Many four-legged carers do not realise that their pet may need support in developing independence. Although it may seem insignificant at first glance, lack of independence has a major impact on a dog’s behaviour and wellbeing. By understanding the causes, symptoms and possible consequences of this, you can better care for your pet’s wellbeing and support them to build confidence and independence.
Causes of lack of independence in dogs
A lack of independence in quadrupeds is often due to several factors that can interplay:
An overly strong bond with the guardian – dogs that are constantly dependent on people and do not have the opportunity to explore their surroundings or take initiative on their own can become overly emotionally attached.
Lack of socialisation – pets who have not had the opportunity to explore new places, people and animals are often afraid of independent interaction.
Inappropriate socialisation – due to an overabundance of diverse stimuli, inappropriately introduced, dogs may become fearful or overreact to environmental stimuli.
Excessive care from humans – if the carer controls every aspect of the four-legged dog’s life, not allowing them to explore the world on their own paws, the pet will not learn independence.
Overreaction on the part of the carer and projecting their own fears onto the pet – the emotions of carers have a huge impact on the behaviour of their dogs. Anxious human reactions can reinforce insecurity and lack of independence in the animal.
Trauma and negative experiences – dogs who have experienced neglect or abuse may have difficulty taking initiative and developing confidence.
Genetics – some breeds are more likely to be dependent on humans, such as herding or companion dogs. However, it should be remembered that herding dogs, although cooperative with humans by nature, should also be characterised by independence. Lack of knowledge or too little awareness on the part of carers – ignorance of a dog’s natural behaviour, predispositions or individual needs can lead to an inappropriate approach to fostering. Misinterpretation of breed descriptions on the internet is also common – choosing a four-legged dog based on one’s own expectations, rather than the real characteristics of the breed, can result in problems in its functioning.
Social changes affecting people’s lifestyles – increasing social isolation, remote working and living in the comfort of the home mean that dogs spend most of their day in close proximity to their carer. This limits their ability to learn to function independently and adapt to different situations.
How does a carer reinforce a dog’s lack of independence?
Caregivers often unknowingly contribute to a dog’s over-dependence by:
Constantly accompanying the pet – if the dog is never left alone, it does not learn to cope on its own.
Responding to every attempt at contact – immediately stroking or responding to every look and touch from the pet reinforces the dog’s dependency.
Not allowing exploration – keeping your pet on a short leash and controlling his every move during walks limits his independence.
Over-protecting your dog – avoiding situations that could challenge your pet prevents him from developing confidence.
Solving all problems for the pet – a carer who is always helping the pet, such as getting a treat or overcoming an obstacle, is not giving the pet the chance to cope independently.
How does a lack of independence in dogs manifest itself?
A lack of independence in pets can be seen through a variety of behaviours including:
Excessive seeking of the caregiver’s attention – the animal constantly demands physical and emotional contact.
Reluctance to explore the environment – the dog is afraid of new places and does not want to move away from the human on its own.
Decision-making problems – the animal does not know how to react to new situations without guidance from the carer.
Exaggerated submissiveness – lack of self-confidence and submitting to everyone without a clear need.
Problems interacting with other dogs – the pet may show anxiety, stay close to the handler, avoid interaction, show submissiveness or react nervously to attempts at play from other dogs.
Separation anxiety – restlessness, barking, howling or destructive behaviour in the absence of the carer.
Consequences of a dog’s lack of independence
Inability to cope with different situations can lead to:
Increased stress and anxiety – a dog that does not feel confident with itself may manifest chronic anxiety.
Behavioural problems – aggression due to fear, over-excitement, destructive behaviour or compulsive licking and biting.
Difficulty adapting to new situations – the dog may have difficulty moving, changing routines or interacting with other animals.
Reduced quality of life – a pet who is unable to cope with independence may experience constant stress, limiting their ability to enjoy play and exploration.
How do you support your dog’s independence?
If you notice a lack of independence in your dog, it’s worth taking action to help them become more confident:
Gradually increase independence – allow your dog to explore his surroundings by gradually increasing his distance from you. Importantly, don’t prevent him from doing this! Keep him quiet and calm.
Behavioural classes – it’s worth consulting an experienced behaviourist to help build your pet’s confidence.
Enrich the environment – interactive toys, varied walking routes and training to enhance independence. Interactive feeding is also worth introducing.
Positive reinforcement training – rewarding your four-legged dog for independent decision-making boosts their confidence and encourages exploration.
Learning to stay alone – separation training will help your pet to feel comfortable even without a carer present.
Exercises and therapies to promote independence in dogs
Olfactory games and activities – hiding treats in different places around the house and outside (e.g. in the bark of a tree, on a bench, on a wall, on boulders) encourages your dog to explore and make independent decisions.
Independent problem solving – interactive toys and interactive feeding according to my method, e.g. feeding from a metal muffin tin – once your dog has learnt to take food from the tin, fill in the spaces of the tin with food and cover with a cloth so that your pet gets the food from the surface under the cloth himself. During this type of training, be present with your dog – don’t interfere, but monitor if he tries to eat the cloth. When the training is over, put the tin and cloth away immediately so that the animal does not have access to them. These simple tasks help your dog learn to cope with challenges and boost his confidence.
Distance command training – gradually increasing the distance between handler and dog when giving commands builds confidence.
Working with a behaviourist – behavioural therapy can help develop methods to support your dog’s emotional development.
Exploratory walks – allowing your pet to choose his own paths during a walk boosts his confidence and curiosity about the world.
Group activities – contact with other dogs in a controlled environment helps your pet learn to interact without the constant presence of a human.
Dog day care – well-chosen day care for four-legged dogs, with planned activities, promotes integration and relationship building with other dogs.
Dog hotel – a hotel tailored to the needs of the four-legged dog, run by informed carers and trained staff, provides great support in building confidence and independence. Prerequisite: experienced staff and suitable conditions of stay.
The method of gradual separation from the dog – leaving the four-legged dog alone in the house for short moments and gradually extending its time alone allows it to gradually get used to being without a carer.
Lack of independence in dogs is not an insoluble problem. The right approach, patience and support from a carer helps your pet to develop the skills necessary for a calm and happy life. If you notice signs of over-dependence in your pet, it’s worth taking the right steps as soon as possible to support their emotional and behavioural development. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of experienced professionals – their support will help you avoid mistakes and significantly reduce the time spent working on your dog’s behaviour.
