Context cues are stimuli in the environment- sights, sounds, smells and even social cues- that influence behavior and memory. Dogs are incredibly good at picking up on all sorts of context cues- it feels like they learn in pictures, where all parts of the environment are built right into what we are teaching. This is why it’s often said that dogs aren’t naturally very good at generalizing behaviors. To your dog, the behavior is part of that very specific snapshot, where it was learned!
In some situations, we actively train our dogs to ignore context cues. And we have to work pretty hard at this! For example, we generalize obedience cues in many different settings, with different handler positions and postures, and unusual distractions- so that our dog truly understands that our handler cues- like sit, down, stand and heel- are relevant, no matter what else is going on. No matter the context.
But in other situations, it is helpful if our dogs can learn to read the room: to examine the entire context and draw conclusions about suitable default behaviors for that setting. To ease into the most suitable arousal state simply because they know what is expected in that circumstance. And to do this by just recognizing the picture, rather than requiring handler cues or micromanaging. Default behaviors in certain contexts don’t just happen by magic though- well, at least not the desirable ones. If we don’t plan appropriately, it frequently happens that our dogs attach too much excitement, arousal, or animation to situations where, long term, we’d prefer they were a little calmer! We need to be a little bit strategic, looking at our training scenarios from the same viewpoint as our dogs, to ensure that the end goal emotional state and behaviors we are shaping in that context will best serve us and our dogs.
In this webinar, we’ll examine how expectations drive emotions, and how emotions drive behavior… and how crafting your dog’s expectations in specific contexts helps to build consistent appropriate emotional states and desirable behavior in similar situations in the future. We’ll look at how you can incorporate building context cues with a new puppy early on, so that while you are socializing and developing foundation skills, you’re also building valuable expectations in key environments that help, rather than harm, future goals. We’ll also discuss re-training for dogs who have already developed undesirable behaviors in certain contexts, and you’ll get tips about avoiding some of the most commonly poisoned context cues too! This webinar will help you learn to perceive the world ‘in pictures’ and give you the ability to appreciate all the ways you can anticipate your dog’s behavior based on their environment and their past experiences in similar situations. As a result, your dog will be better prepared to read the room!
This webinar is for you if your dog exhibits any of the following:
- Struggles to settle in situations which should invite relaxing
- Tends to be overexcited for vet visits, grooming, or even waiting their turn in class or at trials
- Attempts to greet everyone they meet with excessive, overly friendly enthusiasm
- Pesters you relentlessly while you are working, working out, or otherwise occupied
- Whines, barks, or scratches in their crate or ex-pen in anticipation of release or due to FOMO
- Has an inappropriate or undesirable behavior or arousal level in any routine situation
This webinar is also for you if you have a new puppy and want to avoid any of the above without sacrificing their socialization.
Presented by Erin Lynes
