![]() ![]() It’s mostly used for training at a distance when a leash can’t be used.įor example, shock collars can train a dog to stay within boundaries of an un-fenced yard. Electronic Training (Picture Credit: Getty Images)Įlectronic training relies on the use of an electric collar that delivers a shock or a spray of citronella when a dog is not performing a desired task. When used alongside other training methods, it can be very effective in making sure you have a well-trained, well-behaved pooch. While it is great for learning new behaviors, clicker training isn’t necessarily well-suited for curbing unwanted behaviors. Many professional trainers use this method. This is a great method for learning new tricks, and it can help shape the basics into more complicated tasks. Finally, the verbal command can be introduced to form a new association. Then the dog can associate a behavior with a click and a reward. Trainers can then use the clicker to shape new behaviors and add verbal commands.įirst, the dog needs to be conditioned to know that a click means a reward is coming. The advantage of using clicker training is that it signals the exact moment the desired behavior is finished and exactly what is being rewarded. It relies on the use of a device to make a quick, sharp noise, such as a whistle or, as the name suggests, a clicker to signal to a dog when a wanted behavior is accomplished. In fact, clicker training may be grouped in as a method of positive reinforcement, rather than as its own form of training. Clicker Training (Picture Credit: Getty Images)Ĭlicker training is also based on operant conditioning and relies heavily on the same principles as positive reinforcement. Still, it’s a good idea for dog parents to stay informed and pay attention to new research when it becomes available. For that reason, it may be best for professional trainers, since the methods they use are often effective whether you know the science behind them or not, and other forms of training already employ many of those methods.Īlso, developing new methods based on research may not be appropriate for everyone. Scientific training relies on doing a good deal of research and staying updated on the latest studies. Some scientific trainers believe that it’s also important to learn how to strengthen good behavior without the need for rewards and to rely on dog psychology to find ways to improve off-leash relationships between humans and their pups. In fact, a lot of the methods used in scientific dog training are used by other forms of training.įor the most part, there is a reliance on operant conditioning, which mostly includes positive reinforcement and, less often, some forms of punishment. Before a behavior is corrected, everything about that behavior must be understood.īecause science-based dog training is so broad, it’s hard to pinpoint an overarching methodology behind it. Trainers rely on these studies to work with dogs. It aims to understand dogs’ nature, their ability to be conditioned, and the effectiveness of rewards and punishments.Īnimal behaviorists are constantly creating new studies and experiments to shape our understanding of dog psychology. Science-based dog training can be difficult to define, as it relies on information that is continually building and changing. Scientific Training (Picture Credit: Getty Images) This method is great for learning commands, but you need patience for correcting unwanted behaviors. It can also be easy to overfeed when your dog is learning, so use small treats when you are rewarding with food. Only wanted behaviors get rewards, which can include treats, toys, praise, and pets. For example they might let the dog outside when they start barking at a squirrel or another dog. Sometimes beginner trainers accidentally reward bad behavior. Then, gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior becomes consistent. Start with continuous rewards every time your dog does the right thing. Therefore, everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and reward system. Positive reinforcement requires consistency. Commands also need to be short and to the point. This gives the dog a distinct sign of the exact moment the behavior was completed. Some trainers combine this method with clicker training (see number three below).
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