The Three Methods of Dog Training

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity The Three Methods of Dog Training Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 So, you decided to add a dog to your family. Congratulations. And you’ve finally gotten settled with young Fido, but now that you’ve been able to spend some quality time with him, you realize that there may be more to pet-ownership than you considered. Training a dog can be one of the most arduous tasks of pet-ownership, but it’s necessary in order to keep your family and your dog happy — and you, sane! There are a few different approaches families can take to train a pet. Every celebrity dog trainer and pet manual seems to advocate a different style for teaching your pup. Though it seems confusing at first, they all boil down to three main techniques: the traditional dominance method, the scientific method and the positive reinforcement method. The first two are the most widely used methods, and science-based training is becoming more popular, as veterinarians continue to research and understand dogs and what makes them tick — and wag. Traditional Dominance Training The traditional method of training became popular around World War II, when the military used force to train dogs and ensure that they followed commands. Usually, trainers “make the assumption that dogs behave badly because they are trying to gain higher rank [than the trainer].” Instead, Yin argues, trainers are putting dogs in a conflict situation, where the dog is likely to make a mistake. Traditional trainers will use corrections such as yanking a leash when attempting to get a dog to heel or using a shock collar to assure a dog stays within limits. Scientific Training There are more effective, quicker, more humane techniques, based on the appropriate control of resources, use of good communication interaction patterns and positive techniques, which are more effective and have better durability.” In the science-based method, rewards are given when the dog performs adequately and taken away for unwanted behaviors. This kind of training is reminiscent of the behavioral perceptive of B.F. Skinner (a noted American psychologist and behaviorist), in that negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement are applied. This method involves trainers working “with the dog” instead of simply commanding the dog. Many veterinarians and animal behaviorists now use this science-based method. As Yin says, “With this approach, animals are taught the desired behaviors first using rewards, but also taught that the unwanted behaviors don’t work. For instance, a dog may jump to grab a toy you plan to toss. Instead of giving a leash or verbal correction, as a traditional trainer would, the science-based trainer holds the toy in a way that it’s clear the dog will not get it.” While Skinner believed in “negative reinforcement” (taking a negative stimulus away) in this case, you’re using “negative punishment” by making removing the toy, as you’re taking away a perceived award for his behavior. “Then when the dog sits, as it has been trained to, the trainer tosses the toy,” Positive Reinforcement Training The final method of training is one where the dog is supposedly never reprimanded and only ever rewarded for his actions. Unwanted behaviors are simply ignored. Trainers who use clickers and only positive reinforcement without applying any negative reinforcement would fall into this category. Ideals of unconditional positive regard, meaning that you may not always like the behavior of your pooch, but you will always love and care for your dog himself.