Modern dog training places its emphasis on positive motivation. That is, using primary reinforcers which are things the dog will naturally needs (food, sex, water, interaction / play). Of course it is not relevant to use all of these. For most dogs the overriding desire is for food, they are genetically engineered to use every opportunity to get it regardless of supply and therefore it is a fantastic tool for training. Toys are also a good tool for training, they satisfy the dogs natural predatory instinct through chasing, catching, shaking etc. These two tools can be used together for full effect, afterall, at the end of a chase comes the food!
Traditional dog trainers will insist that their dogs 'work for them' and that they dont use motivation techniques, this is rubbish, the motivation here is to avoid the pain of the correction collar or other punishment. Surely it is better to have a dog who looks forward to training sessions, who gets excited about working with you? Additionally, if your dog enjoys training it is more likely to respond to a command at a distance, if it only responds for fear of correction when you are close, why will he respond at distance? In fact why should he want to come anywhere near you?!
Train using positive reinforcement using primary and secondary reinforcers and negative punishment (eg. ignoring behaviour).
Secondary reinforcers are sounds that the dog is taught to associate with a primary reinforcer. The scientist Pavlov discovered that if he rang a bell everytime a dog was fed, the dog learned that the bell meant food. He was then able to make the dog salivate by ringing the bell without any food present. The dog had created a connection in his brain causing a biological response.
One such secondary reinforcer used in training is the 'clicker'. We will cover clicker training in another section. Others can be words of praise that are regularly used when training using primary reinforcers (food etc), the dog learns that these words mean you like what he is doing and he is likely to get a treat soon!
About Me
- Dog Trainer
- Norfolk, United Kingdom
- Following a very animal orientated childhood I finished school and went on to do a National Diploma in Animal Management with the idea of going in to vet nursing. However, during the course I became more fascinated with animal psychology and after completing I applied to do a Degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training, graduating 2006. In 2008 I went on to do an Advanced diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy with COAPE and became an member of the CAPBT (COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists & Trainers). I have owned a variety of animals from rodents, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits, to cats, dogs, goats and horses. I also have experience with some reptiles and other exotics through college courses.
