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Dog behavior training
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Why values instead of science?
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Not all of us took the opportunity to learn science.
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Animals certainly did not, at least not by choice.
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So some of us have that language, others do not.
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We are all alive, we all have values that cause us to feel good.
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Talking in values, include everyone.
Values reach over the language of science
Psychology, methods, techniques, learning theory, the scientific method are very useful tools to understand how we are wired and how to rewire and repair damaged circuits. We and our own hierarchy.
If we look deep, under the demands in our society, we all want the same things in life. So do dogs. Once we achieve a balance of attributes I'm referring to as values. We are happy, content, satisfied, fulfilled... peaceful.
So are dogs. At least, that's my experience and belief.
Working this way with clients helps dogs get what they need which fills the emptiness caused by lack of a particular value.
It's the lack of a particular value that caused dog to act in a certain way. They are doing the best they can to get what they need which sometimes result in actions we see as unwanted behaviors.
This approach changes behaviors in a way that makes sense and has meaning to humans and the dogs they share living space with.
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I have much more to say on this subject. Tell me what you think.
Science struggles with measuring values.
I know values is a different way to think about dog training.
It does remove the conflicts in dog training methods.
It does expand our thinking beyond science.
Science struggles with values because values are hard if not impossible to measure. Science must have an operational definition that others can agree on but values are personal.
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I see that as no reason to ignore these aspects.
My set of values are different than yours. Your dogs are different than my dogs. No need to agree on personal definition. We can honer each others views.
Thinking in science as top level, makes it to difficult too quantify the most important aspects of life.
By thinking in values as the top level, we can use the science, methodologies, learning theories, techniques, tricks and tip from all available sources, as long as they support the value we are concerned with.
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Values are important. They are what we need to be happy.
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Values first. Science second.
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After all, science can't measure your happy or my happy or happiness of our individual dogs.
Our first thought is STOP THOSE BEHAVIORS!!
If instead we choose to relive the dogs frustration, many annoying behaviors go away.
The problem is stopping a behavior without understanding why it's happening is not going to relieve our dog's frustration.
This is where the fun begins. Figuring out why our dogs are frustrated.
That is, what values are missing in the dog's life? How can we increase the value they need, in a different way.
What do hunting, herding, searching and protecting activities, give the dogs? It's more than just a job. It's the same things we get when we reach a state of self-fulfillment.
Self-fulfillment is related to happiness as it involves realizing one's potential and living a life filled with purpose and meaning. To me, that's happiness.
Dogs are adapting best they can to our family environment, to find creative ways to fulfill their needs. What values increase during their unwanted behavior? That is, what are they getting out of doing that behavior?
Phone sessions will help you discover how you can give them what they need and replace the unwanted behavior with something we can live with.
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The first stage in changing behavior is making sure our environment is a place where we can be happy, dogs can be happy and no one is frustrated.
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I've done my best to categorize these needs into a set of values, that currently I believe we all want no matter who we are, what we are or where we live.
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We all want the same things in life. No matter if you live in a very large home on a thousand acres, a modest home on a quarter acres or in a cardboard box under a bridge, our goals are
This can leave them feeling frustrated, sad, angry and anxious for reasons they don't even understand. So what do we do about it? In my world, we do the best we can to help our dogs feel complete. They may not be herding cattle in our living room or hunting to provide us with protein, but we can satisfy those drives with activities more inline with their genes. Peace and Happiness are the values I strive for. I believe animal do as well. They may not think in those words, but, when they have Peace and Happiness, they are not stressed, angry, sad, fearful or bouncing off the walls. Thinking about dog training under the light of values allows us to think about needs, without thinking about "dog training". We don't need to think about what method, technique, science, psychology or what equipment to use or how to use it. We just need to think about what "value" our dog is missing and how to fulfill it. By thinking in values, instead of techniques, a different part of our brain is stimulated. We think more creatively when we search for ways to give dogs what they are missing. ​First, think about values. Then, think about how to increase the value our dog needs. Then, behavior will change, because they are fulfilled. Then we will be happy. We can use methods, techniques, equipment, science and psychology as tools to increase a value, as long as it "does" increases the value, from our dogs point of view. When we first think in terms of methods our options are limited to the operational definitions inside each method. When we think about methods, we are not thinking about helping our dog, we are thinking about how to change a behavior we don't like into something we do like. But what about the dog? What value DO they want? I believe, we all want the same things. it's the same we get by a job well done, a deep friendship, by being admired by someone, helping, giving, laughing and taking a moment to just be in a relaxing setting without really thinking.​ It's easy to ignore those things in our own lives, never mind remembering that dogs are feeling, thinking beings with he same needs. We can choose to peruse happiness over aggression, anxiety, and fear. So can dogs.
Matching techniques...
Trust:Mistrust
Respect:Disrespect
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Happy:Unhappy
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Love:Hate
Peace:War, conflict
Understanding:Misunderstanding
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Question to Chat GPT
What is the opposite of those 6 words?
ChatGPT
Here are the opposites for each of the given words:
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Happy: Unhappy
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Love: Hate
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Peace: Conflict or War
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Understanding: Misunderstanding or Ignorance
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Trust: Distrust or Mistrust
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Respect: Disrespect
My Question to Chat GPT
what part of speech are each of these words? Happy Love Peace Understanding Trust Respect.
ChatGPT
Sure, here's the part of speech for each of the words:
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Happy: Adjective
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Love: Noun (can also be a verb)
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Peace: Noun
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Understanding: Noun or Adjective
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Trust: Noun (can also be a verb)
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Respect: Noun (can also be a verb)
Why is Happy, not a noun?
ChatGPT
"Happy" is primarily an adjective, not a noun. Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. In the case of "happy," it describes the emotional state or feeling of a person or thing. If you want to refer to a person who is happy, you would typically use the noun "happiness." For example:
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Adjective: She is a happy person.
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Noun: She finds her happiness in simple things.
In everyday language, "happy" is more commonly used as an adjective to describe a state of well-being or contentment.
What would you say to the idea that in the English language, Happy, could be a noun like the other 5 words? I understand it is "currently" not a noun, but Peace is a noun. Peaceful describes how the noun Peace makes us "feel". Love is a noun, lovingly describes how love makes us "feel". Trust is a noun, trustful describes how trust makes us "feel". Why not Happy as a noun with happiness describing how happy makes us "feel"?
ChatGPT
You raise a valid point, and language is indeed flexible and can evolve over time. While "happy" is traditionally categorized as an adjective, language is dynamic, and usage can shift. In some contexts, especially in informal language and creative expression, you might find instances where "happy" is used as a noun, though it's less common.
For example:
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"I just want to find my own little happy."
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"Seeking happiness is a universal pursuit."
These examples show instances where "happy" is being used in a way that aligns more with a noun, describing a state of being or a concept. It's worth noting that language evolves based on how people use it, and if a community of speakers collectively starts using "happy" as a noun more regularly, it could potentially shift its grammatical role in the language over time.
As of my last update in January 2022, "happy" is predominantly an adjective, but language can certainly change, and it's always interesting to observe how it does.
Thank you. Respect is a noun and respectful describes how it makes us feel. Understanding is a noun. What word describes how understanding makes us feel?
ChatGPT
The term that describes how understanding makes us feel is "understanding" itself. In this case, "understanding" can function as both a noun and an adjective.
For example:
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Noun: "He showed great understanding in the matter."
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Adjective: "Her understanding response was appreciated."
So, "understanding" can refer to both the quality of comprehension and the act of being empathetic or tolerant, depending on its usage in a sentence.
Science
Techniques
Values
Human
Dog
Nature
It's a mutually diverse deep conversation.
Each session will guide you toward a better understanding of what your dogs need. Once we get a clear picture, it's easy to change their actions.
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Now, as pets, the needs of many dogs go are not being met.
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This can leave them feeling frustrated, sad, angry and anxious for reasons they don't even understand.
So what do we do about it? In my world, we do the best we can to help our dogs feel complete. They may not be herding cattle in our living room or hunting to provide us with protein, but we can satisfy those drives with activities more inline with their genes.
Peace and Happiness are the values I strive for. I believe animal do as well. They may not think in those words, but, when they have Peace and Happiness, they are not stressed, angry, sad, fearful or bouncing off the walls.
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Thinking about dog training under the light of values allows us to think about needs, without thinking about "dog training".
We don't need to think about what method, technique, science, psychology or what equipment to use or how to use it. We just need to think about what "value" our dog is missing and how to fulfill it.
​
By thinking in values, instead of techniques, a different part of our brain is stimulated. We think more creatively when we search for ways to give dogs what they are missing.
​
First, think about values.
Then, think about how to increase the value our dog needs.
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Then, behavior will change, because they are fulfilled.
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Then we will be happy.
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We can use methods, techniques, equipment, science and psychology as tools to increase a value, as long as it "does" increases the value, from our dogs point of view.
When we first think in terms of methods our options are limited to the operational definitions inside each method.
When we think about methods, we are not thinking about helping our dog, we are thinking about how to change a behavior we don't like into something we do like.
But what about the dog?
What value DO they want?
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I believe, we all want the same things. it's the same we get by a job well done, a deep friendship, by being admired by someone, helping, giving, laughing and taking a moment to just be in a relaxing setting without really thinking.
​
It's easy to ignore those things in our own lives, never mind remembering that dogs are feeling, thinking beings with he same needs.
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We can choose to peruse happiness over aggression, anxiety, and fear.
So can dogs.
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Dog Research
Emotions
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Science
Techniques Methods
Values
Human
Dog
Nature
Nature
...to you and your family.
Your dog will see you as a guide that speaks human and dog. You'll hear me on the phone, and your dog will hear you in person.
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Telling me in words, what your dog is doing, puts you in the drivers seat and patterns, you to pay attention to what your dog is trying to communicate.
Enjoy the benefits.
By taking time to listen to and communicate with your dog, something amazing happens.
A connection is formed.
It's the same connection that looks like magic between dogs and a caring, skilled, intuitive dog trainer.
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What is that connection?
To me, connection is a way to describe what we humans want more of in life.
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We want to:
Deepen Love
Promote Peace
Practice Respect
Establish Understanding
Build Trust and
Increase Happiness
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So do dogs.
Science
Techniques Methods
Values
Human
Dog
Science of Values
Nature
Studies that demonstrate the importance of living by values
Studies have shown that reflecting on personal core values can reduce stress, improve problem-solving, and enhance academic performance, especially among individuals who face negative stereotypes.
Self-Determination Theory:
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000).
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a psychological theory of motivation. It focuses on the degree to which an individual's behavior is self-motivated and self-determined.
The theory suggests that people are motivated to grow and change by three innate and universal psychological needs:
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Competence: The need to gain mastery of tasks and learn different skills. When people feel that they are competent, they feel more motivated.
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Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals. This is not about being independent, but rather having a sense of free will when carrying out a task.
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Relatedness: The need to interact, connect with others, and experience caring for others.
According to SDT, satisfaction of these three fundamental needs is essential for psychological health and well-being, as well as for intrinsic motivation - the desire to do something because it is enjoyable or satisfying in itself, not because of any external rewards or pressures.
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The theory also suggests that the social environment can either support or thwart these needs, which in turn affects our intrinsic motivation and overall psychological health.
Quote: "Our research demonstrates that people who are more self-determined not only persist longer at activities, but they also show a host of other positive outcomes, including more interest, excitement, and confidence; greater self-esteem; and enhanced well-being."
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Self-determination theory
and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.
American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Values affirmation interventions:
Cohen, G. L., & Sherman, D. K. (2014).
The values affirmation interventions line of research typically asks participants to choose from a list of values that are most important to them. The values used in these studies can vary, but some examples include relationships with friends and family, religious or spiritual beliefs, creativity, and social justice. Participants are then asked to reflect on why these values are important to them and how they relate to their lives.
Quote: "When people are reminded of their broader values, they often respond more constructively to threats, think more flexibly, and are more likely to view themselves and others in more complex ways."
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The psychology of change:
Self-affirmation and social psychological intervention.
Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 333-371.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115137
Authenticity and well-being:
Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008).
Research has demonstrated a strong link between authenticity, or living in alignment with one's core values, and well-being. In a study by Wood et al. (2008), authenticity was positively associated with self-esteem, life satisfaction, and reduced psychological distress.
Authenticity and well-being: This study measures the authenticity of individuals, which encompasses various aspects such as self-awareness, unbiased processing, and living in accordance with one's values. It does not focus on specific core values but rather assesses the degree of alignment between a person's actions and their values or beliefs.
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Quote: "Authenticity was positively related to self-esteem and life satisfaction and negatively related to psychological distress and the degree to which individuals lived up to others' expectations."
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Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008).
The authentic personality:
A theoretical and empirical conceptualization and the development of the Authenticity Scale.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385-399.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.55.3.385
Organizational values and employee outcomes:
O'Reilly, C. A., Chatman, J., & Caldwell, D. F. (1991).
In the context of organizations, research has shown that alignment between employee and organizational core values is associated with increased job satisfaction, commitment, and performance.
Organizational values and employee outcomes:
This study compares the values, norms, and assumptions underlying the way work is done in an organization with the values held by employees. The specific values in this study are not outlined, as the focus is on the overall fit between individual and organizational values.
Quote: "Organizational culture, as reflected in the values, norms, and assumptions that underlie the way work is done, is an important predictor of the attitudes and behaviors of employees."
​
O'Reilly, C. A., Chatman, J., & Caldwell, D. F. (1991).
People and organizational culture:
A profile comparison approach to assessing person-organization fit.
Academy of Management Journal, 34(3), 487-516.
URL: https://doi.org/10.2307/256404
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Peace without war
Why values are important to keep as top level.
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My first experiance with education about dogs, was
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I thought, this is taking something a dog naturally already knows. Breaking it into tiny parts. then teaching the tiny parts back to the dog, then rewarding the dog for doing it right.
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Why would we do that?
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Because we humans dont understand how the dog knows what he knows.
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So, we divise a method of understanding, impose it on dogs, get them hooked on rewards and call it commuication with dogs.
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Not we have raised a world full of dogs that rely on this method to figure out what to dy.
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It seems thre would have been a shorter path to understanding if WE had just learned how to communicate with dogs, naturally.
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I'm not againste the scientific method. It's quite useful.
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I am saying in my view, it is just
a way for humans to describe nature.
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That's okay, having common language is important for all animals. We communicate with everyoe in the owrld. If we all had different meaing of the nature behavior of a smile, we would be in more wars than we are now.
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Still there is a tie and place for the scientific method. Talking to ost clients, is not one of them. in most cases.
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I;ve taken a lot of time to figure out why I "think" the thing i do with animals is different than many trainers.
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So far, the best I can come up with is that I'm looking at the needs of the dog, the human and the familiy. That's what I'm calling nature. Fulling needs.
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I see all the behaviors dog take part in as a way to satisy a natural step in their life beit their entire lifespan, yearly period of time, season of the year, rythem of the week or immideant needs of each day, minute or second.... or micro-second.
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I don't think I read dogs minds. I think they think alike I think and if I were them, I would be thinking xyz, I'd be frustrated because abc and if I just had lmnop, I would FEEL satisifed, therefour reducing my frustration.
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I relly dont know if this even makes sense. It does to me, but it's not repeatable unless if makes sence to you.
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Okay, say it makes sense.
Lets use the scientific method ot test it.
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To use the scientific method we need a hypothesis.
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The way the scientific methods works is first you observe something.
Then, you can either accpet it, and go on with your day or you can wonder ask WHY the thilng your observed happens.
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If you wonder why you are on your way to the scientifc method.
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Why what? Now the thing you observed, must be put into words.
Why did my dog. Look at a Moose on TV, then glance at the photograph of the moose on my wal and look at it.
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why did the catipillerreturn to me when I was 9?
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Well I told my mother the catipiller loved me and that's why we hung around in the garage together. Pretty sad a child must find live from an insetct, but another story.
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Mom said it did not love me and to let it go, which I argued with until I was out talked.
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get hit ont he head by a very larg rain drop, then turn around and walk back into the garage?
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Science
Techniques Methods
Values
Human
Dog
Nature
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Other resources.
We'll also bring in other resources such as veterinarians, behaviorists and other practitioners to diagnose things we don't understand.
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Studies that demonstrate the importance of living by values
Studies have shown that reflecting on personal core values can reduce stress, improve problem-solving, and enhance academic performance, especially among individuals who face negative stereotypes.
Self-Determination Theory:
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000).
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a psychological theory of motivation. It focuses on the degree to which an individual's behavior is self-motivated and self-determined.
The theory suggests that people are motivated to grow and change by three innate and universal psychological needs:
-
Competence: The need to gain mastery of tasks and learn different skills. When people feel that they are competent, they feel more motivated.
-
Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals. This is not about being independent, but rather having a sense of free will when carrying out a task.
-
Relatedness: The need to interact, connect with others, and experience caring for others.
According to SDT, satisfaction of these three fundamental needs is essential for psychological health and well-being, as well as for intrinsic motivation - the desire to do something because it is enjoyable or satisfying in itself, not because of any external rewards or pressures.
​
The theory also suggests that the social environment can either support or thwart these needs, which in turn affects our intrinsic motivation and overall psychological health.
Quote: "Our research demonstrates that people who are more self-determined not only persist longer at activities, but they also show a host of other positive outcomes, including more interest, excitement, and confidence; greater self-esteem; and enhanced well-being."
​
Self-determination theory
and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.
American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Values affirmation interventions:
Cohen, G. L., & Sherman, D. K. (2014).
The values affirmation interventions line of research typically asks participants to choose from a list of values that are most important to them. The values used in these studies can vary, but some examples include relationships with friends and family, religious or spiritual beliefs, creativity, and social justice. Participants are then asked to reflect on why these values are important to them and how they relate to their lives.
Quote: "When people are reminded of their broader values, they often respond more constructively to threats, think more flexibly, and are more likely to view themselves and others in more complex ways."
​
The psychology of change:
Self-affirmation and social psychological intervention.
Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 333-371.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115137
Authenticity and well-being:
Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008).
Research has demonstrated a strong link between authenticity, or living in alignment with one's core values, and well-being. In a study by Wood et al. (2008), authenticity was positively associated with self-esteem, life satisfaction, and reduced psychological distress.
Authenticity and well-being: This study measures the authenticity of individuals, which encompasses various aspects such as self-awareness, unbiased processing, and living in accordance with one's values. It does not focus on specific core values but rather assesses the degree of alignment between a person's actions and their values or beliefs.
​
Quote: "Authenticity was positively related to self-esteem and life satisfaction and negatively related to psychological distress and the degree to which individuals lived up to others' expectations."
​
Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008).
The authentic personality:
A theoretical and empirical conceptualization and the development of the Authenticity Scale.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385-399.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.55.3.385
Organizational values and employee outcomes:
O'Reilly, C. A., Chatman, J., & Caldwell, D. F. (1991).
In the context of organizations, research has shown that alignment between employee and organizational core values is associated with increased job satisfaction, commitment, and performance.
Organizational values and employee outcomes:
This study compares the values, norms, and assumptions underlying the way work is done in an organization with the values held by employees. The specific values in this study are not outlined, as the focus is on the overall fit between individual and organizational values.
Quote: "Organizational culture, as reflected in the values, norms, and assumptions that underlie the way work is done, is an important predictor of the attitudes and behaviors of employees."
​
O'Reilly, C. A., Chatman, J., & Caldwell, D. F. (1991).
People and organizational culture:
A profile comparison approach to assessing person-organization fit.
Academy of Management Journal, 34(3), 487-516.
URL: https://doi.org/10.2307/256404
​
Peace without war
Why values are important to keep as top level.
​
Bullying
Similarities between stages dogs and humans go through when being bullied.
1. PEACEFUL
Dog: Relaxed State - The dog is calm, comfortable, and content.
Human: Harmony - The individual is content, at ease, and enjoying positive social interactions.
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2. AWARENESS
Dog: Alert State - The dog notices a potential threat but isn't reacting aggressively.
Human: Recognition - The individual recognizes potential bullying behavior.
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3. SUBMISSION
Dog: Submissive Posture - To convey non-threat, the dog may use body language like lowering the body, avoiding eye contact, or showing the belly.
Human: Non-Confrontational Stance - The individual tries to deescalate the situation, potentially through body language or by changing the subject.
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4. AVOIDANCE
Dog: Avoiding Behavior - The dog tries to increase distance, or may hide or retreat to a safe place.
Human: Disengagement - The person may choose to ignore the bully, avoid certain places, or spend less time in the bully's vicinity.
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5. DISTRACTION
Dog: Distraction - The dog may engage in other activities or with other individuals to avoid the bully.
Human: Re-framing - The person might try to change the topic, engage others in positive interactions, or focus on other tasks.
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6. ASSERTIVENESS
Dog: Defensive Signals - Without becoming aggressive, the dog may show they're not happy with the interaction, e.g. through a warning growl or raised fur.
Human: Assertive Communication - The individual may express their discomfort verbally, ask the bully to stop, or seek help from others.
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7. PLAYFULNESS
Dog: Play Attempt - To lighten the situation, the dog may invite the other to play, offering a more positive interaction.
Human: Humor or Positive Shift - The person may use humor or try to steer the conversation toward a more positive or neutral topic.
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8. SEEKING SUPPORT
Dog: Seeking Human Help - If the bullying continues, a dog may approach a trusted human for safety or intervention.
Human: Seeking Assistance - If the situation doesn't improve, the person may involve trusted friends, family, or authority figures, or seek help from professionals or support groups.
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9. SELF-DEFENSE
Dog: Defensive Behavior - If the bullying escalates, the dog may feel forced to defend itself through more assertive body language or barks.
Human: Self-Defense - The individual may need to stand up for themselves more strongly, potentially involving authorities if the bullying continues.
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10. RESILIENCE
Dog: Recovery - After the situation is resolved, the dog will work to return to a normal, relaxed state.
Human: Healing and Growth - The person works through the aftermath of bullying, which may involve seeking support and healing, and developing strategies to cope and prevent future bullying.
In both dogs and humans, if bullying is ongoing or severe, it's essential to involve professionals—dog trainers or behaviorists for dogs, and therapists, counselors, or other authorities for humans.