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How Control and Self-Efficacy Enrich the Lives of Dogs
Control and self-efficacy are important needs for dogs and humans (and many other living beings) and belong to the basic needs.
Control means that dogs have the opportunity to make decisions and actively manage their behavior. This can include choosing toys, food, or the preferred route. It also involves whether and for how long they allow and want to undergo grooming measures (keyword: choice-based training or medical training).
Self-efficacy refers to a dog’s belief in his ability to achieve certain goals and solve problems. Dogs that believe in their abilities and have had positive experiences with successful solutions are more confident and content. They are able to independently resort to “good” solutions instead of undesirable behavior.
Of course, this should and can only happen within a reasonable and meaningful framework. For example, in traffic (dangers) or in the forest (chasing deer), we cannot let our four-legged friends make decisions at will. However, in other areas, we certainly can, such as choosing a chew item.
I do this regularly with Lina, and sometimes I am quite surprised by her choice. Of course, I don’t put down 10 chew items but make a preselection. Sometimes she carefully examines everything that’s there, and sometimes she makes a decision immediately. Lina never had the impulse to want all of them. She also isn’t frustrated when I put away the remaining items.
Having control over our own lives is the key to satisfaction.
Tony Robbins
This is meant to be a thought-provoking impulse for you to just try it out. Perhaps your dog will surprise you? Or let your dog choose the route. What new things do you discover in the process? In my experience, the walk is similarly long despite the freedom of choice, but the routes can certainly surprise me at times.
I am convinced that Lina is more content with a certain degree of control. I would feel the same way, as control is very important to me too! Moreover, we have been able to significantly strengthen our mutual trust and understanding this way.
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