Methods of obedience training
Clicker training, Compulsive Training, Pure positive? Negative reinforcement? Positive punishment?? I just want my dog to stop pulling on the leash! But these are a few of the methods the professional trainer will consider when assessing you and your dog.
So which method works best? Well the definitive answer is - it depends. It depends on the personality and learning style of both the dog and the handler. The handler must understand the philosophy underlying the training method employed or the whole endeavour will be doomed to failure.
For example, clicker training, a method in vogue at present, can be an effective tool, but the method is complicated and if not well understood can be confusing for the dog and frustrating for the handler. The idea behind the clicker is to signal that a reward is coming for a wanted behaviour. The clicker can mark the exact moment of the correct behaviour with the reward to follow, but among the common mistakes are badly timed clicks or failure to provide the reward.
Pure positive or motivational training employs the use of rewards to reinforce good behaviour, and ignores all bad behaviour. Pure positive training is feasible, but requires time and patience to control the rewards the dog receives for behaviour. Some activities such as jumping up or chasing squirrels are intrinsically rewarding, the activity is its own reward. Some variations encourage controlling the environment by restricting the dog so that all reinforcement comes from the handler. The use of head halters such as the Halti to control pulling on the leash for example prevents the dog from pulling, but does not train him not to.
The compulsive methods have been proven effective but many worry about harming their dog. The tools used, such as pinch or prong collars can be misused if the method is not properly understood. Although technically a “punishment” in the operational sense, these methods do not employ punishment in the common use of the word and are in no way abusive. Correctly used, these tools are used strictly as a method of communication between the handler and the dog.
Even more misunderstood is the proper use of electronic collars (shock collars). These tools have received a horrendous reputation from misuse by untrained individuals. The proper use involves a slight stimulation that signals the dog that we need his attention. Nothing more, there is no shocking involved. Like clicker training, timing is critical and proper training is imperative.
Learn more about Dog Training Theory in our Blog Posts.
Or Learn all about e-collars here
So which method works best? Well the definitive answer is - it depends. It depends on the personality and learning style of both the dog and the handler. The handler must understand the philosophy underlying the training method employed or the whole endeavour will be doomed to failure.
For example, clicker training, a method in vogue at present, can be an effective tool, but the method is complicated and if not well understood can be confusing for the dog and frustrating for the handler. The idea behind the clicker is to signal that a reward is coming for a wanted behaviour. The clicker can mark the exact moment of the correct behaviour with the reward to follow, but among the common mistakes are badly timed clicks or failure to provide the reward.
Pure positive or motivational training employs the use of rewards to reinforce good behaviour, and ignores all bad behaviour. Pure positive training is feasible, but requires time and patience to control the rewards the dog receives for behaviour. Some activities such as jumping up or chasing squirrels are intrinsically rewarding, the activity is its own reward. Some variations encourage controlling the environment by restricting the dog so that all reinforcement comes from the handler. The use of head halters such as the Halti to control pulling on the leash for example prevents the dog from pulling, but does not train him not to.
The compulsive methods have been proven effective but many worry about harming their dog. The tools used, such as pinch or prong collars can be misused if the method is not properly understood. Although technically a “punishment” in the operational sense, these methods do not employ punishment in the common use of the word and are in no way abusive. Correctly used, these tools are used strictly as a method of communication between the handler and the dog.
Even more misunderstood is the proper use of electronic collars (shock collars). These tools have received a horrendous reputation from misuse by untrained individuals. The proper use involves a slight stimulation that signals the dog that we need his attention. Nothing more, there is no shocking involved. Like clicker training, timing is critical and proper training is imperative.
Learn more about Dog Training Theory in our Blog Posts.
Or Learn all about e-collars here