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Natural Dog Training DVD Cover
Is natural dog training for you? Natural dog training is a technique developed by Kevin Behan and promoted in a blog and video by Neil Sattin. This technique works off of one primary question. What is it? What should your dog do with his energy?
According to Behan, unharnessed, pent up energy is the main reason why dogs misbehave or fail to learn the basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. As a result, a dog owner must tap into his canine's primal energy in order to properly train him. Otherwise, a dog may not obey a simple command if distracted or in a tense situation. So, how does it work?
Natural dog training works by a dog owner assuming the role as the center of his canine's life. As shown in the video "Natural Dog Training", the owner (modeled by Neil Sattin), must use prey-like and non prey-like behavior, an ultra long lead, food and a box to guide his canine's energy. Through activates like tug-of-war, massaging and verbal commands, the dog is slowly shown where to direct his energy at any given time. The process takes several weeks, but the results (per Behan and Sattin) are outstanding. After using this process, your dog should respond to you consistently and regularly regardless of his environment.
In order to truly see if natural dog training is for you, you really need to visit Sattin's blog (NaturalDogBlog.com) and view his video (Natural Dog Training). This technique is definitely not for kids or impatient adults. So, check it out and judge for yourself. You may be decidedly turned off or pleasantly surprised.
Comments
Interesting training methods I shall have to try some of them. Thanks for the information.
There are many different types of "natural" training. Kevin Behan's methods are fairly traditional and tap into a dogs natural drives but I wouldn't say they were "natural" methods of training. They are very similar to the Koehler Method of Training though perhaps a bit less harsh.
I can't remember when this book was published but it was more than 10 years ago. We've learned so much about dogs since then.
I look to Turid Rugaas, Suzanne Clothier, and Mark Beckoff. They all embrace a more ethological method that is "natural" to dogs.
And I have to laugh, I know a lot of great training methods that work with kids but none that work with impatient adults. The art of teaching requires great patience, love and understanding.
Interesting! I like that the focus is on the dog's energy and that they use positive reinforcement (treats) to reward the dog's behavior. The dog chooses to perform because he wants to, not because he's being forced, pushed, pulled or prodded. This is called 'operant conditioning' and while it is not an especially new concept having developed in marine parks in the 1960s, it is one which is gaining momentum among trainers of dogs, horses, and all kinds animals in zoos.
Interesting.
Natural Dog Training employs an "energy model" (based on emotion) for behavior instead of a reward/punishment or dominance hierarchy model that is common in popular training methods. As an example, if my dog is barking at something making him unsettled, I praise him in a relaxed manner. His barking has decreased, even though I'm "rewarding" the behavior. On the flipside, I let my dog walk in front of me, go through doorways first, and even let him jump on me while I'm lying down.. all big "no-nos" in training that uses a dominance model. This has actually served to increase his attraction to me.
What is meant by "natural"? Natural Dog Training believes that all behavior is a function of attraction, and this force of attraction constantly elaborates between predator and prey “polarities”. This is the basis of complex social energy.
Check out Kevin Behan's website www.naturaldogtraining.com and YouTube channel youtube.com/quantumcanine
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