Understanding Extinction Bursts
As you start to work with your dog, you may notice an escalation in bad behaviors. These outbursts don’t mean you’re doing something wrong. On the contrary, they mean you’re doing something right.
Consider a simple unwanted behavior like begging whenever you sit down to eat. Many dog owners find it hard to resist giving their new puppy a little nibble under the table. As the dog grows older, however, that begging behavior can become tiresome.
If ignoring begging at the table is part of your training regimen, your dog may start doing behaviors to grab your attention other than just looking at you with sweet, soulful eyes come dinner time. The dog may start pawing your leg to demand your attention, jumping on you, pacing around nervously, rolling on the ground, or even vocalizing.
This kind of behavior is called an extinction burst – a term that stems from the discipline of behavioral learning. For behavioralists, your dog’s agitation shows that having learned that the old style of begging is no longer productive, she’s intensifying her efforts and trying new tactics to see if they yield the results she wants.
How can you help your dog overcome extinction bursts?
• Maintain consistency. You can think of extinction bursts as being a bit like a toddler’s tantrum. Your dog is testing you. But if you would like to see the behavior change, it’s important to remain consistent, no matter what.
• Stay calm and patient. When you feel frustrated, your dog can sense your distress. Do continue to correct behaviors like jumping or barking as needed, but don’t allow yourself to become angry or upset.
• Remember that change takes time. Just as it took your dog some time to learn the usual begging routine doesn’t work, it will take some time for her to learn these new behaviors won’t either. As long as you hold firm, she’ll learn it’s not appropriate to interrupt meals.
• Celebrate the small wins. Once your dog accepts that the era of table scraps – or whatever you’re working on – is over, the extinction bursts during your dinner will end. When they do, be sure to praise her good behavior.
Remember, while extinction bursts can be frustrating, they’re a sign you’re your training is working. Don’t give up!
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