How To Train A Dog
How To Train A Dog
Dog Training Methods
Popular teachings. Positive Reinforcement & Dominance or Dog Whispering
Amongst dog trainers and people in general you will find allot of debate & controversy concerning two main methods. This will often lead to heated arguments and disagreements which are beneficial to no one. Iv always believed both where great methods but like with anything either can be misunderstood or performed incorrectly. I'm going to take this time to explain a little bit about each.
Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement is a fantastic way to train your dog, properly applying this method of training is essential. It is basically rewarding your dog for desired behavior, never forcing or disciplining your dog. It is very humane, how is it possible for it to be bad or incorrect? Well, one could take this training in the wrong direction, never taking any kind of lead. Though most of us see dogs as our friends & companions we need to be able to control them for not only their safety but everyone around them. They need boundaries, rules and structure. Not just best buddies (though being a buddy isn't a bad thing). There is certain behavior that should be stopped or interrupted immediately not ignored. How ever I never believe this means you have to do anything inhumane. This is when research, books & local professionals will come in very handy. Different behaviors and what your teaching a dog will change how you should train your dog but positive reinforcement is a general rule. With consistent training you can teach your dog to behave even with out treats but it will include positive reinforcement. People who feel others are to extreme with positive reinforcement often point to the many dogs that are given up on or put down when treat/praise only training doesn't work.
Dominance/Pack Leader/Dog Whispering
Thinking on a dog level. This training usually pays allot of attention to how a dog behaves & thinks. In stead of looking at their behavior as if they where little furry four-legged humans they look at it from a dog's point of view. Why exactly is the dog behaving this way? It's not always what the average person may think. So, what's so bad about that? Well, this too can be taken in the wrong direction. Some people make the mistake of roughly trying to let their dog know they are the pack leader when it may not even be the issue. Mistakenly believing that being a pack leader means abusing their dogs and doing much more harm than good. I do not condone abusing animals or treating them inhumanely in hopes that 'breaking their spirit' or installing fear will result in a well trained dog. Neither human nor dog will benefit from a fear based relationship. I do not believe that true pack leaders or dog whispers believe or practice this either. Their are times a treat just isn't enough to train a dog, particularly with more serious cases & behavior. When treats alone do not work I don't believe we should give up on the dog & ignore other humane training methods that work. As with many things, what we must do is find a balance.
I know both methods can work together when you are training on a humane level. Dominance/pack leader techniques do not have to be done in an inhumane way. Positive reinforcement does not have to mean being submissive to your dog & letting them take charge. I have seen the success & benefits of both techniques when used correctly.
Amongst dog trainers and people in general you will find allot of debate & controversy concerning two main methods. This will often lead to heated arguments and disagreements which are beneficial to no one. Iv always believed both where great methods but like with anything either can be misunderstood or performed incorrectly. I'm going to take this time to explain a little bit about each.
Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement is a fantastic way to train your dog, properly applying this method of training is essential. It is basically rewarding your dog for desired behavior, never forcing or disciplining your dog. It is very humane, how is it possible for it to be bad or incorrect? Well, one could take this training in the wrong direction, never taking any kind of lead. Though most of us see dogs as our friends & companions we need to be able to control them for not only their safety but everyone around them. They need boundaries, rules and structure. Not just best buddies (though being a buddy isn't a bad thing). There is certain behavior that should be stopped or interrupted immediately not ignored. How ever I never believe this means you have to do anything inhumane. This is when research, books & local professionals will come in very handy. Different behaviors and what your teaching a dog will change how you should train your dog but positive reinforcement is a general rule. With consistent training you can teach your dog to behave even with out treats but it will include positive reinforcement. People who feel others are to extreme with positive reinforcement often point to the many dogs that are given up on or put down when treat/praise only training doesn't work.
Dominance/Pack Leader/Dog Whispering
Thinking on a dog level. This training usually pays allot of attention to how a dog behaves & thinks. In stead of looking at their behavior as if they where little furry four-legged humans they look at it from a dog's point of view. Why exactly is the dog behaving this way? It's not always what the average person may think. So, what's so bad about that? Well, this too can be taken in the wrong direction. Some people make the mistake of roughly trying to let their dog know they are the pack leader when it may not even be the issue. Mistakenly believing that being a pack leader means abusing their dogs and doing much more harm than good. I do not condone abusing animals or treating them inhumanely in hopes that 'breaking their spirit' or installing fear will result in a well trained dog. Neither human nor dog will benefit from a fear based relationship. I do not believe that true pack leaders or dog whispers believe or practice this either. Their are times a treat just isn't enough to train a dog, particularly with more serious cases & behavior. When treats alone do not work I don't believe we should give up on the dog & ignore other humane training methods that work. As with many things, what we must do is find a balance.
I know both methods can work together when you are training on a humane level. Dominance/pack leader techniques do not have to be done in an inhumane way. Positive reinforcement does not have to mean being submissive to your dog & letting them take charge. I have seen the success & benefits of both techniques when used correctly.