Nearly all vets agree that
positive reinforcement training
is the most effective method of dog training. This method focuses on rewarding your pet for good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. It is based on operant conditioning, which mainly includes positive reinforcement and, less commonly, some forms of punishment. Popularized by trainers such as Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, this method has been proven to be successful in training the Obamas' dog, Bo.Therefore, all members of your household must use the same commands and reward system.E-training is another method that is based on the use of an electric collar that emits a shock or citronella spray when the dog does not perform the desired task. This type of training is mainly used for distance training when a leash cannot be used. Professional dog trainers can get the desired results with e-training, but it's definitely not for the average pet parent. There are many alternatives that make dogs suffer much less stress and pain.Alpha or dominance dog training is based on the dog's instinctive pack mentality to create a relationship of submission and dominance.
Traditional trainers use corrections such as a sharp snap with the leash, pinches, grips and “alpha pulls” when misbehavior is seen, although most combine it with praise (and perhaps even rewards) to reinforce when the right behavior occurs.Neutral training is another option that works with a level of success similar to that of positive reinforcement and operant conditioning. This method strives to meet the needs of the dog and the handler, encourage communication and strengthen their bond. Examples of neutral training include ignoring problem behaviors (such as jumping on guests) or giving the dog a substitute object to chew on (such as a chew toy).In addition to understanding traditional methods, dominance theory, and wolf pack theory, a science-based coach should also know how to read their dog's body language, what rewards motivate them the most, and how to meet their dog's basic needs before each training session begins. Capturing your dog's attention and taking into account the important facial and body signals that your dog needs to understand you will make him understand you better.Comparing the emotional effects of reward-based training and punishment-based training, Steven R.
Lindsay found that dogs trained with more reward-based techniques had higher measures of general obedience. An evidence-based blog, Companion Animal Psychology has done a great deal of analysis on this even more, explaining the advantages of reward-based dog training methods and how to use them.Try incorporating these training sessions in different places, such as a park or a friend's house. By providing a model of good behavior or a rival with which to compete for resources, dogs learn to imitate behaviors. The sea of information available about dog training that supposedly helps us learn is contradictory, not based on evidence, or, quite frankly, makes no sense.When your Labrador hears the rattling of the dog bowl, he starts to salivate and, when he sees you grab his dog's leash, he becomes frantically excited to go out for a walk.
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are a unified species, despite their apparently immense differences in size, shape and behavior.In conclusion, positive reinforcement training is by far the most effective method for training your pet. It has been proven to be successful in many cases and it is also less stressful for your pet than other methods such as e-training or alpha/dominance training. Neutral training is also an option that works with similar levels of success as positive reinforcement and operant conditioning.
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