Although there are many dog training techniques, they can be classified into two broad categories: training classes for dogs based on learning theories and dog training techniques based on dog ethology. Next, we will detail what they consist of and how to apply them.
The techniques based on the theories of learning concentrate on modifying the dog’s behaviors, giving less relevance to the canine species’ typical behavior. On the other hand, the techniques based on canine ethology concentrate on dogs’ specific natural behavior, prioritizing the establishment of dominance hierarchies and giving less importance to the learning theories.
Training classes for dogs that include violence and mistreatment of the dog should not be admitted, not even considered, in modern dog training techniques. To act in a deliberate way against the well-being of our dog can bring us severe consequences.
Techniques based on learning theories
This category comprises those techniques whose main teaching methods are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment. These methods are altogether different; they are ordered into three explicit subcategories: traditional dog training, positive training, and mixed methods.
Traditional dog training
Traditional training originated in dog schools for war dogs and successfully trained military dogs for the two world wars. After World War II, it became trendy thanks to accounts of courageous dogs.
In these procedures, negative fortification and discipline are the selective methods for training. It is crucial to genuinely constrain the dogs until they play out the mentor’s activities to accomplish results. Hanging, spiked and electric collars are excellent tools for this type of work.
Even though these techniques are defended fiercely savagely by their experts, they are additionally assaulted with a similar willfulness by the individuals who think of them as brutal and vicious.
The fundamental advantage of conventional training classes for dogs is the superb unwavering quality of prepared practices. On the other hand, the disadvantages include potential collateral behavioral problems caused by the training and possible damage to the dog’s trachea when using choke collars.
These techniques should not even be practiced; unfortunately, they are the most widely written techniques found online.
Positive Reinforcement Training
It comprises a set of techniques based on the operant conditioning principles developed by B. F. Skinner. With these techniques, it is unnecessary to use training collars, and training sessions enrich both handlers and dogs. The primary method of teaching is the use of positive reinforcement, popularly known as rewards.
Therefore, what is done mainly is reinforcing the desired behaviors through food, compliments, or others. There are also means to eliminate unwanted behaviors, but punishment is not used in any case. Currently, the most popular of positive training techniques is clicker training.
- The main advantages of positive training are
- The outcomes are as dependable as those acquired with regular training.
- It is not necessary to physically bend the dog.
- It is effortless, fast, and fun to train a dog this way.
- We encourage him to learn by relating what we expect from him.
Paradoxically, the main disadvantage of positive reinforcement training is the speed with which the initial results are achieved. Many novice handlers are amazed at the initial stages and do not worry about perfecting the training. The consequence, of course, is that the training is only half done.
Blended procedures
Blended procedures are transitional focuses on conventional training and positive training. Accordingly, they are generally less requesting than the first, yet less cordial than the second.
These techniques have given excellent results with dogs that compete in contact with dog sports, such as Schutzhund, RCI, Mondioring, Belgian Ring, etc.
By and large, coaches utilizing blended methods consolidate the utilization of the gag collar with remunerations. Be that as it may, they frequently want to use toys rather than food. As per the mentors, this invigorates the prey motivation. The particular case for not utilizing food is ordinarily in the beginning phases and for training in.
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