How long does Behavioural Change take?

This is a question that I get asked a lot, and honestly, the answer is: it takes as long as it takes. Behaviour change in dogs is a complex process influenced by a variety of factors. Just as with humans, every dog is unique, and their journey towards better behaviour will vary. Today, I’ll look at some of the key factors that affect how long it takes for a dog's behaviour to change and offer some tips to help you along the way.

Factors Influencing Behaviour Change

1. Genetics:

Every dog is born with a certain genetic makeup that influences their temperament and behaviour. Some breeds are naturally more energetic or anxious, while others are calmer and more laid-back. Genetics can set the baseline for your dog's behaviour, but with patience and consistent training, even the most challenging traits can be managed.

2. Consistency of Training:

Consistency is crucial in dog training. Dogs learn through repetition and clear, consistent signals. If you sometimes reward behaviour and sometimes don’t, or if different family members have different rules, it will confuse your dog and slow down progress. Consistent training helps your dog understand what is expected of them and what behaviours are rewarded.

3. Duration of Existing Behaviour:

The longer a dog has been practising a particular behaviour, the harder it can be to change. For example, if a dog has been jumping up to greet people for years, it will take more time and effort to train them to greet people calmly. Patience and persistence are key.

4. Environment:

The environment plays a significant role in behaviour change. A dog may behave well in a quiet, familiar setting but struggle in new or busy environments. Gradually exposing your dog to different settings and situations can help them generalise their new behaviours across different environments.

5. Motivation:

Understanding what motivates your dog can greatly accelerate behaviour change. Some dogs are food-driven, while others are more motivated by toys, praise, or play. Using the right type of reward can make training more effective and enjoyable for your dog.

6. Individual Factors:

Each dog is an individual with their own unique personality, history, and experiences. Past trauma, health issues, and age can all impact how quickly a dog can learn new behaviours. Being mindful of these factors and adapting your training approach to suit your dog's needs will lead to better results.

Based on all of the above, I would love to be able to give you the ‘magic’ during this blog to create large scale behavioural change quickly, but hey, we all know that isn’t possible and if it were, not only would I be very rich, there would be happy dogs everywhere!  For some of you, working with a Dog Behaviourist will be the best way to start. And if you are not sure, feel free to message me and I can advise you if that’s your best route.

Tips for working through Behaviour Change

I do have some tips for you to consider when you are trying to work through a level of Behaviour Change:

1. Be Patient and Consistent:

Change takes time. Be patient with your dog and consistent in your training efforts. Celebrate small successes and understand that setbacks are part of the process.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Reward your dog for displaying the desired behaviour. Positive reinforcement strengthens the association between the behaviour and the reward, making it more likely your dog will repeat the behaviour.

3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun:

Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief and engaging. Aim for multiple short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.

4. Gradually Increase Difficulty:

Start training in a low-distraction environment and gradually introduce more challenging scenarios as your dog improves. This helps your dog build confidence and ensures they can perform the behaviour in different settings.

5. Understand Your Dog’s Limits:

Recognise that each dog has their own limits and thresholds. Pushing your dog too hard or too fast can lead to frustration and setbacks. Go at a pace that your dog is comfortable with.

6. Maintain a Positive Attitude:

Your attitude and energy can greatly influence your dog's behaviour. Stay positive, calm, and encouraging. Dogs are highly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions.

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed:

If you're struggling with behaviour change, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. We can provide expert guidance and personalised strategies to address your dog's specific needs.

As you can imagine, I could have continued tips and advice for many more pages, however, so much depends on the factors I highlighted at the beginning. My reason for sharing this is to help you know behaviour change in dogs is a journey that requires time, effort, and understanding. By being patient, consistent, and supportive, you can help your dog develop better behaviours and strengthen your bond with them.

Consider I have spent many years and much studying to be able to help you change your dog’s behaviour, so be kind to yourself and know that you can’t fix everything quickly. Remember, every small step forward is progress, and with dedication, you will see positive changes in your dog's behaviour