Concerned about your pet dog's psychological state? A professional trainer unveils an unexpected motive behind their fear or anxiety (offering suggestive remedies)
Dogs, much like humans, can experience traumatic events and emotional distress, leading to conditions such as learned helplessness. This condition occurs when a dog, after experiencing repeated aversive stimuli or punishment that it cannot escape or control, stops trying to avoid or change the situation because it believes that nothing it does will matter.
In dog training, learned helplessness arises when dogs are subjected to excessive and unwarranted pressure or punishment they cannot control or escape. This can lead to depression and health problems. To prevent this, it's crucial to adopt humane, consistent, and positive-based training techniques.
Avoiding Learned Helplessness in Dog Training
- Employ motivational and positive reinforcement-based training methods that encourage dogs by rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesired behaviors.
- Avoid excessive force, severe correction, or aversive techniques that the dog cannot predict or control, as these methods increase the risk of learned helplessness.
- Steer clear of repeated negative punishment (withholding rewards or attention) that feels inevitable or uncontrollable to the dog, as this may cause anxiety and helplessness.
- Provide clear, consistent cues and achievable goals so the dog experiences success and learns confidence that its actions produce effects.
- Gradually build the dog’s ability to control its environment during training to maintain motivation and prevent the neurological changes associated with learned helplessness.
If a dog is uncomfortable in a situation, it should be removed from it. Aversive training methods can lead to learned helplessness in dogs. Dogs display learned helplessness when they think they don't have control over a scary or traumatic situation. In a state of learned helplessness, a dog essentially gives up, which can negatively affect its mental health.
Learned helplessness can cause stress, depression, and PTSD in dogs, similar to humans. The absence of bad behavior in dogs does not necessarily indicate good behavior; dogs should instead optimistically and confidently choose good behavior. To help a fearful dog, Martell recommends giving them choices, using positive training methods, being patient, letting them make mistakes, allowing them to have fun, and advocating for them.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events can lead to a state of learned helplessness in dogs. It's important to be aware of dog trainer red flags to avoid aversive training methods and learned helplessness in dogs. By adopting positive training techniques, we can empower our dogs, fostering a strong bond and promoting their overall well-being.
Sources:
- Martell, C. (2021). "Eight Reasons Why Your Dog is Anxious (and How to Help Them)". Retrieved from https://www.gooddogtraining.com/blog/eight-reasons-why-your-dog-is-anxious-and-how-to-help-them
- Garrison, J. (2019). "Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs: A Guide for Dog Owners". Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/positive-reinforcement-training-for-dogs/
- Seligman, M. E. P. (1967). "Learned Helplessness". Retrieved from https://psychology.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/cmimefiles/Seligman%20-%20Learned%20Helplessness.pdf
- Overall, K. L. (2007). "The Science of Learning and Behavior". Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92759/
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