What is Relationship Based Training?
“Relationship based training is a methodology of training and behavior modification that teaches the what, how, and most importantly, the why behind the connection between humans and canines. This method requires an in depth study & application of understanding dogs from their perspective of canine survival & co-evolution with humans.” (Canine-Human Relationship Institute).
This approach values the dog's perspective of reality - how does this individual dog see survival and its environment. Building a relationship with the dog begins with trust and you must understand how a dog views trust.
Professionals that use this methodology build a foundation in understanding how the canine-human relationship came to be, starting with the hunting partnership they shared, how the dog views survival, and how they behave as a species. As you continue through this methodology you learn how to connect with the dog that is in front of you. It is not about what the human wants and when they want it, it is about working together in balance. There are times that the human follows the dog, seeing what they are interested in, and there are times when the dog follows the human for safety and direction.
This approach goes even further than just looking at the behaviors - true RBBM professionals study to understand all of the other things that affect the dog such as nutrition, health, breed, development, etc. When you are able to consider all of the things that intertwine with the behavior, you are able to better the dog as a whole being, not just problem solve one area.
Some key RBBM things to think about:
Think about how canines and humans first formed a relationship and what the purpose of the relationship was.
What is your intent in a specific moment with your dog? What is the purpose of you asking them to do something? What is their intent?
Be present! Dogs live in the moment - guilt, shame, and doubt do not exist in their world.
Think like a dog - how do they see your territory, how do they see you, what are they interested in, how do they see the environment, etc.
Your dog barking at the other dog on the side of the fence or out your window when someone passes may be because they view that dog/person as a threat that is invading your territory. How do you show your dog that they are not a threat or that they do not have to worry about the environment because you can handle it?
You have to build street cred with your dog - show them that they can trust you. Trust isn’t earned just by providing them shelter, food, and love.
How does your dog value being in a pack?
If your dog has a physical/medical injury, you have to understand that may cause some behavioral challenges. Think about it, when you don’t feel good, you are not on your A-game either.
Get out in nature with your dog! Hunt for things, smell things, run around!
Your dog’s strongest sense is their sense of scent! Their nose is powerful, tap into that.
Capture the behaviors you want that they are natural
SO MUCH MORE TO THINK ABOUT
I personally fell in love with this method, though I have learned and used other methods before RBBM. I connected with this methodology because it allows my dog to be a dog and I don’t have to command them to do everything. I want them to be able to enjoy their life as much as they can because in comparison to mine, theirs is so much shorter. I love the opportunity to nerd out and learn about the biology and physiology of the dog, how they came to be, and every little rabbit hole in between.
