When training your dog, you’ll often encounter something called “default behaviors.” These are actions your dog automatically offers when they’re unsure of what to do. One of the most common default behaviors is sit.
Why Dogs Default to Sit
Sit is often the first behavior new dog owners teach their pups, and it’s usually reinforced the most. Over time, your dog learns that sitting reliably earns rewards, so when they feel uncertain, they default to this behavior.
I experienced this firsthand with my mini American Shepherd, Betsy Blue. While teaching her to back up, she kept finishing the movement with a sit. This default behavior—though not what I wanted—was her way of trying to earn a reward.
What Are Default Behaviors in Dogs?
Default behaviors can either be learned behaviors (like sit) or self-reinforcing behaviors that your dog naturally enjoys. A self-reinforcing behavior is an action your dog finds intrinsically rewarding, even without a treat or praise.
For example, chasing a squirrel is a self-reinforcing behavior. Your dog doesn’t need you to offer a reward because the thrill of the chase is rewarding enough.
Common Challenges with Default Behaviors
One of the most frustrating default behaviors for dog owners is barking at perceived threats. This barking is self-reinforcing because it helps your dog feel like they’re driving the threat away. Unfortunately, this behavior becomes ingrained over time and can be challenging to break.
The main hurdle? It’s tough to address your dog’s nervous emotions calmly when you’re feeling frustrated or embarrassed by the barking. As a result, barking becomes your dog’s go-to reaction to stress, and it’s repeated over and over.
How to Break Default Behaviors
Default behaviors can be difficult to change because they’ve been reinforced so many times, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. Here are some practical steps:
1. Stop Rewarding the Default Behavior
If your dog’s default behavior is learned (like begging), the first step is to stop rewarding it. This might sound simple, but many dog owners unintentionally reinforce the behavior without realizing it.
I made this mistake with Betsy Blue. While teaching her to back up, I rewarded her even when she ended the movement by sitting. She thought the trick was “back up, then sit.” I had to restart her training by rewarding only a single step back—no sitting allowed!
2. Teach an Alternative Default Behavior
For self-reinforcing behaviors like barking, you’ll need to teach your dog a new default behavior to replace the old one. For instance, if your dog barks when they see another dog, train them to:
Look at you instead of barking.
Perform a fun trick like a spin.
Sit calmly.
Bark once to alert you, then stop.
Hold a toy in their mouth.
If your dog struggles to do the new behavior, start from a greater distance away from the trigger (e.g., another dog) and use a high-value treat or toy. Sometimes, you need an irresistible reward to kickstart the training process.
Pro Tip: While I don’t recommend using sugar or dairy, I’ve been guilty of using a small amount of whipped cream when teaching my dog to recall away from our donkeys. However, only use “human food” rewards sparingly to jumpstart progress—your dog’s primary rewards should always be dog-safe.
Patience and Consistency Are Key
Dealing with default behaviors can be frustrating, but with patience and consistent training, they’re completely manageable. Remember: your dog’s behavior has likely been reinforced over time, even unintentionally. Recognizing this is the first step toward change.
Instead of rewarding unwanted behaviors, offer your dog new, rewarding alternatives. Through clear communication, consistent reinforcement, and positive training techniques, you can break the cycle and create new, desirable default behaviors.
Stick with it, stay positive, and most importantly, have fun training your pup!
コメント