Although there are many techniques for training 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 on how to train a dog – 4 ways, we will detail each of them, what it consists of and how they are generally applied. However, the traditional training technique uses aggression to educate the animal, we will explain it but we do not recommend that it be used under any circumstances.
- This category includes techniques whose main forms of education are positive reinforcement.
- Negative reinforcement or punishment.
- As all these techniques are very different from each other.
- They are divided into three specific subcategories: traditional canine training.
- Positive training and mixed techniques.
Techniques based on learning theories focus on modifying the behavior of the dog, 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, giving priority to the establishment of dominance hierarchies and giving less importance to learning theories.
Techniques that include violence and dog abuse should not even be accepted among modern dog training techniques. Deliberate action against the welfare of our dog can have very serious consequences.
Traditional training was born in war dog schools and was very successful in training military dogs for both world wars. After World War II, this method became very popular due to the stories of heroic dogs.
In these techniques, negative reinforcement and punishment are the exclusive means of training. To achieve results, it is necessary to physically force the dogs to perform the actions that the trainer wants. Hangers, claw collars and electric collars are tools for this type of work.
While these techniques are strongly defended by their practitioners, they are also attacked with the same stubbornness by people who consider them cruel and violent.
The main advantage of traditional training is the high reliability of trained behaviors. On the other hand, the drawbacks include possible behavioral problems, caused by training, as well as possible damage to the dog’s trachea by the use of hangers.
These techniques should not even be practiced, but unfortunately, they are the most information about.
Positive training includes a set of techniques based on operational conditioning principles developed by B. F. Skinner. Its popularity was very low until the 1990s, when the book “Don’t Kill Him!” of Karen Pryor, it became a bestseller.
With these techniques, it is not necessary to use training collars and training sessions are very rewarding for both trainers and dogs. The main method of teaching is to use positive reinforcements, commonly referred to as rewards.
Thus, what is mainly done is to reinforce the desired behaviors, whether through food, congratulations or not. There are also ways to eliminate undesirable behavior, but punishment is not used under any circumstances. Currently, the most popular positive training technique is clicker training.
The main benefits of positive training are
Paradoxically, the main drawback of positive training is how quickly the first results are achieved. Many novice coaches are thrilled with the initial steps and don’t mind perfecting training. The consequence is that dressage is halved.
Mixed techniques are intermediate points between traditional and positive training. Therefore, they are generally less rigid than the first, but also less easy to use than the latter.
These techniques have worked very well with dogs participating in canine contact sports, such as Schutzhund, RCI, Mondioring, Belgian Ring, etc.
Typically, trainers who use mixed techniques combine the use of the strangler with rewards. However, they generally prefer to use toys instead of food. According to the coaches, this stimulates the impulse of the dam. The exception of not giving food is usually in the initial steps and in the training for follow-up, but it depends on each trainer.
Also know: When can I start training a puppy?
Techniques based on canine ethology are those that completely or partially ignore theories of learning and focus on the natural behaviors of the dog. Its fundamental principle is that the owner must acquire a hierarchical status higher than that of the dog. In this way, the owner assumes the role of leader of the herd, the alpha dog.
Although these techniques are highly appreciated, their true effectiveness is questioned. These techniques are so diverse that you cannot determine a clearly defined model or training line, unlike traditional dressage and positive training.
Most trainers do not see these techniques as training, but simply as useful complementary procedures. Similarly, many practitioners of these techniques refuse to be considered dog caregivers. However, most people not related to the canine world think that these are dog training techniques.
Next to the name that can be given to a dog training technique, it is ideal to analyze for yourself whether this method is valid and whether it will work.
When learning a new technique to teach your dog something, ask yourself if this technique can be explained with the scientific principles of training, if it is simple and if it is not violent. A technique is good when it is easy to explain, easy to teach, is related to the natural behavior of the dog, it is simple, it is not violent and is understandable for both.
Many people are disappointed when they use positive reinforcement and do not receive responses from the dog. This does not always mean that the technique used is bad, it may be related to the intelligence of the dog, the exact time /place where the practice or communication you use to talk to your dog.
If you have this breed of dog, learn: How to train a labrador
For starters, it’s not a good idea to go beyond the practice time of basic dog commands. You should spend an average of 5 to 10 minutes a day reviewing the orders you’ve already learned and maybe start learning a new one. Excessive time can overwhelm your pet and cause a feeling of stress.
It is important to note that communication with the dog should be clear and understandable to him. Don’t use elaborate words and don’t expect them to understand you from day one. A very useful training trick is to combine vocalization with the expression of the physical body, since dogs can better identify physical signals.
The place of formation is also very important. Isolated and quiet places are preferable, as an environment with many stimuli tends to distract the dog, making training difficult.
When your dog has learned an order, you should 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, it is also necessary to increase the level of difficulty, performing it in environments with more distractions to ensure that the dog will obey in different environments. .
The prices are very important in training, but what many people do not know is that they have to be treats or snacks that are really tasty for the dog. If we use food or a toy that is not of the interest of the dog, it will surely have worse results. Encouraging it is essential to achieve a good result.
You should also consider the animal welfare of your dog. A sick, hungry or clearly stressed animal will not respond adequately to training.
Remember that it is quite normal not to know all the techniques and commands you need to teach your dog. For this reason, consider looking for a dog education professional if you really need help. He is the one who can best advise you on the guidelines to follow.
If you want to start dog training sessions with your best friend and want to start by learning how to teach your dog to sit, watch this video with some dog training tips on YouTube.
See also the other videos on the Animal Expert channel
If you would like to read articles similar to How to Train a Dog: 4 Ways, we recommend that you visit our Basic Education section.