The limits of what we can train our dogs to do.

When I first started training dogs 14 years ago, I was under the impression that we could literally train dogs to do anything. That all dogs could be trained and live happily ever after. I think this is a really common held sentiment. If only the dog had training, then everything would be okay. The truth is that there are limits to what we can train our dogs to do. 

The truth is that training, especially the way I choose to train, force free can be super powerful at helping dogs learn the skills that they need to cope in our human world. Behavior modification techniques can help dogs overcome fears, phobias and obsessions. Simple lifestyle choices and daily routines can help dogs thrive. But the parallel truth here is that training, behavior modification and lifestyle can’t always change who dogs are. 

All beings are made up of genetics, early rearing, lived experiences and everything that makes them unique. This means that while training can be a potent intervention, it can’t change the other pieces of who your dog is. Training is not a panacea to change any and all unwanted, problematic or dangerous behaviors a dog may display.  Something I see all the time on the internet is people claiming that their dog would never bite, run off, charge or fill in the blank with anything because they have been trained. I want to make something super clear here, there is no such thing as a dog that is “fully trained”, in fact dogs are always in training.Just like we are always learning, growing and evolving.  

Training is not something that happens and then the dog behaves like a robot no matter the conditions. Behavior is contingent on so many factors, the environment, stimulus, how the animal is feeling. Training doesn’t come with guarantees, although there are plenty of good sales people who claim that their expensive training comes with a guarantee. Training does yield a lot of success but it never ensures that your dog would never bite someone, embarrass you, or do something dangerous. Dogs are dynamic, just like we are. I may behave in a certain way most days but have a day that I behave in a completely new way. 

We can in fact teach dogs how to perform jobs, jobs that they can perform reliably but dogs who serve in jobs typically come from a breeding program generations old to ensure that their dogs genetics, early rearing and lived experiences set them up for the best chance at success in their roles. These programs still have a high drop out rate. Now think about dogs that didn’t come from selective breeding, that didn’t have a good rearing experience, that have experienced major traumas in their lives. These dogs can in fact be great companions but they are never going to be able to perform a job like a service dog would. 

Over my training career I have worked with thousands of dogs, the great majority being amazing pets and behaving in safe and desirable ways. But I have never once told a client that we could train their dog and it would always behave in the exact same way. In fact I always encourage my clients to celebrate the uniqueness of their dogs, to pay attention and get to know their dogs well. The better we know our dogs, the stronger our relationship with them is. The more we can put them in situations that they can handle and have a pretty good idea of how they will respond. I have also worked with dogs that despite every effort, they could not be trained to behave in safe ways and maintain living in our society. Which is a hard truth, people really don’t want to face. We want to believe that love, attention and training are always going to be enough. Sadly that is not the case. 

Training certainly enhances the human canine bond, but there are limits to what training can do. Training doesn’t change a dog into something completely different than they were before training. As much as we want instant results and guarantees, the truth is that living with, caring for and training dogs is a journey. One that will shift, mold and change over time and one that is best celebrated for the complicated mess that it is.

-Rachel