By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
This is the time of year when people buy dogs as a Christmas gift. I'm not here to lecture you on the pros and cons of offering a living creature as a present. I am, however, going to talk about what you should do during your holiday vacation. I've discussed pure breed dogs in Great Danes and Other Monster Dogs - Part 1 and Part 2, so I'm not going to discuss breed selection. In this article, I want to give you a series of tips and steps in order to establish a successful partnership during your holiday season vacation.
I Chew Chew Chews You!
I know most people will say adoption is the best solution, but I don't necessarily agree with that. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The following criteria are, in my opinion, points you should expect from the dog you're about to choose, regardless of adoption or purchase. It doesn't really matter if the dog is an adult or puppy, as long as you remember that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
- Social attraction: dogs should go to you but not invade your space. The same can be said when dogs approach each other. Fear or aggression is never good, especially when social interactions are concerned. Sociability is my number one criteria.
- Curiosity: dogs should explore the environment, novel objects, sounds or smells. This characteristic is synonymous with intelligence. Canines are more inclined to problem-solve if they have inquiring minds.
- Balance: dogs should display relatively stable behaviours. No excess fear, stress, anxiety, frustration, joy, excitement, aggression, or indifference. Extremes are always hard to handle and train against.
- Memory: it's not enough to be smart, one needs to remember solutions to various problems. When behaviours are complicated, a good working memory is indispensable in order to place short-term lessons into long-term memory.
D-Day
It's Christmas time and the dog has officially become part of your family, so, now what? There have to be a million answers to this question, but I'll try to narrow it down to 10 steps. With the following suggestions, you should be able to create a secure attachment within a few days and prepare Fido for your first day back at work.
1. When the dog arrives, let him explore the living area, but limit its size for the time being. Too much space might allow for toilet accidents which might set you back. Follow the dog around while he explores the new environment. This team walk will teach the dog you're present and reliable. If you have a small dog, I recommend you do this on all fours.
2. Bring the dog out for a bathroom break, or place the dog on a pad should you prefer an inside bathroom. Wait for something, even if it takes a while. Remember, the dog needs to find his bearings and you're there to show him where they are. I recommend one bathroom option, ideally outside.
3. Now that basic exploration and toilet break are done, it's time for a nap. Play will come later. Sleep is very important because it helps process short and long-term memories. Too much stimulation and sleep deprivation create frustration and contribute to an overall poor memory. For this step, I recommend a crate.
4. Open the crate door, bathroom break, and plan another round of environmental exploration, this time with treats. When the dog sniffs something new, say good dog, and toss a treat. It's important to be with your dog, even if you live in a small flat. Allow for another drink and bathroom break.
5. Once exploration phase 2 is complete, try to play with the dog for a few minutes. This is your first official bonding moment, so make it work. No cell, no pad, no pictures, no television, no distractions, just you, the dog, and a toy. I highly recommend you play a Brain Game, it promotes a secure attachment.
6. Allow for another drink and bathroom break. It might sound a lot, but your job is to instill structure and consistency. Once inside, offer a small meal then head out for a walk around the park. It's now time to introduce the dog to the neighbourhood. Don't allow people or dog interactions just yet. The focus is you, the dog, and a new environment. Making friends will come later. I recommend you walk past dogs for now.
Repeat steps 1 to 6 for the remainder of your holiday vacation. From here, you'll add steps 7 to 10 to your routine. The next series is the most important one because it serves to create a secure bond. Plus, it will prepare the dog for your first day at work.
7. Start every day with your morning routine followed by a Brain Game or 2. Once you've finished the game period, place the dog in the crate. Everyone in the house should now leave for 5 minutes. Only enter the house if the dog is silent. Open the crate door if the dog is A. Silent B. Relaxed or C. Both. I recommend you repeat this step a few times a day for 2 days. Make sure you practice at various times throughout the day.
8. Same as step 7, but you're now going to leave for longer. Plan for 10 to 15 minutes. The point of this exercise is to teach the dog you'll eventually return. No need for treats because you are the treat. Note: place the dog in the crate at various times during the day. Only open the door when the dog is A. Silent B. Relaxed or C. Both. Always bring the dog to the bathroom when you open the crate door.
9. Repeat step 8 with at least a 1-hour absence; I recommend you plan for 2 to 3 hours. Step 9 is where you'll incorporate active training. Teach the dog to Sit, The Social-Cognitive Way. Teach down the exact same way. Now you have two behaviours. I would add a hand target in the mix just because it's an easy behaviour to master, plus, it's always practical for a variety of situations.
10. This is a mock back to work exercise. Pretend you're going to work today. Get up early, do your doggy routine, play a Brain Game or 2, place the dog in the crate and leave. Go visit a friend, go shopping, or go someplace where you'll be a long time. I would aim for 4+ hours. Come home, open the crate, bathroom break, come back inside and train: sit, down, and touch hands with little to no emotions.
The Real World
Dogs are emotional beings and if you don't prepare them for the reality of your work routine, you run the risk of creating an insecure attachment. Think about it for a moment. If a stranger kidnapped you and took you to a different country where people didn't speak English and abandoned you there, would you feel relaxed and happy? Now, imagine you started to bond with these unfamiliar people, but without warning, they disappeared for 10 hours. How would you feel?
You would certainly feel a lot better if the strangers progressively created a routine you could recognize. Knowledge via predictability creates a secure environment, thus, in my example, you would feel less stressed or anxious if you could predict what's going to happen. Dogs react similarly in novel situations.
If you get a dog for Christmas, please consider creating a secure environment. Make your dog feel welcomed, but don't overwhelm him. If you're like me and want your friends and family to see your new BFF, wait a few weeks. It's not in your dog's best interest to overstimulate him. Your priority should be to get Fido accustomed to the reality that is your life, your real life that is. You know, the one in which you work, play hockey, visit mom, and go to school. You got a dog for Christmas, maybe you should consider giving him a present too.