Maybe More Information Isn't the Answer

Maybe a lack of information isn't the problem...

When we got our dog, Sandi, I was surprised by how much dog training had changed since we got our last dog 15 years ago. Pretending to be the "alpha dog" was out. Positive reinforcement was in.

The books I was reading said to give her lots of treats - up to 50 a day! But treats weren't being very effective with Sandi. One book said if your treats aren't working, they're not good enough! So I bought better treats - ham, hot dogs, cream cheese for mats, and peanut butter for kongs.

Non-refrigerated treats were stashed everywhere - practically every room in the house and, embarrassingly, sometimes in my pants pockets. I didn't want to miss a moment to reward a positive action! But still, we weren't super happy with Sandi's progress.

Eventually, we admitted defeat and hired a trainer. How could we possibly not figure out how to train a dog given all the information available these days?

Within the first couple of sessions, the trainer said, "Sandi is responding much better to affection than to treats."

What?! None of the books, podcasts, youtube videos, or AI chats mentioned that. Yes, they said positive reinforcement, but I felt like treats were the focus.

I'm still using everything I learned from going down those dog-training rabbit holes, and the training is still a work in progress, but I feel like being armed with that insight has made our training more effective.

One stressor for me has always been jogging with Sandi on a path near our house. I used to give her a treat every few strides if she was being good (per a book). Now I don't even bring treats. If she doesn't react when we pass a dog, I have her sit and I give her lots of pets. Her tail wags and she covers me with kisses.

If you're hitting a wall with something, maybe more information isn't the answer.

It could be that you just need another perspective on the information you already have.

Does anybody else's dog prefer cuddles over food?

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBAis the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firmoffering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.