There are many techniques that are used to try to help shy and socially fearful dogs. One of the most popular techniques involves having the dog approached and then given a food reward by a well-meaning person. This technique can be effective with dogs who are only mildly unsure and also genuinely interested in meeting people. Their mild hesitation melts in the face of a friendly person armed with cookies.
But more often, the “Here’s a cookie!” technique fails miserably. Why?
A shy dog lacks the confidence and skills to approach a stranger of his own accord. When a well intentioned person invades the dog’s space this puts intense pressure on the dog, who often is not free to leave and move into a safer place.
Additionally, there are other layers of pressure in the forced interaction. Some people push the treat at the dog’s face and go further. They cannot resist making eye contact, leaning forward, talking at the dog and perhaps even adding a ‘reassuring’ pat on the head. “It’s okay, I like dogs, don’t you want a cookie?”
This can happen even with a dog who is demonstrating clear leave-me-alone body language, or who has shrunk backwards as far as allowed by the space (or leash).
ALL of these can trigger growls, snarls, snaps or even the ‘no warning’ bite from a dog who has no way to escape.
While food treats are seen as positive and kind, the truth is that food rewards can create an unpleasant situation for the dog. If the dog is highly motivated by food but anxious about approaching a person, this can create intense conflict for the dog. This is no different from having someone who wants money but is expected to touch a snake in order to get it.
Typically, the sequence looks something like this:
- Dog approaches tentatively, stretching his neck & head as far as possible, leaning forward rather than take another step closer
- Dog grabs treat as quickly as possible AND
- Dog immediately retreats
This results in exactly the state of mind that is not desired: unsure, fearful, retreating rapidly. No matter how many times you repeat sequence, it does not usually result in building the dog’s confidence or skills. And it can backfire badly if the dog is pushed to snap or even bite.
Treat/Retreat is specifically designed to eliminate the pressure on the dog. By eliminating the coercive and transactional nature of “I’ve got a cookie for you!” Treat/Retreat avoids creating conflict in the dog. No luring, chumming, shaping or clicking involved.
Done correctly, Treat/Retreat utilizes powerful real life intrinsic reinforcement in a setting designed to help the dog feel safe, and in a mental and emotional position to learn new responses and build new skills.
Find out more about how Treat/Retreat can help your dog, your clients, your business with this webinar.
Convinced Treat/Retreat Certification is for you? You can register here for this in-depth course, or wait until May 1st when it will be 30% off – making it just $999!
