Cog-Dog Radio “Obedience” in a Welfare-First Behavior Intervention
Jun 24, 2025
The podcast dives into the complexities of managing dog behavior with a welfare-first approach. It debates whether traditional obedience training is sufficient for resolving behavior problems. Emphasis is placed on empowering dogs to make choices, rather than just focusing on commands. The discussion highlights creative strategies like avoidance and distraction, showcasing a more holistic view of behavior intervention.
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Therapy Means Voluntary Choice
- Therapy is when the dog perceives the trigger and voluntarily chooses a better behavior without contrived rewards or threats.
- Distraction, avoidance, and skills are tools, but true therapy develops choice under natural conditions.
Use Distraction to Observe Change
- Use distraction and skills like food scatters to avoid problem behaviors and observe if the dog returns to them.
- Recognize these tools as part of therapy only when the dog chooses the non-problem behavior independently.
Dog Choosing Scatter Shows Progress
- When a dog sees another and chooses to eat instead of react, the therapeutic plan is working.
- Observing the dog disengage then return to the scatter shows progress in making better choices.