We set a lot of dogs up for failure by building unrealistic expectations about our dogs and in our dogs.
An anticipation is a learned, sustained belief in some kind of good or bad outcome. So, let’s take that apart.
Humans: Based upon some kind of historical data, a human will pursue, sometimes relentlessly, an anticipated event. The owner buys a certain type of dog. They read all about them, might have grown up with them as a kid. So, from that data, they might take that data and project that their dog is going to act in a certain way, from puppyhood to adult. But then what happens when that result doesn’t happen? Some will get a professional to help their dogs adapt and get on track. Others will keep doing the same things, get upset and take it out on their dogs. Others will get rid of their dogs. What do you think is the best solution?
The first answer is best. The owner who starts out with a faulty expectation based upon faulty or limited data sees that what they want isn’t happening, they are open to absorbing new data, they adjust their anticipation, and change course.
Dogs: Based upon some kind of historical experiences, and a possible current need or stimulus, a dog can doggedly pursue that anticipated event. I regularly see this kind of setup cause problems.
Examples: The dog that anticipates every 1.) guest is a threat; 2.) treat is for them right now; 3.) moment is for the owner to entertain them; 4.) time the owner leaves it is the end of the world; 5.) ride in the car is to the veterinarian and some kind of uncomfortable treatment; 6.) bowel movement means punishment is coming; or 7.) time it is off leash is an opportunity to run away.
When I train, I try to build in appropriate anticipations for both the owner and the dog. Thus, the first appointment is seeing what the owner is expecting from their dog, now and in the future. I also measure that expectation relative to their motivation and determination to get that result. Similarly, as lessons progress, I am evaluating a dog’s reward and punishment expectations. I also evaluate their motivation and determination related to that end picture.
It is faulty logic to think that dogs are just remote-control electric toy cars. If that was the case, a dog would get a stimulus which would result in an immediate reaction, and that would be that. Give a treat, get a response. That is the problem with a lot of dog training today, regardless of the tools used. Too much focus is on the immediate response and not on the ability to attain long term goals.
However, if people and humans were just automatons there would be no such thing as sustained anticipation, motivation, applied effort or problem solving. Instead, there is always a brain in between that processes all internal and external stimuli as the human or dog build expectations about future events. Thus, good dog training prepares each for appropriate expectations. Good training applies learning opportunities for the people and their dogs to want appropriate outcomes and to discover they can stay motivated and control those expectations instead of getting frustrated, giving up, lashing out, redirecting into some undesired other response, or developing some kind of medical problem from the stress of unresolved psychological conflicts.
I find most dogs and dog owners have anticipation problems. Good data, teaching, practice, time and effort must be applied so the fundamentals are learned. Learning is never going to be a smooth process, either. There will be variations, and sometimes some backtracking, especially if there are concepts (and their related skills) which have been neglected or requiring remedies. Then, as training progresses, opportunities can be presented to both the owner and dog. It is amazing to see an owner or dog starting to display insights, and as they discover emotional control during motivational challenges. Finally, as intelligence blossoms, then comes self-control as they predict, and problem solve, advanced real-world experiences.
Where to start?
First, get good data to set appropriate expectations, starting with the owner, then with the dog. Prevent the establishment of expectations which are false and stimulate motivation to obtain useful expectations for socially appropriate work.