How to Make Dog Training More Successful
Dog training is the use of behavior analysis that employs the dog’s environment, past experiences, and antecedents to modify the dog’s behavior, either to help it undertake specific tasks or do a particular action, or even for it to behave efficiently in modern domestic life. It is also known as ‘man’s best friend’ and has been the companionship of man for thousands of years. There are several theories surrounding how dogs should be trained. These include behavior modification, communicative training, reward training, and structured training. Training a dog should be undertaken carefully and in a manner that benefits both the dog and its owners.
During the early days of dog training, the trainer’s role was much more limited than it is today. The main tools used for this time included chaining, pinching, flogging, striking, or using physical force. As society began to evolve and progressed into what we now consider to be the progressive era, punishments, and rewards were gradually removed from dog training techniques. Instead, reward techniques were put into place and operant procedures came into play. Operant procedures involve using a stimulus to link an unwanted response with a different and desirable response (for example, if the dog jumps on the owner then a treat can be given but if the dog returns immediately after jumping then a hit can be administered).
This removal of punishments from dog training means that trainers can train their dogs in a highly flexible manner. They are no longer constrained by having to apply one or two techniques. In fact, modern dog training techniques allow for very individualized responses to different situations. This is very useful when dealing with difficult and stubborn behavior.
During the next period, the 1980s, behavior modification was introduced. This phase of dog training involved both positive and negative reinforcement. Rather than punishing the dog for bad behavior, trainers used praise and encouragement to encourage the desirable behavior. For example, if the dog jumps on the owner then the owner can give treats and show affection towards the dog. If the dog behaves in a way that is acceptable then a treat is given but if the behavior does not improve then a firm “no” is shouted and the dog is sent to his room.
These days, modern dog training techniques still focus on using positive reinforcement. Although the focus has changed to rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior, many pet dog trainers and handlers still use these techniques. This simply means that they attempt to ensure that dogs learn desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement. While this sounds great in theory, it is often more difficult than it actually is for dogs to understand and learn.
There is a term for dog training called classical conditioning. This technique uses positive and negative stimulus to change a dog’s response. The idea is that a dog will respond better to a stimulus if the stimulus comes in the presence of a positive stimulus and it will respond less well if the stimulus comes in the presence of a negative stimulus. Classical conditioning was made popular by a psychologist, Bartram E. Hearne, who was among the first trainers to recognize the importance of using positive reinforcements during training.
This form of dog training requires both a knowledgeable trainer and a pet dog owner. In order for this to work, the trainer must have some knowledge of psychology and the study of how animals behave, as well as some understanding of how their bodies are structured. A good trainer must also be able to use a fairly consistent physical punishment.
There is more to successful dog training than using shock collars or reinforcing good behavior with treats. However, the use of such tools can make your dog training easier by providing feedback as to whether the dog is acting appropriately. Positive dog training can make all the difference between a well behaved dog and one that isn’t. For more information and details, please contact your local pet store.
