this pattern:
Not knowing how far to push their dog, when, and how to do so productively. According to educational theories, there's a balance between stress and learning. If a dog is too comfortable, they may not be as receptive to learning, just as if they are too stressed, they can shut down. This concept is often described as the "threshold" - a metaphorical boundary in our and our dog's emotional spectrum, demarcating feelings of positivity, neutrality, or negativity, with various nuances in between. Recognizing that optimal zone where a dog is engaged, but not on the verge of shutting down or overreacting, enhances the likelihood of effective learning. Trainers spend years handling hundreds of dogs and this leads to assessment skill. Learning to assess dogs moment by moment as we go through each session and how to drive the ‘student’ and the training opportunities in the best direction.
Gradual Exposure: Through careful and controlled exposure to stressors, we can progressively strengthen a dog's resilience. This technique, termed desensitization, entails slowly acquainting a dog with a particular trigger or stressor, starting with minimal intensity and escalating as the dog grows more at ease. While trainers usually have the means to create such controlled environments for introducing these stressors, many pet owners might find themselves searching for appropriate challenges. This search can sometimes result in unpredictable environments, leading to inconsistent outcomes, which is counterproductive during this sensitive phase.
Coping Skills: While we aim to gently introduce a dog to challenging situations, our goal is also to pinpoint and bolster any coping strategies the dog might employ during these instances. My personal approach often involves observing and reinforcing spontaneous behaviors a dog might display based on their individual response. Some might step back, others may divert their gaze, or choose to sit or lie down, while some might interact with me directly. The key question is: what makes the dog feel at ease, and how can I promote that reaction? Trainers are perpetually gauging the dog's mental state and striving to encourage the healthier, more appropriate reaction. However, pet owners might not always discern these subtleties on the spot and could find it challenging to manage effectively.
Understanding Triggers: Numerous triggers aren't solely about the specific object or action. For instance, while many dogs might be indifferent to a coat or hat hanging on a hook, the perception changes when a person wears them, making the entire scene more intimidating. Similarly, stationary children might not raise any concerns, but the situation shifts when they start moving, waving, and vocalizing. Another example: passing dogs may seem non-threatening, but the dynamics change when there's eye contact, barking, or any form of acknowledgment towards your dog. Often, individuals misinterpret a trigger by either oversimplifying it or misidentifying it altogether. Not recognizing the precise cause of the issue can complicate the process of addressing it.
Building Confidence: Confidence often grows from successfully handling life's challenges. Once we master a task, it immediately seems simpler. However, uncertainty or past failures can significantly dent one's confidence. Just like humans, dogs can experience setbacks, leading to diminished self-assurance in their reactions, with some dogs reacting more defensively than others. It's crucial to consider these elements in your interactions and ongoing training. Past experiences always play a role, and they can alter the dynamics of any training session.
Animal behavior and understanding their cues can be intricate. If you feel overwhelmed during your walks and uncertain about the next steps, don't hesitate to seek help! The longer your dog lacks proper guidance in such situations, the more challenging it becomes to rectify.