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| Training Method |
It's my experience that dogs learn faster when they're set up for success and praised on their good deeds, rather than always getting punished for not following a command or acting appropriately.
Behavior occurs because it is being reinforced in some way. For example:
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A dog jumps on a person and the person looks at the dog, touches the dog, and speaks to the dog.
The dog just learned that jumping on people makes people pay attention to him.
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A dog is about to go on a walk and as soon as the leash snaps on her she's bolting out the door, running down the steps, and pulling the owner to her favorite tree. Then she see's a dog and runs down the street to meet the dog, again with the owner dragging at the other end of the leash behind her.
This dog learned that pulling equals going outside, getting to sniff a tree, and playing with other dogs. She knows that she has to pull to get where she wants to go.
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A dog approaches the door and rings a bell. The owner then comes and opens the door and the dog proceeds to go outside.
The dog learned that ringing a bell makes the door open and allows her to go outside to play, sniff, or go to the bathroom.
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Dogs (and humans) perform certain behaviors either to avoid a negative consequence, or to obtain a positive consequence.
The Traditional Method
The traditional way of training dogs is teaching them to avoid a negative consequence. Dogs listen to their owners because it's in their best interest to do so. If they don't, they get a negative consequence. In the traditional method, dogs are corrected for all their mistakes. It is thought that they will learn what behaviors bring unpleasant results and they will no longer repeat these behaviors. Many of these dogs that are trained the "traditional" method do not have a very good relationship with their owner. The traditional method usually consists of using a choke chain. Whenever the dog performs the desired behavior incorrectly, he is given a quick snap on his choke chain. Many dogs become fearful or aggressive towards their owners. Also, when the choke chain comes off, many of the dogs didn't listen. Why should they, their owners have no way of correcting them. Also, many dogs learn to hide from their owners to perform the "naughty" behaviors such as chewing or counter surfing. They l earn that if you see them chew on the table leg, they get in trouble; but if you're not there, they can chew on whatever they want.
The Positive Reinforcement Method
Now don't think the Positive Reinforcement method means you never punish your dog, it just means you need to focus more on praising your dog. The positive way of training dogs is teaching them to work or behave correctly for reinforcement. Dogs listen to their owners because it's in their best interest to do so. If they do, they receive payment in the form of praise, attention, toys, or food. Using rewards is in no way bribing your dog to behave correctly, rather it is used as a form of payment. Much like you receiving paychecks for working. Positive Reinforcement works on and off leash, and whether you're there or not. You will show and teach your dog how you want him to behave, and praise, praise, praise him whenever he performs correctly. Dogs are more likely to repeat the behaviors that they were praised for rather than to stop doing the behaviors they were punished for. Just by remembering to praise your dog for their good behavior can quickly and easily solve many behavior problems.
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| I have used both methods and have quickly come to the conclusion that positive training works best. I train dogs using my voice tones, facial expressions, body postures, and food/toy rewards. Once your dog learns the behavior, the rewards are faded out so your dog does not always rely on them. I discourage the use of choke chains and prong collars. I use a regular flat buckle/snap collar, 4ft to 6ft leash, and a head collar if needed. I would be happy to discuss training methods and equipment with you at our first session. I will teach you how to train and communicate with your dog using a positive approach, which will in turn build a strong relationship between you and your dog. You will not focus so much on what behaviors you want your dog to stop doing, but rather what behaviors you would rather your dog be doing instead. |
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| Private In-Home Dog Training to Help Your Dog Succeed |
