Appeasement behaviors in dogs are easy to miss and often misinterpreted. Humans often perceive these conflict-reducing behaviors as cute or affectionate, when they are often an indication of conflicted or anxious feelings. These behaviors are common during greetings with new people, when the dog feels the other dog or person they are interacting with is distressed, or if the dog themself is worried about something. Dogs express their discomfort with a variety of behaviors. Many of the behaviors that fall under the “appeasement behavior” label also fall on the lowest rungs of the “ladder of aggression.”  These behaviors are often
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Many people are familiar with the basics of marker training, where we teach the dog that a marker (often a click from a clicker, or a word like “yes”) predicts that a treat is coming. We can add even more clarity and predictability to our training by teaching our dogs specific cues for different treat delivery methods, like tossing them a treat for them to catch, taking food from our hand, or a tossed treat to sniff out in the grass. This is typically referred to as a “multiple marker system.” Using a multiple marker system can be especially helpful
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Performing preference tests with your dog can help you learn a little more about what sorts of treats are highest value to them. Knowing the value of treats can help you when creating training plans and managing arousal and excitability. Being thoughtful with our treats can lead to increased clarity for our dogs and better training outcomes. How to conduct a taste test with your dog You’ll want several small dishes and a variety of treats (use small portions to prevent an upset stomach). Place a small number of treats in each bowl and place the bowls close to each
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