The idea of training can be daunting. Where do you start? There’s a lot of conflicting information and persuasive sales tactics promising instant results. We’ve no affiliation with any trainers, and we’re not recommending any specific company, just helping you spot the good from the bad.
The training methods that work reliably are positive and reward-based. If our behaviour is rewarded, we’re more likely to do it again. Dogs are no different. The training is based on a knowledge of dogs – understanding how they think and behave – meaning potential problems can be nipped before they develop.
Training is more of a commitment for you than your dog. Dogs love to learn, and to please, and to spend time with you and your undivided attention. So training ticks all those boxes. Throw in praise, treats and toys and…. doggy heaven!
To identify positive training, think of preschool teaching techniques: – the teaching is calm, kind and upbeat. Learning is largely through play. Good behaviour is rewarded. And no one gets yelled at or smacked for mistakes. The teacher will be aware that boredom, hunger or stress can cause behaviour to deteriorate.
The alternative to positive training is aversive training. It’s never called that by those who use it, but it’s still around, despite having long been known to be counter-productive. It can be identified by dominating and/or punishing the dog. It instils fear, not trust. The dog may look compliant, but actually have shut down out of fear. And fearful, anxious dogs can become reactive and unpredictable. They’re more likely to bite (fear aggression) and/or bolt. If they bolt, it could be into traffic, or somewhere they can’t find their way back. Just like people when we’re too stressed to think clearly, we react on impulse, do things we regret, just trying to get out of the situation.
If your dog has had aversive experiences and has become reactive, there are excellent online resources, short courses, animal behaviourists and in-person trainers who can help 1. understand your dog’s triggers, 2. desensitise and reduce your dog’s stress, and 3. teach your dog impulse control and more useful responses.
Remember to keep sessions brief. If your dog loses concentration and you lose patience, neither of you are likely to want to train again. But it needs to happen regularly. So keep it short for both your sakes, and you’ll both soon see the rewards.
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash