Training vs Behaviour Work: The Illusion of Control.

In the dog world, structured activities such as agility, obedience, or trick training are often highly valued. They're visible, rewarding, and full of clear progress. Watch any well-edited video online, and you'll see a dog responding eagerly to cues, flying over jumps, or performing perfect heelwork. It looks impressive.

Alongside that type of interaction, a quieter, more profound type of work is also happening, what we call Behaviour work. This is the work we do with dogs who are fearful, reactive, overwhelmed, or shut down. And while it might not look like much from the outside, it's some of the most important work we can do.

Many behaviours that humans find challenging can be a result of an unmet need or a breakdown in the relationship between dogs and humans. It can also be a result of unrealistic expectations placed on the dog and their behaviour. In some cases, behavioural challenges are a direct result of the handling or methods used by humans.

So, why is it that many people find training exciting but find behavioural work uncomfortable, frustrating, or simply believe that obedience will cure all?

It could be one crucial aspect: control.

Control

The human desire for control over others is well documented in psychology, sociology, and behavioural science.

'The more uncertain the environment, the more control we try to assert.' Langer (1975).

In unfamiliar or emotionally charged situations (e.g., a reactive dog on a walk), humans often default to controlling the dog's behaviour to feel safer or more in control themselves even when it's not effective in the long term. According to Bandura's theory of self-efficacy (1997), people tend to feel better when they can influence outcomes. Training a dog to sit, stay, or come provides fast reinforcement of competence. Behaviour work, on the other hand, often challenges identity,  especially for those who see themselves as skilled handlers.

Our relationships with dogs are complex; many people have strict or rigid views about hierarchy, particularly in terms of who is the highest-ranking individual. While we may be seeing a reduction in the social dominance attitude towards training, some of this legacy lives on.

Many humans project their emotional states or expectations onto their dogs. When people feel out of control in life, they may overcompensate by tightly managing their dog's behaviour. Conversely, a dog's "disobedience" might trigger negative feelings for the human.

Training can feel good.

Training, especially when conducted ethically and with informed consent, can be a valuable tool. It provides structure, predictability, and shared communication between humans and dogs. It's also deeply reinforcing for us. We get instant feedback and results such as:

·         The dog responds.

·          We feel competent.

·          Others are impressed.

·         It feels like progress.

·         It gives us the sense that we're in charge.

Why Behaviour Work Feels So Different

A behavioural focus is less about control and more about targeted support. It's about understanding the 'why' behind behaviour and creating opportunities for dogs to feel safe, emotionally regulated, and free to make choices rather than just complying with cues. It may involve humans having to change their approaches, beliefs, or management. It's not about making the dog fit into what we want but about understanding that there can be compromises that ultimately benefit everyone. Crucially, it's not about us; it's about the dog.

That can feel uncomfortable because:

·         Progress is measured in less dramatic or impressive ways.

·         We might have to slow down when we want to push forward.

·         We're not just teaching behaviours — we're supporting emotions.

Training activities can be a distraction from real life for some dogs, a pause or a time of focus, but afterwards, they return to their real life with all the challenges they faced before.

Letting Go of the Illusion

Control feels satisfying in the short term. A dog who lies down on cue or ignores distractions might look "well trained," but that doesn't mean they feel safe or will know how to respond to that situation next time. Even positive methods can fall into the trap of suppression rather than learning.

Behaviour work makes us to ask deeper questions:

·         What is my dog feeling right now?

·         What unmet need is driving this behaviour?

·         Am I responding to a behaviour or reacting to my own discomfort?

These questions might not seem as exciting, but they are crucial.

Many behaviour-focused moments might not earn praise or social media likes, but they are significant. They show us that our dogs feel safer, more in control of their environment, and more trusting of the humans around them.

Conclusion: moving from control

There's nothing wrong with enjoying training. When done with choice and care, it can be enriching and fun. However, when we prioritise control over connection, we risk overlooking the most crucial aspect of our relationship with dogs: their emotional experience.

Behaviour work isn't about fixing dogs. It's about listening, observing, and creating conditions where they can feel safe enough to thrive.