![\"Veislyno](\"https:\/\/hornystimple.skraidanciosausytes.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/qn-v2\/skraidancios-ausytes-absolventas-01-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThe first domino<\/h2>\n
It is useful to look for the first domino \u2014 the problem from which everything else starts to fall. Only what you look for is not the dog\u2019s supposed status, but the real chain.<\/p>\n
For example, in the evening the dog barks, grabs hands and steals things. We can teach the cues \u201cquiet\u201d, \u201cdrop it\u201d and \u201cleave it\u201d as though these were three separate problems. But if the whole chain starts with a young dog not having slept enough, the first solution is rest and a different daily rhythm.<\/p>\n
Another dog pulls on the lead, rushes at the gate and cannot settle in the car. The common denominator may be not a \u201clack of leadership\u201d but very strong arousal the moment he sees the signs of an outing. In that case we teach the dog in small steps to wait calmly while the lead is clipped on, not to barge through opening doors, and to get in and out without rushing.<\/p>\n
Look at what happened before and after<\/h2>\n
A simple three-part framework helps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What happened before the behaviour?<\/strong> You picked up your keys, a child came over, a dog appeared, a paw was touched.<\/li>\n
- What exactly did the dog do?<\/strong> Froze, barked, backed away, grabbed, jumped \u2014 we describe, we do not judge.<\/li>\n
- What happened afterwards?<\/strong> The trigger went away, you gave attention, the door opened, the object stayed with the dog.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Behaviour is strengthened not by your intention but by that behaviour\u2019s consequence. If the door opens when the dog barks, the dog learns to open doors by barking. If the dog growls and a person steps back, the growl created distance \u2014 that is important information about how the dog feels, not an invitation to punish him.<\/p>\n
First check the dog\u2019s health<\/h2>\n
A sudden change in behaviour should not be treated as a training task until a vet has assessed possible medical causes. A dog who has unexpectedly started snapping when touched may be in pain. Urinating indoors can be a urinary tract problem. Night-time restlessness, irritability or reluctance to climb stairs can also have a physical cause.<\/p>\n
- What exactly did the dog do?<\/strong> Froze, barked, backed away, grabbed, jumped \u2014 we describe, we do not judge.<\/li>\n
![\"Absolventas](\"https:\/\/hornystimple.skraidanciosausytes.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/qn-v2\/skraidancios-ausytes-absolventas-03-768x1024.jpg\")
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