As a dog trainer, one of the most common and well-intentioned mistakes I see owners make is accidentally teaching the very behaviors they're trying to prevent.
There’s a common saying, “You pet what you get.” and today we’re going to break that concept down together.
Understanding How Puppies Learn
Our puppies are watching our movements every moment throughout the day.
They understand that some of those movements are favorable, e.g., we walk toward the refrigerator (will they get a piece of cheese, perhaps?!), and some are not, like removing a toy they've been chewing on because it's starting to come undone.
But the one movement we make that can reinforce a behavior more than almost anything else? Petting during moments of chaos.
Petting Is a Reward
Here's the thing: our puppies perceive our affection as a reward for their behavior. Why? Because they enjoy it, of course. They find our affection favorable, so they seek it out.
So what happens if your puppy jumps and you pet them? They're going to jump more. The outcome, to them, is favorable. They receive your attention and affection as a result.
The same goes for nudging your arm during a meeting. If you pet them during that moment, the nudging will only continue.
Everything ladders back up to favorable outcomes. Dogs repeat what works.
The Calm Equals Attention Principle
So when should you pet your puppy? Whenever your dog is calm and well-mannered, of course!
While they’re nipping you? Not quite.
Jumping for attention? Definitely not.
Growling or barking? Absolutely, unequivocally no.
When they’re sitting by your side relaxing? Yes!
Being intentional with how and when you pet your puppy can make all the difference.
In Closing
Being aware of your own movements will determine whether or not your puppy develops habits that become harder to break over time.
Remember the calm = attention principle, and you'll have a much easier (and less stressful) puppy-raising journey.
If this resonated and you'd like help applying it with your own puppy, feel free to reach out anytime: info@hopegablescanine.com 🐕✨
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
