The
last decade has seen a dramatic paradigm shift in dog training.
Scientific principles of learning, including operant and classical
conditioning have been successfully introduced to the world of dog
training.
The training methods we use rely on these principles. These methods are often referred to as positive methods
because they rely on rewarding dogs for getting things right, instead
of correcting them for getting things wrong. Training is one of
the best things you can do for your dog or puppy and yourself.
Training doesn't solve all behaviour problems, but it lays down a
strong foundation between the animal and its owner. Training
opens up a line of communication between you and your dog.
Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what
you want him/her to do. You can teach him/her anything from 'sit'
(don't jump up on visitors) to 'off' (don't chew the furniture).
Dogs
are social animals and without proper training they will behave like
animals. They will soil your house, destroy your belongings, bark
excessively, dig holes in your yard, fight other dogs and even bite
you. Nearly all behaviour problems are perfectly normal canine
activities that occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the
wrong thing. For example the dog will eliminate on the carpet
instead of outside; the dog will bark all night long instead of just
when a stranger is prowling around outside; or the dog will chew
furniture instead of his/her own toys. The key to preventing or
treating behaviour problems is learning to teach the dog to redirect
his natural behaviour to outlets that are acceptable in the domestic
setting.
Training Rewards
The four main rewards you can give your dog:
Food includes everything from regular dog food to human food such as chicken, cheese and meats.
Toys include things like rop/tug toys, balls, squeeky toys.
People are
rewards when they give attention, praise and petting. People can
also give 'life rewards' such as putting down the food bowl, letting
the dog out the door and allowing the dog up on the furniture.
Dogs can serve as huge rewards too. Especially playing with and greeting other dogs.
It
is best to determine how your dog feels about all of these and use as
many as they like in training. Really pay attention to how your
dog reacts to the reward. A great many dogs don't like petting or
the type of petting they receive from their owners. Also many
dogs don't like interacting with other dogs. Remember it should
be a reward that YOUR dog likes - not simply what dogs traditionally
like!
One
last statement about rewards - variety is the spice of life. So
use different rewards when training. They should never know if
they are getting a pat on the head, a ball or a piece of chicken.
It will make them work harder and keep them interested and excited by
training.
