The Heart of a Dog Behaviourist: A Holistic Approach
By The Dog Witch: Rebecca Hanlon.
When we think of canine behaviourists, we often imagine them simply teaching dogs to sit, stay, or come when called. But the role of a canine behaviourist is far more complex and nuanced. It’s not just about cause and effect or understanding the basic workings of a dog’s mind. Instead, it involves an intricate network of knowledge from various fields such as genetics, neuroscience, anatomy, physiology, environment, emotions, social functioning, ethology, philosophy, learning theory, and psychology.
Behaviour is the most important function of the brain, but the brain doesn’t work in isolation. It needs an environment filled with complexities to shape behaviour. Neuroscience helps us understand how neural systems work in relation to behaviour, but we must also consider the ever-changing environment in which dogs live. Studying behaviour is multifaceted and presents many challenges, some of which may seem impossible to fully overcome. However, it also offers profound insights into the existence of life itself.
To support dogs in the way they deserve, we must adopt a holistic approach. This means looking at the role of a behaviourist as one that encompasses various interconnected factors. Only by understanding these factors and how they work together can we truly comprehend a dog’s behaviour. Working closely with other professionals, such as veterinarians, ethologists, physiotherapists, and neurologists, is crucial to gaining a deeper understanding of the myriad influences on behaviour.
Many canine behaviourists today use positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desirable behaviour with food, praise, or play. They also use negative punishment, which means not reinforcing undesirable behaviours. There is ongoing debate about the use of the other two quadrants: positive punishment and negative reinforcement. Some believe in their effectiveness, while others argue that these methods are more damaging than helpful. Many behaviourists still focus on a purely operant way of thinking, neglecting to consider other factors that influence behaviour.
The title “behaviourist” can be limiting and may give people a false impression of the role. It suggests that the primary goal is to change behaviour, but in reality, the focus should often be on changing the emotional response. Our goal is to allow dogs to be true to their natural selves while functioning in a human-dominated world. By looking at all the factors influencing behaviour, we can better understand why a dog behaves in certain ways and work to support their mental, emotional, and psychological health.
Many canine behaviourists are moving towards a post-behaviourism approach, focusing on the overall well-being of the dog. By prioritising mental, emotional, and psychological health, we can help dogs live happier, more fulfilling lives. This approach fosters a deeper understanding between dogs and humans, allowing us to live alongside them rather than trying to dominate and change them. It’s about appreciating the unique beauty of each dog and valuing their well-being over trivial concerns.
Given these insights, it’s clear that the role of a canine behaviourist is much more than just modifying behaviour. It’s about understanding the whole dog, including their mental and emotional needs. This holistic approach can lead to better outcomes for dogs and their guardians. As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of canine behaviour, we may find that the title “Canine Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner” more accurately reflects the true nature of this important work. By adopting this broader perspective, we can create a world where dogs are understood and appreciated for who they are, leading to stronger, more fulfilling relationships between dogs and their guardians.
Rebecca Hanlon is a Whole Health Practitioner, helping with dog behaviours that challenge through looking at your whole dog. Join her membership to get constant support with special needs dogs. https://www.thedogwitchwholehealthandbehaviour.com/dog-witch-membership
