WTF!?

WTF, pup?

That's right. This is something I think often when it comes to dog behavior and dog training. But what do I mean? Why am I thinking this way?

What's The Function?

What's the function of that behavior? 
When it comes to dog behavior and any changes you might feel the need to make, this is one of THE MOST important things you could ever ask.
What's The Function of that behavior? 

If your dog jumps on you, what's the function?
Is it for tactile interaction, for petting, for a treat, to get you to take him outside, to access the couch?

If your dog lunges at other dogs on a walk, what's the function?
To get the other dog to move further away? To get the other dog to come closer? To get you to make closer to the other dog? 

If your dog barks in the crate, what's the function? 
To get you to come back? Does it feel good? To get you to bring a treat over?

It all matters. The function of the behavior is the first thing you need to think about when you are considering any sort of behavior modification. Let's look at the jumping example. If the function of jumping on your lap is to access the couch, then removing the dog when he jumps isn't going to serve that function, is it? But maybe giving him an alternative access point would. If the function of jumping is to gain more tactile access to you and you ask your dog to sit instead, has that "wanting to touch you" function been served? Probably not.

If the function of lunging toward another dog is to get closer to the other dog, then doing a u-turn away from that dog when he pulls isn't going to serve that function for your dog. But hand targeting during forward movement just might, as an example. But if the function of lunging is to get the other dog to go away, then that u-turn behavior could work beautifully

​So the next time your dog performs a behavior, I want you to think to yourself... W T F?!