Content
- Dog training: techniques based on learning theories
- Dog training: traditional technique
- Dog training: positive reinforcement
- Dog training: mixed techniques
- Dog training: techniques based on canine behavior
- Dog training: which technique should I use?
- How to train my dog: tips
- How to teach the dog to sit
While there are many techniques on how to train a dog, they can all be classified into two main categories: canine training techniques based on learning theories and canine training techniques based on canine ethology.
In this article about how to train a dog - 4 ways, we will detail each of them, what they consist of and how they are generally applied. However, the traditional technique of training uses aggression to educate the animal, let's explain it but we do not recommend that it be used under any circumstances.
Dog training: techniques based on learning theories
This category comprises those techniques whose main forms of teaching are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement or punishment. As all these techniques are very different from each other, they fall into three specific subcategories: traditional dog training, positive training, and mixed techniques.
At techniques based on learning theories they focus on modifying the dog's behavior, giving less relevance to the typical behavior of canine species. On the other hand, techniques based on canine ethology focus on the typical natural behavior of dogs, prioritizing the establishment of dominance hierarchies and giving less importance to learning theories.
Techniques that include violence and mistreatment of the dog should not be admitted or even considered, among modern dog training techniques. Deliberately acting against our puppy's well-being can have very serious consequences.
Dog training: traditional technique
Traditional training originated in war dog schools and was highly successful in training military dogs for both world wars. After World War II, this method gained a lot of popularity due to the stories of heroic dogs.
In these techniques, negative reinforcement and punishments they are the exclusive means of training. To achieve results, it is necessary to physically force the dogs to perform the actions that the handler wants. Hangers, claw collars and electric collars are tools for this kind of work.
Although these techniques are strongly defended by their practitioners, they are also attacked with the same stubbornness by people who consider them to be cruel and violent.
The main benefit of traditional training is the great reliability of the trained behaviors. On the other hand, disadvantages include potential behavior problems caused by training, as well as possible damage to the dog's trachea from the use of chokes.
These techniques shouldn't even be practiced, but unfortunately, they are the ones that are most knowledgeable about.
Dog training: positive reinforcement
Positive training comprises a set of techniques based on the principles of operant conditioning developed by BF Skinner. Its popularity was very low until the 90s, when the book "Don't kill him!" by Karen Pryor, became a best seller.
With these techniques, it is not necessary to wear training collars and the training sessions are very rewarding for both handlers and dogs. The main teaching method is the use of positive reinforcements, popularly known as rewards.
In this way, what is done is mainly to reinforce the desired behaviors, whether through food, congratulations or otherwise. There are also ways to eliminate unwanted conduct, but punishment is not used in any case. Currently, the most popular technique of positive training is clicker training.
At main advantages of positive training are:
- The results are as reliable as those obtained in traditional training;
- It is not necessary to physically subdue the dog;
- It's very simple, fast and fun to train a dog this way;
- Allows the dog to learn by relating what we expect from him.
Paradoxically, the main disadvantage of positive training is how quickly initial results are achieved. Many novice trainers marvel at the early stages and don't bother to improve their training. The consequence is that training is halved.
Dog training: mixed techniques
Mixed techniques are intermediate points between traditional and positive training. Thus, they are usually less strict than the first, but also less friendly than the second.
These techniques showed very good results with dogs that compete in canine contact sports, such as Schutzhund, RCI, Mondioring, Belgian Ring, etc.
Generally, trainers who use mixed techniques combine the use of the chokehold with the rewards. However, they tend to prefer using toys instead of food. As trainers claim, this stimulates the prey drive. The exception of not giving food is usually in the early stages and in tracking training, but this depends on the individual trainer.
Also know: When can I start training a puppy?
Dog training: techniques based on canine behavior
Techniques based on canine ethology are those that totally or partially ignore learning theories and focus on natural behaviors of the dog. Its fundamental premise is that the owner has to acquire a higher hierarchical status than the dog. In this way, the owner assumes the role of pack leader, the alpha dog.
Although these techniques are very popular, their real effectiveness is very questioned. They are so diverse techniques that it is not possible to determine a clearly defined pattern or line of training, unlike what happens in traditional and positive training.
Most trainers do not consider these techniques as a means of training, but simply as complementary procedures that are helpful. Likewise, many practitioners of these techniques refuse to be considered dog handlers. However, most people unrelated to the canine world believe that these are dog training techniques.
Dog training: which technique should I use?
Parallel to the name that we can give to a dog training technique, the ideal is to analyze for ourselves if this method is valid and if it will work.
When learning a new technique for teaching your dog something, ask yourself if this technique can be explained with the scientific principles of training, is it simple, and is it non-violent. A technique is good when it's easy to explain, easy to teach, it's related to the dog's natural behavior, it's simple, it's not violent, and it's understandable for both.
Many people feel let down by using positive reinforcement and not getting responses from the dog. This does not always mean that the technique used is bad, it can be something related to the dog's intelligence, the exact time/place you are practicing it or the communication used to talk to your dog.
If you have this breed of dog, learn: How to train a Labrador
How to train my dog: tips
For starters, you should know that it's not good to exceed the practice time of basic dog commands. Must dedicate, on average, between 5 and 10 minutes journals to go over the commands already learned and perhaps start learning a new one. Too much time can overload your pet and cause him a feeling of stress.
It is important to emphasize that communication with the dog must be clear and understandable for him. Don't use fancy words, don't expect him to understand you from day one. A very useful training trick is to combine vocalization with physical bodily expression, as dogs better identify dogs. physical signs.
The place of training is also very important. Secluded and quiet places they are preferable, since an environment with many stimuli tends to deconcentrate the dog, making the task of training difficult.
When your dog has learned a command, you must practice it regularly, at least once a week. The constancy and repetition of the same exercise allow the dog a faster response, in addition to practicing the same exercise, we must also increase the level of difficulty, performing it in environments with more distractions to ensure that the dog will obey in different environments.
Awards are very important in dressage, but something many people don't know is that they should be treats or really tasty snacks for the dog. If we use a food or a toy that does not interest the dog, it will certainly have worse results. Encouraging it is essential to get a good result.
You should also pay attention to your dog's animal welfare.An animal that is sick, hungry or clearly stressed will not respond adequately to training.
Remember that it is totally normal not to know all the techniques and commands you should teach your dog. For this reason, consider looking for a professional. dog training if you really need help. It is he who can best advise you on which guidelines to follow.
How to teach the dog to sit
If you are interested in starting dog training sessions with your best friend and want to start by knowing how to teach your dog to sit, check out this video with some dog training tips on YouTube.
Also follow the other videos on the PeritoAnimal channel.