10 minute read
Métis Riley introduces the nonprofit she initiated to help
t r a i n i n g Technique vs. Emotional Involvement: Finding the Balance
Suzanne Clothier explains the concept of Relationship Centered Training™ and why it is a new way of thinking about our relationships with our dogs
Advertisement
Let me start by saying that Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) is not a specific training methodology. It is more of an overarching philosophy that keeps the relationship between human and dog central. All methods, techniques, equipment, and concepts are screened through this lens: How will this affect the relationship?
Konrad Lorenz (2002) perhaps said it best: “The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being.” RCT recognizes that the dog/human relationship is naturally different from our relationships with other people. But there are many similarities as well. Social beings, dogs can successfully live with us because social relationships innately matter to them. In trying to understand any dog, you cannot help assessing him within the context of relationship; even a dog alone is a dog “in the absence of relationship.” (Scott & Fuller, 1965).
The core concepts of RCT – Connection, Communication and Commitment – provide a structure that guides an accurate assessment of the dog/handler team. This means that rather than looking to see what label(s) or “diagnosis” might fit the team, I end up with a clear picture of what is happening (or not happening) as well as important clues on how best to adjust, build, improve, repair. Let’s look at each concept in a bit more detail.
Connection
Heartfelt: When a relationship is heartfelt, there is a connection both mindtomind and hearttoheart. Both parties in the relationship want to be with the other. There is joy and love in the connection. While I cannot teach a dog or a human how to love each other, I can create situations where they experience conflictfree, pleasurable interactions. From those experiences, a heartfelt connection can begin to blossom.
Awareness: Awareness means consciously including the other in all you do. When awareness is present, both maintain a heightened awareness of the other, being sensitive to any shifts in mood, body language or actions. This awareness is maintained despite distractions. Awareness may come easily to some people or dogs but can be difficult for others. This is a skill that can be taught, with an appreciation for the challenges that may be present for handler, dog or both.
Respect: Respect means having reverence and regard for the other’s needs, abilities, limits and perspective. Respect does not equal skill, understanding, or agreement.
Respect hinges on the appreciation of your dog’s understanding and perception of the world. What’s important to you may not be important to the dog, and vice versa. What’s obvious to your dog may not even register with your human senses. Respecting the differences is key to a healthy relationship.
Respect is earned, not forced or assumed. Dogs tend to give precisely the respect you have earned, adjusting it according to your behavior, just as you can earn (or lose!) respect in your relationships with people.
Communication
Communication is a crucial aspect of any relationship. RCT views life with dogs as an ongoing conversation, with information, feedback and consequences going between you and your dog. Sometimes, the conversation is rather casual, and sometimes much more formal. But it is an ongoing conversation that takes place anytime you are with the dog. Communication relies heavily on some technical skills, which can be taught.
In a tight feedback loop, dog and guardian alter their own behavior according to what the other has to say; both have an interest in avoiding conflict, staying connected, and being in balance with the other
Information: Information is the building block of communication. Useful information is timely, meaningful, and clear. When working with a dog, we need to be using deliberate signals to communicate effectively. Good timing and a thoughtful, deliberate and congruent use of your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice are important.
The dog, of course, is always giving us signals, whether we understand them or not! Understanding your dog means that you need to learn to “read” dogs so that his signals (body language, vocalizations, ex
pressions) are clearly understood by you. Dog is a particularly subtle language, so nuances matter.
What constitutes meaningful, effective information is highly individual. Only the dog can say what is useful information for him. Handlers can be coached to be effective with that specific dog, with respect for their own natural style and tendencies.
Feedback: Information alone is not enough. For communication to have value, information leads to a feedback loop. You respond to your dog, your dog responds to you, you respond to your dog responding to you and your dog responds to you responding to him responding to you, and so on.
In a tight feedback loop, each responds with clear and prompt responses, altering their own behavior according to what the other has to say. There is interest in avoiding conflict, staying connected, and being in balance with each other. Making small adjustments constantly keeps the relationship harmonious and strong, just as you make small adjustments when driving to stay on the road, at the right speed, in the right direction.
Consequences: Simply put, consequences can either encourage or discourage – or have no effect. If we like what a dog has done, the consequences can encourage him to do it again. Praise, food rewards, play –all help encourage the dog. We can discourage by not offering praise or food rewards, or withholding attention or play. RCT emphasizes strongly encouraging the dog, and using discouragement very sparingly. Whatever the consequence, it must be appropriate and fair and cause no harm to the dog or the relationship. Consequences also need to be effective, so timeliness, clarity and meaningfulness count.
This is not a oneway street. Dogs also provide us with consequences, as they are also interested in encouraging our behavior or discouraging some of our actions. Look for ways that your dog is encouraging or discouraging you!
HOST A WEBINAR FOR PPG! Want to Share your Knowledge and Expertise? Topics may include a particular aspect of training, ethology, learning theory, behavior specifics... anything at all your fellow pet professionals would find educational.
We’ll even do some practice runs with you to help you along (if you need them!) SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL TO: petprofessionalguild.com/Host-A-Webinar
© Can Stock Photo / lufimorgan Trainers should be using deliberate signals to communicate effectively with the dogs in their charge; good timing and a thoughtful, deliberate and congruent use of body language, facial expressions and tone of voice are all important
Commitment
Healthy relationships require ongoing commitment, with both the handler and dog involved. The level of commitment will help define the success of the relationship. But Commitment alone will not resolve challenges and problems. Sometimes, technical skills are needed to support Commitment. Conversely, great Communication skills only go so far if you are lacking Commitment or Connection.
Attention: With attention to each other, you and the dog can remain open to information, whenever it comes, in almost any circumstance (unsafe situations and emergencies are exceptions). Both you and the dog remain receptive to the other’s actions and directions.
You cannot put the dog on hold or give scattered attention or accept disconnection at times, and then at other times decide you want complete connection. Attention at the quality and level you desire or need must be practiced continually. This does not mean unflagging eye contact – dogs are quite capable of being attentive in many ways, just as we are. It does mean being able to prioritize attention to the other regardless of what else is going on, providing safety is not being threatened.
Responsibility: RCT expects that both human and dog will take responsibility in the relationship. I refer to this as social responsibility, learning to handle social interactions in appropriate ways – without constant reminders or simply being managed.
Just as we expect children to learn and remember what polite behavior means, we can teach dogs to be responsible for their own behavior. Other dogs do expect the dog to be socially responsible; conflictfree relationships rely on this. As the dog matures, there are greater expectations.
Many times, handlers take full responsibility for the dog’s behavior, never asking him to be responsible. The dog is capable of it, and this can be taught to any dog if the handler understands the concept and what it looks like in practice.
Trust: Trust means having confidence in the other’s ability and willingness to react appropriately. We have an obligation to help dogs understand what is right and what is wrong; only then can we trust their responses.
Trust also means that we are unafraid of the other and the other’s
intentions even when we – or they – are confused or fearful. Handlers have an obligation to be trustworthy for their dogs. A handler who is calm and affectionate at times but who becomes anxious or disconnected in some situations can lead a dog to distrust them.
For handlers, trust also means trusting that the dog is doing his best, or that if he cannot do his best, he has good reason. This is very difficult for many handlers. In any given situation, the dog’s behavior tells you what his best guess is as to how to handle the situation.
Dual Approach
For many, RCT is a new way of thinking about our relationships with dogs, even when R+ and forcefree techniques are already familiar. Technical proficiency can help smooth the way for the kind of relationship you want. RCT helps us avoid drowning in technical knowhow while forgetting the heart and soul of the relationship.
Emotional involvement can lead us to sacrifice good training technique. Loving kindness alone is not training. Our focus on training the dog or dealing with behavior can lead us to overlook the handler’s contribution to the relationship. RCT provides a balance that can be hard to find, and that provides a satisfying approach that embraces both handler and dog. n
References
Lorenz, K., & Wilson, M. K. (2002). Man meets dog. London, UK: Routledge Scott, J.P., & Fuller, J.L. (1965). Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press Suzanne Clothier (suzanneclothier.com) has been working with animals professionally since 1977. Currently based in St. Johnsville, New York, she is well respected internationally for her holistic Relationship Centered Training™ approach to dogs and the people that love them. Her background includes training, instruction, behavior modification, kennel management, temperament assessment, physical assessment and conditioning, early puppy development, class curriculum development, obedience, agility, Search and Rescue, conformation, breeding and more. Since 1991, she has taught workshops and seminars on a broad range of topics throughout the United States and internationally for a wide variety of groups. An award-winning author of multiple books and DVDs, her book, Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (2002) has received widespread praise from every corner of the dog world. She has served on the American Humane Association’s Task Force for Humane Training, the AKC Agility Advisory board, and is currently a consultant for Frankie & Andy’s Place, a senior dog sanctuary in Georgia. She has also developed multiple assessment tools such as CARAT™ and RAT™ (Relationship Assessment Tool), as well as puppy and adult dog tests. These tools have been used by guide and service dog organizations, therapy dog groups, AAIA organizations, shelters and rescue groups, and trainers. In her work as a consultant to guide dog schools, her Enriched Puppy Protocol™ served as the structure for the updating of their puppy raising programs. Since 2007, more than 10,000 puppies have been raised in programs built around The Enriched Puppy Protocol™. Meanwhile, with fellow trainer Cindy Knowlton, she developed CCC: Connection, Cooperation & Control™, a puzzle-based program that builds joyful relationships between handlers and dogs. Her newest program, FAT - Functional Assessment Tracking™, helps caretakers assess a dog’s well-being day-to-day as reflected in physiological, cognitive and social aspects.
Become Your Community’s Dog Bite Safety Expert
Keeping future generations safe
Keeping Future Generations Safe
Certified Dog Bite Prevention
Educator ™
