Concerned about your dog's emotional state? A professional trainer discloses an unexpected cause behind their fearfulness or anxiety (offering solutions to address it)

In the world of dog training, a condition known as learned helplessness can arise when a dog experiences repeated aversive stimuli or punishment that it cannot escape or avoid, leading the dog to feel it has no control over the situation. This behavioral condition, first scientifically demonstrated in dogs by psychologist Martin Seligman in 1967, can result in signs of passivity, depression, and a lack of motivation to learn or obey commands.

Dogs exposed to unavoidable shocks, for instance, eventually stopped trying to escape or avoid them, displaying helpless behaviour. In dog training, learned helplessness typically arises from excessive or unwarranted pressure, harsh corrections, or punishment-based methods that leave the dog feeling powerless and depressed.

To avoid learned helplessness in dog training, it's crucial to employ positive, motivational methods. Reward desirable behaviours to encourage learning without fear or stress. Avoid negative punishment methods that are inconsistent or overwhelming, as they can increase anxiety and the dog's sense of powerlessness. Provide the dog with clear, controllable choices during training so it understands how its behaviour influences outcomes, supporting a sense of agency.

Monitor for signs of stress or depression in the dog and adjust training methods accordingly to maintain the dog's confidence and well-being. Consider professional guidance to implement ethical, motivational training that builds trust rather than fear or helplessness.

It's important to note that unavoidable situations like car journeys, vet visits, or flea treatments can still be managed without causing learned helplessness in dogs. Dogs display learned helplessness when they think they have no control over a scary or traumatic situation. In such cases, advocating for a dog if they seem uncomfortable can be beneficial.

A dog in a state of learned helplessness is not displaying the unwanted behavior anymore, but has not learned to display good behavior - it has simply learned to give up. This condition can cause stress, depression, and PTSD in dogs, similar to humans. A dog that repeatedly experiences a traumatic event may enter a state of learned helplessness.

To prevent learned helplessness, it's recommended to swap out punishment and aversive training methods for positive training. Being patient with a dog and letting them make mistakes can also help. Removing dogs from potentially traumatic situations, such as aversive training sessions or forced interactions, is advisable.

Carolyn Martell, founder of Good Dog Training, emphasizes that learned helplessness is common in dogs trained aversively or in dogs that are generally anxious. She advises being mindful of letting dogs enter potentially traumatic situations as dog parents.

In summary, learned helplessness in dogs is caused by uncontrollable aversive experiences leading to passivity and depression. It can be avoided by employing positive, motivational training that empowers the dog and fosters a sense of control and confidence.

In the realm of dog training, learned helplessness arises when a dog faces repetitive aversive stimuli or punishment it cannot escape, leading it to feel powerless and lack motivation to learn commands.
To mitigate learned helplessness in dog training, one should opt for positive, motivational methods and reward desirable behaviors, promoting learning without fear or stress.
Dog trainers should avoid negative punishment methods that are inconsistent or overwhelming, as they can heighten anxiety and the dog's sense of powerlessness.
Offering the dog clear choices during training, enabling it to understand the connection between behavior and outcomes, supports a sense of agency and helps avoid learned helplessness.
Recognizing and addressing signs of stress or depression in dogs during training ensures the dog's confidence and overall well-being are maintained.
For ethical, motivational training that builds trust instead of fear or helplessness, professional guidance may be sought.
Dogs can exhibit learned helplessness in stressful or traumatic situations, such as car journeys, vet visits, or unpleasant training sessions, but with proper handling, such situations can still be managed.
Founder of Good Dog Training, Carolyn Martell, notes that learned helplessness is common in dogs trained aversively or in generally anxious dogs, urging dog parents to be mindful of letting dogs enter potentially traumatic situations.

Concerned about your dog's emotional state? A professional trainer discloses an unexpected cause behind their fearfulness or anxiety (offering solutions to address it)