When I started training dogs in 1977, people were amazed that I could make a living at it.
These days there are many dog trainers available. As with any profession, there are some good trainers and some not so good trainers. A good trainer understands dog behavior and mannerisms. If you have a trainer that only uses treats, (strictly positive reinforcement) I would be very careful about having this person train my dog. The problem is this; when dogs are stressed they will not respond to treats under positive or negative stress. They do not want to eat when stressed.
Second, you do not want a dog trainer whose only strategy is yanking the dog around. The only thing this will accomplish is getting your dog to mistrust you. Dogs perceive leash yanking as a form of attack.
You do not want to correct fears and phobias.
You do not want to isolate your dog or punish it through isolation. Your dog will not understand the isolation with the behavior you are trying to correct; they are not hardwired that way. What most likely will happen, the dog will become unsure of you and your actions.
The best method of training is balance training. Balance training consists of positive reinforcement and reminders to get the dog refocused along with a lot of touch and praise. Remember, dogs want to please and they need a job they can do well.
I start with positive reinforcement. Understand that your dog’s number one motivator is food, as long as the stimulus is low. So why not start off using a high motivator? The pack leader is the only one who distributes high priority items so your dog views you as its pack leader. Understand that dogs are hardwired to follow a pack leader.
In our very first session I teach proper body language, positive tone of voice, facial expressions, and consistent delivery of treats, targeting, release commands and non-marks. What you want is to create a positive working relationship with your dog, getting you both on the same page.
The first session is done inside in a controlled environment; no corrections, strictly positive interaction and building up trust and respect.
During the second session and thereafter, I teach the owner how to give a reminder to the dog and not a correction. The difference is this:
- A reminder tells the dog he lost focus on you as the pack leader and that he needs to refocus on you
The old style of dog training was to give the dog a command and then start yanking on its’ leash. This intimidates the dog to listen through fear. Intimidation may seem to work somewhat on leash, but take the leash off and the dog will run away from you. Again, dogs perceive leash yanking as a form of attack.
In the wild, a pack leader does not behave this way. A pack leader is dominant but more important he is very compassionate, fair, and consistent with his pack members. Dogs have different cues, body positions, and verbal tones to communicate. If a pack leader attacked his pack every time there was a disagreement, the pack would be too wounded to defend itself from predators. After a pack leader corrects a pack member it is done and over. The leader moves on. He does not cop an attitude or put his pack on a ‘time out’. Remember the pack leader does not give his members liver treats but he absolutely will roll around, play and praise his pack.
With my method I teach you how to behave as a pack leader, which your dog is hardwired to understand and respect. As in the old saying: “A dog likes to play with its littermates but adores his pack leader,” Why? His whole survival instinct depends on his pack leader.
