There are hundreds of ways to train a dog. Just go to your local Barnes & Noble and look at the number of dog training books on the shelves. Every one of them is based on a different learning theory and on diverse behavior modification techniques; and some even contradict the others as far as the best techniques to use.
As a trainer for over 12 years, I still review some of my favorite dog training books for inspiration, such as: “The Power of Positive Dog Training”, by Pat Miller; “The Other End of the Leash”, by Patricia McConnell; “The Culture Clash”, by Jean Donaldson; “Don’t Shoot the Dog!”, By Karen Pryor; and “How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks”, by Dr. Ian Dunbar. I’ve placed sticky notes by passages or techniques that I find particularly inspiring; but the sticky notes aren’t just in one book. There’s some in Dunbar’s book, others in Donaldson’s…I collect dog training thoughts and techniques from each of the books like some people collect stamps. I have gained a new perspective from each book I’ve read; and love returning to the books to validate my own behavior modification techniques which are based on a veritable melting pot of information gleaned over the years.
From my first days as a dog training student to the current days in Northeast Florida where dog training is my profession, I’ve been exposed to numerous methods and techniques. Some, like harsh training methods, were discarded right away. Others, such as techniques to solve leash pulling problems, had to be tested and tweaked to determine the best way to create my own techniques. The remaining techniques rang true the instant I read them. These were based on the theories of Positive Reinforcement and Operant Conditioning.
In short, a dog’s behavior makes good things happen. The dog sits; he gets a reward which reinforces the behavior. A reinforced behavior tends to increase, so this dog will sit often because he’s made the positive connection. After having trained hundreds of dogs, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that these theories make a world of difference in a dog’s overall behavior. And I have developed my own techniques based on these positive reinforcement and operant conditioning theories, with a little bit of effective correction, socialization exercises and leadership training thrown in.
Also, every dog and owner I’ve trained has provided me with a terrific learning opportunity. Each duo is a unique set of personalities, emotions, skill levels and problems; and with each I’ve gained more insight into which techniques work, and which ones require my own input to improve. Every teaching environment - from someone's home to the St. Augustine Humane Society, also teaches this trainer more about what she needs to know.
I’ve decided to share my training techniques with my Examiner audience. This article is an Introduction to an upcoming series of articles on easy-to-understand training techniques. The articles will be presented in a chronological order, so that what you learn in one article will prepare you for the next, and so on.
I believe I have a unique perspective that will help dog owners solve their dog’s behavior problems. The future articles will show you how a dog learns and thinks, why he does what he does, and how you alone can change his behavior. You’ll also learn that training won’t take any extra time out of your day, because every interaction you have with your dog is a training opportunity.
Imagine this: You’re out for a pleasant stroll with your dog, Sheba, and she is walking directly by your left side (‘heeling’ in the dog training world). She is not pulling your arm out of your socket, and she gazes lovingly into your eyes when you speak to her. When you pass another dog, Sheba looks to you for guidance, and follows past the dog without reacting. When you stop, Sheba sits; when you walk, Sheba heels; when you talk to a neighbor, Sheba lies quietly at your feet. Upon returning home, Sheba sits at the door allowing you to enter first; then she sits calmly while you remove her leash. Finally, she obeys your command to “Go to your place” and lies down on her favorite cushion to take a nap.
Wouldn’t this be wonderful? It isn’t an impossible scenario. All it takes is tapping into your dog’s natural trigger through positive reinforcement techniques. This type of training is relatively easy, it’s fun, and it creates a strong bond between you and your dog. You will never have to punish, scold or hurt your dog in any way. In fact, most of the techniques I use are hands-free.
So check back on the site a couple of times a week to be sure not to miss any of the articles. I sincerely hope to take you on an exciting journey of discovery, one that will literally change your life with your dog.
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