Stimulation vs. Engagement

I conducted an IBAC with a family the other day that inspired this "aha" moment; and the longer I do this work, the more I see this in play: over- and inappropriate use of "stimulation" vs. under-use of engagement.

There are different ways to define "stimulation" and "engagement"; but, in the context of the human-canine relationship and canine behavior, I define "stimulation" as "arousal activated by a stimulus" and "engagement" as "a dog and human being actively involved in a task, exercise, or some form of activity together". Essentially, stimulation is engagement without us; engagement is stimulation along with and that includes us.

One of the biggest problems with home dogs is they've got too much stimulation going on and not enough *engagement.*

We use stimulation to occupy, distract, and compensate.

We use it to "treat" anxiety (pun intended; and which only reinforces the anxiety), redirect "high energy", and replace engagement.

Dogs often have so much stimulation going they don't know how to settle and how to simply *be* outside of it. It's used so much and so often that we only end up conditioning dogs who have to constantly be entertained, and reinforcing the states of mind causing problems to begin with. Anxious, overly aroused, fearful, nervous, agitated, frustrated, etc. states of mind do not need more stimulation... they need *less.*

Although intentions may be good, many are unknowingly misusing stimulation in attempts to soothe, stop, and resolve... when it's only aggravating, increasing, and maintaining.

There's an appropriate time and place for stimulation (and also for engagement), but it's being used to speak to and (in an attempt to) remedy nearly everything across the board.

How many minutes a day do you (*honestly*) feel your dog gets with you as far as focused, distraction-free engagement goes? This means, not scrolling through your phone or texting while out on a walk with your dog. Not watching T.V. while throwing the ball.

We spend the great majority of our days working and distracted ourselves... what our dogs want (and need) is more engagement with us~ not without us.

Lastly, if a certain state of mind and being is being practiced (involving any level of escalation or higher intensity like fear, anxiety, reactivity, nervousness, overwhelm, aggression, etc.), the last thing a dog needs is anything that will add to, reinforce, or fuel this state. *We have to pay attention to state of mind*, especially when it comes to *behavior.* What we're calling and using as a "distraction" or "redirection" is actually a *reinforcement*; which is why problematic behaviors may only take a pause rather than stopping altogether.

So, take home message is this: be mindful how, when, and under what circumstances stimulation is being used, and level up in the engagement department. There's time... and there's quality time.