In today’s world, stress often gets a bad reputation. Overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life, many of us instinctively shield our kids and dogs from any form of stress, believing it to be harmful. However, when introduced thoughtfully and in manageable doses, stress can be a powerful tool for growth, learning, and resilience. Just like with humans, the right amount of stress can help dogs develop independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Understanding Stress: Eustress vs. Distress
Not all stress is created equal. There are two primary types of stress:
Eustress (Positive Stress): This is the kind of stress that motivates and energizes. Examples include the excitement of learning a new command, the thrill of chasing a toy, or the challenge of solving a puzzle feeder. Eustress helps dogs grow and adapt in positive ways.
Distress (Negative Stress): This includes acute, episodic, chronic, or toxic stress. Examples might be fear triggered by loud noises, prolonged isolation, or exposure to situations beyond the dog’s ability to cope. When unchecked, distress can lead to unhealthy behaviors and emotional challenges.
Hold up - before you run off to shelter from distress, consider how to use eustress in situations that present distress. If we help build up the dog in motivating ways during moments of distress, we can actually change the dog’s stress levels and perception, reducing that negative stress or taking it away altogether.
Stress Is Not a Dirty Word
Stress is an unavoidable and essential part of life. It’s how we build muscle, learn new skills, and overcome challenges. In dog training, introducing stress in controlled and supportive ways can foster resilience and independence. By carefully balancing stress, we create an environment where dogs can learn, grow, and thrive.
The Value of Frustration and Choice
A little frustration can be a good thing. When dogs experience manageable levels of frustration, it can motivate them to problem-solve and seek solutions. Handing everything to a dog without effort can lead to issues such as boredom, pushiness, and demand behaviors. To create confident, independent dogs, we must give them opportunities to make choices and think for themselves.
For example, instead of using food solely as a reward for compliance, we can use it to encourage thoughtful problem-solving. This approach helps dogs see value in their choices, not just in manipulating their every move. When dogs understand that their decisions have intrinsic value, they become more thoughtful and confident in their actions.
One of the foundational exercises we teach is a training game we call Freedom of Choice. This game packs in multiple layers of learning that begin with the dog learning to problem-solve. Also built into this game are skills like using eye contact, recognizing personal space boundaries, impulse control, and even bite inhibition. Additionally, we add challenges to advance this game and progress to skills like the “no” or “leave-it” command.
Finding the Balance: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Stress
Similar to training in human fitness, there’s a fine line between healthy and unhealthy stress. When working out, a healthy stress load builds muscle and endurance, while too much stress can lead to injury. In dog training, excessive stress can hinder learning and create a counterproductive environment. The key is to apply stress thoughtfully and at a level that promotes learning without overwhelming the dog.
By slowing down the training process and introducing minor, manageable stressors, we can build a healthy frustration level that leads to drive and motivation to problem-solve. This approach creates a healthy learning environment where dogs develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and essential skills.
The secret to achieving success is embracing patience. In my experience coaching clients, this tends to be one of the most significant challenges. It’s often challenging to slow down and let the learning process progress at your dog’s pace. We might even feel frustrated when the learning does not happen as quickly as we hope. Trust me, giving your dog the time to learn will make training a more fulfilling experience, and you will see better results while fostering a better relationship.
Conclusion
Stress doesn’t have to be something to fear or avoid. When used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool for building our dogs' resilience, independence, and confidence. By understanding the balance between healthy and unhealthy stress and providing supportive training experiences, we can help our dogs grow into confident, independent thinkers ready to face life’s challenges.
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Happy Training,
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