There's a lot of debate in the dog training industry about what training methods work best, what tools and methods actually harm dogs, and what is "right" and what is "wrong" when it comes to training dogs. Let's look at the facts.
Positive reinforcement
Without getting too technical, positive reinforcement is a way of training that focuses on rewarding and encouraging good behaviors, rather than punishing bad behaviors.
Research has shown that dogs trained with reward-based methods are less stressed, less excitable, and less aggressive. They also tend to pay attention to their owners more, are more playful with their owners, and learn new tasks faster. A 2017 review of 17 research papers on dog training methods found reward-based methods to be better for dogs' welfare, and in some cases these methods were found to be more effective.
However, we're looking at the facts here, and many of these studies present correlations, not causations. Even so, in light of these studies and firsthand experiences of people across the world, many organizations, trainers, and dog owners are making the switch to positive reinforcement and not looking back.
What is and isn't positive
What is positive:
treats
petting (if your dog likes physical affection)
praise
toys/games/play
good experiences
Removal of things your dog likes (also known as negative punishment, but don't dwell on the term) is also a humane method of training; within reason, of course (no denying your dog of their needs). A good example of this is when a dog jumps on you, instead of giving them a treat or affection, you turn your back and totally ignore them until they settle.
Some things that aren't positive:
yelling at them
shock collars
prong collars
did you know that the skin on a dog's neck is three times thinner than a human's?
choke chains or pinching collars (e.g., martingales)
alpha rolls
sharp taps, kicks, or pinches
spray bottles
penny cans
forcing a sit position
sharp snaps of a leash
Many times aversive measures will elicit an aggressive reaction from a dog, cause a dog to develop deeply rooted fears, and cause dogs to totally shut down even if they seem to be behaving.
I'll admit, I've used a couple of the not so positive things in the past. Most people have. The best thing we can do is move forward with a positive approach and understand ourselves better. If you find yourself getting frustrated with your dog, just pause a moment. If you're feeling a certain kind of way and you know taking your dog for a walk is going to stress you out more, skip the walk that day. There are a ton of other activities you can do to exercise and engage your dog at home. But don't get to the point where you're never walking your dog - seek help from a positive reinforcement (or force-free) trainer.
Problems with positive
Some positive reinforcement trainers have been put on the spot for recommending some pretty drastic things, some of which aren't very positive. These things include:
Too quickly recommending a family re-homes their dog
Too quickly and too often recommending a dog to be put down for behavioral problems (behavioral euthanasia)
Too readily recommending sedatives or other behavior-modifying drugs
Suggesting a dog be crated and/or isolated for long periods of time
Why would a positive-only trainer recommend these things? For the same reason non-positive trainers opt for aversive tools and methods. A lack of knowledge.
Not in a "they're dumb" kind of way, but because effective dog training often involves more than teaching commands. A lot of things can affect a dog's behaviors and receptiveness to training: family dynamics that aren't always apparent, nutrition, underlying medical issues, past traumas, genetics, environmental factors, individual likes and dislikes, fears, level of confidence, etc. It can take years and years of professional experience to know how to approach difficult situations. A good trainer will 1) never use aversives and 2) will ask for help from more experienced trainers or other pet professionals when they're stuck. That's not to say that dogs should never be put on medication as part of the training process or re-homed; and in some cases behavioral euthanasia is the right call.
Final thoughts
Anthropomorphism: attributing human qualities to non-humans. Doing this can have negative consequences on how we live with our dogs. Assuming dogs feel guilt or shame like we do, or that they like wearing clothes like we do, can be harmful as it doesn't consider the true essence of dogs. However, there are some ways to use anthropomorphism to help us live better with our dogs.
As far as training goes, I like to think of it this way. Training is to your dog as your job is to you. How would you feel going to work if your boss yelled at you or hit you for doing something wrong? You probably wouldn't feel very motivated and you'd probably be anxious, waiting for the next reprimand. But what about if your boss gave you cookies every time you did something right? You'd probably be happy to work and you'd probably love your boss!
Recommended reading
Comments