There is a saying, that whenever you and your dog are both awake, either you are training him, or he is training you. Even if you don’t think you are technically a “dog trainer”, your dog is constantly learning from you. The method you use to teach him will have a huge impact on how your dog learns, and on the relationship between the two of you.
It amazes me how much controversy there still is in the world of training. There are the “operant” people (using positive methods) and the “compulsion” people. One of the definitions of compulsion in the dictionary is: A psychological and usually irrational force that makes somebody do something, often unwillingly.
As many of you know, I started out as a compulsion trainer, since it was pretty much the only method being taught back then. I finally ended up quitting obedience altogether for a long time, because I wouldn’t “ear pinch” my dog to get her to retrieve.
I’ve done my share of going back and forth between methods. Sometimes the line is rather fine, between what is acceptable and what is not. Many years ago I tried using an electronic collar. I thought it could be used humanely on a low setting, as a signal to the dog. I was wrong. I soon concluded that it wasn’t a method I was interested in or could feel good about (no matter what the level) and isn’t something I would ever use again.
So where is YOUR line? Is it ok to shove your dog with your foot to correct a crooked sit? How about stepping on his toes to get him to back up? Or kneeing him in the chest when he jumps up? How about squirting him with a water bottle for barking? Is giving him a no reward marker (telling him NO when he is wrong) ok? How about a leash pop? Or stringing him up off the ground for a more serious offense?
Obviously some of these methods are pretty extreme, and some are not. Where is YOUR line?
Is occasionally hitting your dog ok? How about grabbing him by the sides of the face and shaking him? Is it ok to rub your puppy’s nose in an “accident”? Or holding his mouth shut for puppy nipping? Where IS your line?
Despite the enormous amount of evidence (scientific data) out there regarding the benefits of operant conditioning, many obedience folks still cling to the old ways. I’ve observed several obedience classes recently, and am surprised and saddened by the number of people still using this antiquated method. I see many dogs being “corrected” for things that they clearly don’t understand. Why would you punish your dog for something he hasn’t yet really learned? That just doesn’t make sense to me, and I think it’s unfair to the dog.
Compulsion training CAN and DOES work for many dogs, but here is my question to you. Why would you want to use that method if there was a better one out there? Next time you’re watching this type of obedience class, look at the dogs. How many look like they’re having a good time. AND, how far are you willing to go to get a straight sit? How much is it really worth to you?
Is it honestly too much to ask for an obedience class to be fun for us AND our dogs? I think not.
So where is MY Line?
Personally, this is a question that I have given a LOT of thought to throughout my training career. I have spent the past several years learning more and more about the benefits of positive dog training, and that has finally made my line crystal clear. What I do with my client’s dogs is the same as my own dogs - no rough stuff. It means learning what motivates your dog, and using that as reinforcer in your training. It means using your brain instead of your brawn. It also means ending up with a dog that works happily for you, and not one that obeys out of fear.
What I am trying to get to, in my very roundabout way, is that there is a HUGE difference in dog training techniques out there. And the unsuspecting owner may unintentionally enroll in a class that uses very punitive methods, and not even think about it. I want all of you out there to THINK ABOUT IT!! Think about what is and is not acceptable to YOU. We each have to make our own decisions on how to BE in this world, and how to BE with our dogs.
It’s your choice. Choose responsibly. Your dog is depending on you.
Tags: compulsion, dog trainer, obedience, operant
Well, I think I’m the one in training, not the dogs. Great article and a lot to think about.
Mickey and I have many philosiphical discussions on this subject. I share the exact same view and would like it shouted from the rooftops. WHY is anyone still putting a choke collar on their dog? ESPECIALLY when you can get the same or BETTER result using what the dog values?
Training can be exciting for your dog and something they look forward to. Communication is a two way street. Listen to your dog as well.
My dogs are sad when they are not the one asked to come and train/play. They wouldn’t feel that way if they were trained with punishment mixed with praise or reward. They would never know what to expect and that would make them fearful and SO not in the game.
I would like everyone that trains dogs or trains people to train their dogs to really give this some thought and open their mind to a better way to communicate with their dog.
Amen Sister!!
Thanks for the comment!
I agree with you 100%. I, too, was a compulsion trainer, back in the days…like you, Koehler was all that was out there, and it seemed to work.
I think why we’re still seeing this type of training is two-fold. One is that trainers who have been doing this for years and years are not looking to change. No everyone seeks to continue their education. The second part is that it seems to be a bit cultural. Many of my clients grew up in families where dogs that misbehaved somehow were a reflection on them. Rowdy dogs showed lack of discipline in the home and was not to be tolerated. The thought of building a ‘relationship’ with your family pet was unheard of and for many, it seems that it continues to be a culture of boss owner/dog subservient item of convenience.
On the otherhand, I have met people who own and train hunting dogs (though usually with coercive methods) that LOVE their dogs and fully understand ‘relationship’ with the dog. However, the idea of not letting the dog have too many priveleges or comforts still seem to prevail.
I think that the best way we can change things is to lead by example. I personally found out the hard way that compulsion does NOT work with every dog, and that serious fall-out can/will occur. However, kind, positive methods DO work with every dog…so why not go with the program that works on everyone? We can only be role models…and of course those who teach with compulsion often end up hiring me to fix ‘the fallout.’
Thanks Elaine!
I think you’re right. If enough of us continue to train without aversives, maybe we can win a few of the other folks over. We just have to keep trying.