Fun and Motivational Dog Training Want
to strengthen the human-canine bond? Just get involved in positive-oriented dog
training. Did you know that a dog who is taught to pay attention and to follow
certain cues is going to be more secure? Get started with a GReat article from
Dr. Overall on
understanding how dogs learn, as well as the articles below to
understand the different training philosophies. And, then sign up for training
classes to provide the incentive to work with your dog on a regular basis and
get assistance from instructors who can better evaluate any difficulties.
Watch Dr. Yin with her dad's new puppy, Lucy, at 7.5 weeks of age. It's her
first day at Dr. Yin's house. Lucy's already learned to sit for kibble. Now she
is training her to sit to be petted (getting attention), and Dr. Yin is removing
rewards for jumping. Then, she does the same thing with her own dog Jonesy
around. Lucy correctly reads Jonesy's signals and backs down when Jonesy makes
it clear he doesn't want her in his face.
Positive, Motivational Training
Philosophy
Negative Training Philosophy /
Areas of Controversy
Confusion with the term "Alpha Dog" and where it originates Below, Dr. L. David Mech talks about the terms
"alpha" and "beta" wolves and why they are no longer scientifically accurate. Be
sure to read and download his article,
Whatever Happened to the Term Alpha Woof? Dr. Yin refers to Dr. Mech and
this article in her discussion of the dominance controversy.
We love Clicker Training, a motivational method that works on positively
reinforcing your dog for doing something right. In turn, when your dog does it
wrong, s/he merely misses the opportunity to get the goodies, whether that be in
the form of food, interactive play, or praise. It is the ability of a clicker to
instantly mark a behavior—your clicking at the instant
your dog is evidencing a desired behavior—that makes
it such a powerful tool. Check out a mom who
clicker-trained a service dog for her son, and see videos of a
clicker-trained pig and a
car-driving dog!
9 Habits of Effective Clicker Trainers Part 1 Using Rewards
9 Habits of Effective Clicker Trainers Part 2 Timing
Be sure to visit clicker training expert,
Karen Pryor, taking special note of her huge
library and dog training sections.
Clicking
With Your Dog: Step-By-Step in Pictures, a book at Karen's site, is a great
one for getting started. It actually will show you how to teach a dog while
you're heeding nature's call. As Debi Davis says, "It's an ideal environment: small, quiet, you're the most interesting thing in
the room, and of course, it comes with a built in seat."
Here is Karen Pryor's way (from "Don't
Shoot the Dog!") to get your Goldens to reliably come to you when called.
And, that means even if they are really enjoying themselves doing whatever it is
that they are doing (probably smelling something yucky, etc.). It is a wonderful
way to deal with the dog who loves to get something nasty in his mouth and then
play keep-away so you can't get it from him.
Aunt Mary’s old Cairn terrier, Rowdy, got
out the door, and now he won’t come in. Everyone’s trying to catch
him before he gets out on the street. "Here, Rowdy, here boy…" Rowdy
comes close, wagging his tail, but when the boys lunge for his
collar, he zips out of reach again. Rowdy thinks this is a GREAT
game. Here’s how to fix that problem with the clicker—even with a
dog that’s not clicker trained at all.
Get some small, solid food you can toss, such as
little cubes of cheese. Sit on the ground. Call Rowdy. When he turns
his head, click and throw a piece of cheese all the way to him.
Don’t try to lure or bait him with the food. Throw it; make it easy.
When he’s eaten that piece of cheese, call him again, just once. If
he looks or steps your way, click and throw him another bite. A
greedy dog will usually approach you now. let him come two steps
toward you. Click, and toss cheese. Next time, wait for four steps
and click.
When Rowdy is nearly within reach be careful not
to grab at him or make any sudden moves. Now when you click, toss
the cheese closer to you, so he has to come in a bit to get it. As
he does so, click and hold cheese out in your hand. Let him take it.
Don’t GRAB! Now lure him to your lap; click and give him
the cheese in your far hand. If he dives away, let him. Shape him
back to your lap again. Put your hand lightly on his back. When you
click, take the hand away and give him cheese from the other hand.
Now, ruffle his fur, click, lift your hand away, give him
cheese. NOW, gently take his collar, click, give him cheese, and
haul him indoors where he belongs. Jackpot him there. Repeat as
needed. I predict that "catch time" will shorten to zero in three
more episodes.
We have a huge collection of training web resources and articles
here that cover a multitude of learning skills, as well as behavioral problem
areas. And, be sure to take the first step toward incorporating your newly
learned skills by learning how to obtain a Canine
Good Citizen (CGC) title for your dog. Also, brush up on your
clicker-training skills with the following video clips and check out
Dr. Yin's fabulous materials. A veterinarian,
professor, and behavioral consultant, she has been doing incredible research and
work through her Manners Minder Remote Reward Training System, a must-have product for any
dog lover. (Golden Alfie adores his, by the way!)
These position statements were developed through the cooperation of
the members of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
and reflect the opinion of this association on a variety of topics
related to the field of animal behavior.
Dominance Position Statement
— This
statement has been developed for the purpose of clarifying how AVSAB
views the theory of dominance relationships between animals. We also
hope that it helps to dispel some myths that have recently become more
prevalent among some who work in this field.
Punishment Position Statement
— This
statement focuses on the use of punishment in the training of animals
and the learning theories that exist which put the use of punishment
into proper perspective.
Puppy Socialization Position Statement
—
This statement hopes to increase awareness of the need socialization in
puppies and raise the issue of how vaccination protocols effect the
socialization process in puppy classes.
Types of Behavior Professionals
— This
statement reviews the different types of individuals who can work with
behavior issues and what these various qualifications mean.
How to Choose a Trainer
— This statement
reviews some methods a pet owner can use to help locate a quality
trainer for their dog.
