Top Training Methods
Like all things, animal training has changed significantly over the years. The more we learn about our furry friends, the more training evolves. However, not everyone agrees on the best training methods. So, how is someone supposed to choose what methods and trainers to use? To help with this, I am providing you with an overview of the most popular training methods and their positives and negatives.
When you do a Google search for dog training methods, all kinds of methods and theories pop up, making the search for the best method even more confusing. So, for starters, we should explore what we mean when we say method. A method is the means by which an animal is trained. A theory is the reasoning behind the method. For example, the dominance method uses actions and behaviors that reinforce the idea that the human is the leader in the relationship. It is based on the dominance theory, which essentially says that the relationship between humans and dogs is the same as the relationships between dogs in a pack and, therefore, we can alter behavior by reinforcing our position as the leader. For each method we mention, there may be several secondary methods. For instance, positive reinforcement is the method of using something the animal likes to encourage wanted behavior. That is the main method. However, there are several ways to do this such as clicker training and treat training. These are the secondary methods. To simplify all of this, we have identified 5 main training methods. Along with each method, I have listed some of the secondary methods that fall in that category.
Positive Reinforcement
Secondary Methods: Treat training, Clicker training
Theory: Giving rewards for wanted behavior will increase the occurrence of that behavior
Positive reinforcement is one of the most well known types of training. In this list, it stands alone. However, it has been incorporated into many of the other training methods. It is more like a launchpad from which several more complex methods developed. It is the very basic method of giving a dog a command and then giving a reward when they do what is asked. While many people think positive reinforcement is limited to giving treats for wanted behavior, that is not the case. The reward can be anything that the dog likes. You can use toys, attention, playtime, treats, or anything else the dog values. The value of the reward increases the more the dog likes it. Giving high value rewards can help reinforce new behaviors or encourage the dog to perform tasks they may not enjoy doing as much. There are many positives to this type of training including a dog’s increased confidence, dogs typically enjoy training, and it’s a very effective method. However, there are a few pitfalls. A dog may become treat dependent, meaning that they must see a treat or reward in order to perform a task. Also, if treats are being used, the dog may gain weight with increased training. While there are several ways to avoid or correct these issues, they are common with positive reinforcement training. Aside from these issues, many people are able to train their dog to do simple tasks on their own using this method.
2. Negative Reinforcement
Secondary Methods: E-Collar training, Traditional training
Theory: Animal behavior can be changed by offering punishments for unwanted behavior
Negative reinforcement is the polar opposite of positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement focuses on punishing the dog for unwanted behavior. This can be as simple as pushing a dog into a sit position when he doesn’t sit or as harsh as shocking a dog for barking. Traditional dog training used this method with decent results, but research has since shown that it may not be the best, most effective training method. Still, it is commonly being used to train dogs off leash or to manipulate behaviors. Electric fences are a type of negative reinforcement as the dog gets shocked if it attempts to break the boundary. Usually, dogs will learn the boundary lines quickly and avoid them even without the collar. Other ways it’s used are bark collars, spray bottles, remote control collars (often used for hunting dogs), yelling, and physical manipulation/pressure. While it may seem effective, negative reinforcement can cause a lot of issues including learned helplessness, decreased confidence, reactivity, aggression, a dislike of training or performing tasks, and a negative impact on the relationship with your dog. There are times when this method is the best option, but it needs to be done correctly and safely.
3. Scientific Training
Secondary Methods: Mirror training, Model-Rival training, Conditioning
Theory: Scientific research continually reveals how animals learn and behave naturally, letting us influence animal behavior using this knowledge.
On this list, scientific training is the first of our more complex methods. It has developed through careful research. Essentially, scientific training focuses on using natural training methods. It looks at how a dog would learn things in a neutral setting and then tries to apply that purposefully. For instance, mirroring is one technique used. It occurs when one dog observes and eventually mirrors the behavior of another dog. To train using mirroring, you may have a trained dog leading (usually with a harness) an untrained dog while it performs tasks. The untrained dog learns the taks by performing them with the trained dog. In nature, packs of wolves train puppies to hunt by having them join in a hunt when they are old enough. They are learning the task by performing it with others who know what they are doing. Scientific training occurs naturally every day. By recognizing how it happens, we are able to use it to train wanted behaviors and eliminate unwanted behaviors. There are pluses and minuses to this training. It is effective and can make training much less frustrating. However, depending on the task being trained, it can take longer and may require a fully trained dog to assist. It can also result in each dog picking up unwanted behaviors from the other dog.
4. Dominance Training
Secondary Method: Alpha training
Theory: The relationship between humans and dogs is the same as the relationships between dogs in a pack and we can alter behavior by reinforcing our position as the leader.
Dominance training is based on the dominance theory, which has been shown to be inaccurate in many cases. The theory states that the dog and the human family form a pack in the dog’s mind. It claims that the dog’s behavior is related to its idea of its position within the pack. For instance, the dog may see human children as rivals for a higher position within the pack. As a result, he may be more aggressive or assertive with those kids. To correct this using dominance theory, the kids would have to show the dog that they are dominant. While the theory makes sense when looking at wolves, many dog breeds do not think this way. That is because of years of selective breeding. However, there are some breeds that do favor the dominance hierarchy. One in particular is the Husky. They have been bred to pull a sled in a team. The lead dog is trained to follow the commands while the others follow the leader. Thus, keeping a hierarchy among the dogs has value. The theory may also apply in very specific circumstances. Overall, however, it is considered an outdated theory and thus the training that relies on it is outdated as well. When the theory actually applies, it can be an effective method of training. However, for the majority of training, it is ineffective and can actually lead to bigger problems such as aggression and confidence issues. Before using this method, the dog should be evaluated by a professional trainer to ensure that the dominance theory applies to your situation.
5. Relationship-based Training
Secondary Method: LIMA training, fear free training
Theory: The relationship between a dog and a human is unique and every animal is an individual. Behavior can be influenced by strengthening that relationship and treating the animal as a unique individual.
Relationship-based training is one of the most popular training methods used today. It is a multi-faceted approach to training that attempts to improve the relationship between the owner and the dog. LIMA, or least invasive, minimally aversive, is a training approach that focuses on using positive experiences and eliminating punishment. Trainers take the time to evaluate each dog and situation before deciding how to correct the situation. For instance, when working with a reactive dog, the trainer may create distance with the trigger and use positive reinforcement to encourage calm behavior. They may also recommend confidence boosting and impulse control exercises to help the dog. Overall, relationship-based training is very effective. Not only does it improve the relationship between the dog and owner, it also makes training enjoyable for the dog and improves the dog’s confidence. However, it does require a knowledgeable trainer to correctly assess the situation and provide accurate and responsible training to correct it.
Training methods have evolved as we learn more about our pets. Every day, new research is being conducted that will help improve our training methods. By being aware of the options available to you, you can be better prepared to get responsible, effective training for your pet.
