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There are as many ways to train a dog as there are people who train them. Each trainer brings a unique background, set of skills and belief system to his or her training. There are two basic types of dog training - positive reinforcement, where the dog is rewarded for performing desired behaviors and ignored for undesired behaviors, and compulsion training, which employs corrections and punishment.
I will briefly illustrate the difference by describing how a dog would be taught to pay attention using each of several methods. Bear in mind that it is rare to find a trainer who doesn't use techniques from at least two of the following general methods. "Balanced" trainers are trainers who use both positive reinforcement methods as well as compulsion methods. The problem with the "balanced" approach is that compulsion dilutes, and may even negate the effects of positive reinforcement. Further, research has demonstrated that compulsion training can result in fear and aggression. |
1. Compulsion Training
To get a dog's attention a trainer might use a choke chain collar to apply leash corrections (sharp "pops" of the leash), or apply a low voltage electric stimulus (shock) to the dog's neck by use of a hand held remote control device. This requires the dog to wear an electronic collar or "e-collar." The dog learns to obey to avoid the shock. The use of electronic shock collars is sometimes referred to as "e-touch." This is not the same as TTouch, a type of therapeutic touch or massage developed by Linda Tellington-Jones used to calm and heal. While the use of aversives such as shock collars (a.k.a. "e-collars," "e-touch," or "static" collars) can be very effective through the use of negative reinforcement, obedience is achieved at a cost to the dog's psyche and the owner-dog relationship. These devices can also cause physical harm.
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3. The THIRD WAY
The Third Way (developed by Chris Bach) of training a dog to pay attention would be to give the dog a choice between paying attention to something in his environment or his trainer. The only consequence of not paying attention to his trainer is that the dog receives no food treat. This teaches the dog that it is more rewarding to look at his trainer than anything else in his environment! Further, the dog develops a habit of looking to his trainer for direction since he has learned to do this voluntarily and it has been consistently rewarding.
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4. Clicker training
Clicker training, like The Third Way, puts the dog into an "operant," or thinking state of mind. A hand-held clicker is used to "mark" a desired behavior and communicate to the dog that what he just did is what is desired and he will be rewarded with a treat. The dog associates the click with a treat and works to earn clicks.
To teach a dog to pay attention using clicker training, the trainer would click when s/he has the dog's attention and when the dog has learned to look at the trainer, add a verbal cue such as "Watch." An important difference between traditional compulsion training and clicker training is that with clicker training and other forms of positive reinforcement training, a verbal cue is added after the dog learns the behavior. He then learns the meaning of the cue by association with the behavior. In compulsion training, a command is given prior to forcing a dog into position. By repetition, the dog eventually learns what to do to avoid the discomfort of being forced. A cue represents an opportunity for reinforcement whereas a command implies, "do it or else." This is an important distinction between clicker training and compulsion training. |
Above is a very short introduction to clicker training. To the left are two of my favorite clicker videos - one of rescued rabbits navigating an agility course and the other a Canis Film Festival Finalist called the Rules of Love. |
Dogs aren't the only animals that can be clicker trained. Virtually any animal can be trained this way, including cats and horses. At the right is a video clip of a horse that was clicker trained to run an agility course. |
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Even sheep can be clicker trained! |
Positive Reinforcement Training
Lure-reward training, The Third Way and clicker training are types of positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement works by teaching a dog what to do versus what not to do. There are innumerable things a dog can do wrong, by human standards, whereas there is a limited set of desired behaviors. Rather than put the dog in an inhibited fear-avoidance state with the use of correction, positive reinforcement training teaches a dog to think and enjoy learning. Clicker training does this better than lure-reward training because the dog is not allowed to focus on the food, but rather the task at hand and figuring out the puzzle of how to earn clicks. Training becomes play and the dog-owner bond grows stronger.
Mike, a student in the Fall 2009 Leisure Services class
takes a moment to give Nel some personal attention.
takes a moment to give Nel some personal attention.
Q: How can you teach without correction?
A: "Learning science - teach it right the first time!
Work with the dog rather than against it.
Build, rather than punish.
Involve rather than command.
Elicit cooperation rather than obedience."
"The question should probably not be, 'how can you teach a dog without correction,
but
how can you teach a dog with it,' the operative word being teach."
Lucinda ("Cindy") M. Ludwig, M.A., KPA-CTP, Canine Connection LLC
Just say "Yes!"
As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and professional educator, I use and advocate force-free training. I believe dogs, as well as people learn best when they are encouraged, not discouraged, when they are rewarded, not punished, and when they are active participants in learning and allowed to make choices. Making choices and discovering what works, after all is the way that real learning occurs. And contrary to popular opinion, dogs do not need correction or punishment to learn what not to do. Lack of reinforcement is punishment enough to encourage a dog to abandon unwanted behaviors.
Training using positive reinforcement is a great way to bond with your dog. I have had many students remark to me about the major improvement in their relationship with their dogs that occurs after taking one of my classes or going through a set of private lessons. Dogs enjoy this method of training, they do well and their owners are consistently pleased with the results.
Regardless of whether you are training for competition or just want a well behaved family pet, positive reinforcement can help you achieve your goals!
For more information on the science behind positive reinforcement training, see the Links page.
Training using positive reinforcement is a great way to bond with your dog. I have had many students remark to me about the major improvement in their relationship with their dogs that occurs after taking one of my classes or going through a set of private lessons. Dogs enjoy this method of training, they do well and their owners are consistently pleased with the results.
Regardless of whether you are training for competition or just want a well behaved family pet, positive reinforcement can help you achieve your goals!
For more information on the science behind positive reinforcement training, see the Links page.
Moose takes a break in our photo shoot/training session to play with a ball!
A Word About Equipment
Canine Connection teaches pet owners to train their dogs without the aid of choke collars, prong collars or shock ("e") collars. These kinds of collars work by applying external control and correction to a dog which interferes with the learning process and negatively affects the dog-owner relationship. Positive reinforcement training engages a dog's mind in active learning and helps him develop self-control as well as a love of learning.
We require flat buckle or snap collars or harnesses in group classes and private lessons. A harness is especially appropriate for certain breeds such as bulldogs, and we occasionally recommend Gentle Leaders in certain situations for certain dogs and their owners. It is important for the dog to be properly fitted and desensitized to a Gentle Leader. If a dog could benefit from a Gentle Leader, we will fit the dog and desensitize the dog to the leader.
There are a variety of leashes to choose from. At Canine Connection we recommend a standard 6-foot leather or nylon non-retractable leash. Long training leashes are also helpful for practicing Stay and Come.
We require flat buckle or snap collars or harnesses in group classes and private lessons. A harness is especially appropriate for certain breeds such as bulldogs, and we occasionally recommend Gentle Leaders in certain situations for certain dogs and their owners. It is important for the dog to be properly fitted and desensitized to a Gentle Leader. If a dog could benefit from a Gentle Leader, we will fit the dog and desensitize the dog to the leader.
There are a variety of leashes to choose from. At Canine Connection we recommend a standard 6-foot leather or nylon non-retractable leash. Long training leashes are also helpful for practicing Stay and Come.
A Word About Treats
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