You find yourself frustrated and exasperated because your dog continues to lunge and bark incessantly at the post person, visitors, passers-by or other dogs. You've tried everything to improve your dog's behaviour, but nothing works. You have spent many fruitless hours searching the internet for free access online dog training tips and have even seen a few dog trainers and spent a small fortune. You may feel like you’ve tried every possible solution, but if nothing is working, it is likely that you haven’t truly exhausted all options. Let’s explore the reasons why your dog’s behaviour remains unchanged and what steps you can take to make a meaningful improvement.

Consistency is Crucial

First and foremost, it is important to be consistent. Inconsistent training methods can leave your dog confused and unsure of what is expected of them. Dogs thrive on routine and clear, unchanging rules. Imagine attempting to learn a new language, only to have the rules and vocabulary change constantly—it would be a frustrating and fruitless endeavour. The same principle applies to dog training and behaviour modification. 

Training is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires dedication and repetition. If you jerk the lead one day when they bark and give them treats the next day, only to scold them the day after, how confusing is that? If you think you've tried everything it is likely you have not been consistent with any method. Often dog owners try lots of different things but don't stick with any of them. This is because they are not sure the methods will work so stumble blindly from one idea to another. 

The Pitfalls of Intermittent Reinforcement

Another common issue is intermittent reinforcement, which can inadvertently reinforce the behaviours you are trying to eliminate. For example, if your dog jumps on you and you sometimes push them off while other times you give them a pat because you are in a good mood, this sporadic reward can make the undesirable behaviour persist. 

Intermittent reinforcement is akin to playing a slot machine—if you occasionally hit the jackpot, you keep playing. Your dog behaves similarly. If a behaviour is undesirable, it should never be reinforced, not even once. Aggression is “rewarded” often by the feelings of relief the dog gets after ensuring that a scary or annoying trigger doesn’t get close to them. If your dog keeps occasionally being put into the situation they need to use aggressive behaviour, aggression is being strongly reinforced. Good environemntal management is required to be successful and a thorough understanding of how and when to bail out without aggravating your dog further.

Identifying the Root Cause

If you believe you have tried everything and nothing has changed, it is time to delve deeper and identify the root cause of your dog’s behaviour. If you don't know why your dog is using aggressive behaviour then you cannot start to implement a training plan as you risk making things worse. Understanding why your dog is behaving a certain way is fundamental to resolving the issue. Behaviours such as aggression are not random; they are responses to stimuli in the dog’s environment or internal state. Aggressive behaviour can be the symptom of fear, frustration, anger or confusion/conflict. It’s important to identify which of these are at play when your dog uses aggression.

Begin by observing your dog closely. Note when the aggressive behaviour occurs and what triggers it. Keeping a journal of these observations can be beneficial. Identifying the triggers allows you to address the underlying issue rather than merely treating the symptoms.

Interpreting Your Dog's Body Language

If you haven’t familiarised yourself with how to interpret your dog’s (and other dogs’) body language or vocal language it will be difficult to identify the underlying motivation for using aggression. Research has found that humans often do not understand canine communication signals and this can increase the risks of being bitten. Dogs will usually give a variety of signals designed to avoid confrontation called The Ladder of Aggression. Recognising dog body language can often be used to enable you to understand the underlying motivation for using aggressive behaviour. If you have not learned this, then you definitely haven’t tried everything yet. 

Seeking Professional Help

If all else fails, it is time to seek professional assistance. Professional dog behaviourists possess a wealth of experience and strategies that you might not be aware of. Sometimes, an external perspective can reveal insights you may have overlooked. Most people who tell you they have tried everything, haven’t tried working with a vet recommended qualified dog behaviourist. The trouble is, how do you know if someone is a properly qualified professional? It isn't as straight forward as it should be. Ask your vet to refer you to people they know. Don't ask your local social media pages as you will be inundated with names, many of whom are NOT at all qualified, but have a great netowork of friends to share their business. You have probably already worked with at least one who still didn't get you the outcome you are looking for, because they are not properly accredited.

Your veterinarian can be an excellent resource for recommendations. They can refer you to suitably qualified and experienced dog behaviourists who can evaluate your dog and develop a customized training plan. Professional guidance can make a significant difference, especially if the behaviour is deeply ingrained, complex or associated with an underlying medical condition. 

Properly qualified dog behaviourists have the expertise to tackle complex issues and can provide the support and guidance needed to stay on track. They can teach you how to handle situations effectively, ensuring that you do not inadvertently reinforce undesirable behaviours.

Conclusion

If you feel like you have tried everything but nothing seems to work, take a moment to reassess your approach. Have you maintained consistency? Are you inadvertently using intermittent reinforcement? Do you fully understand the network of reasons behind your dog’s behaviour? Most importantly, have you consulted with a professional?

Dog training is not always straightforward and requires patience, perseverance, and often, expert assistance. Remember that you and your dog are a team. By methodically addressing the problem and remaining open to new strategies, you can help your canine companion become the well-behaved pal you envision. In the process, you may even discover new insights about yourself and your approach to problem-solving.