After 48 years of training various types of dogs, my extensive experience has led me to firmly believe that correction is an essential aspect of dog training. While I am a proponent of positive reinforcement, I also recognize the significance of incorporating correction into the training process. The debate surrounding whether to punish unwanted behavior or redirect dogs towards desirable actions has long been a subject of contention.
In my journey, I've come to understand that training a dog without any form of consequences is impractical. While there are indeed exceptional trainers who exclusively employ positive reinforcement techniques, it's essential to note that none of them have consistently achieved national-level recognition in competitive dog sports. Moreover, their dogs often require more time, typically aging between 4 to 6 years before being competition-ready for the first time. I've engaged in discussions with trainers who exclusively rely on positive reinforcement, and their confidence in their dogs varies. Some are unwavering in their belief that their dogs will obey commands under all circumstances using positive reinforcement alone, while others acknowledge that their dogs may not respond consistently in every situation but hold the personal conviction that corrections should be avoided.
Despite these nuances, there is a consensus among experienced trainers that corrections, when judiciously employed, can expedite the training process. With that context, it's crucial to explore the rules and principles of utilizing corrections effectively.
First and foremost, it is essential to emphasize that physical punishment, such as hitting a dog, is unequivocally unacceptable and constitutes animal abuse. While it may produce results, it is morally reprehensible and should never be considered a correction. Instead, there are tools, techniques, and experts available to provide guidance in humane training methods. Employing such resources ensures that dogs are taught with respect and without fear.
To administer corrections appropriately, it is essential to have the right tools at your disposal. Fur savers, like those crafted by Herm Sprenger, are a suitable choice for dogs that are more sensitive and require gentler corrections. For dogs with resilient temperaments, such as those that exhibit strong drives or pull vigorously, the Herm Sprenger prong collar is often the preferred option due to its effectiveness. Proper usage of these tools is paramount, and resources are available to assist in their correct application.
Additionally, for individuals working with qualified professionals or who possess expertise themselves, the remote trainer, commonly known as an e-collar, can be a valuable tool. However, it should be noted that using an e-collar without proper training can be detrimental. Surprisingly, when employed at low-level stimulation, an e-collar can provide a gentle form of correction compared to other collars.
Furthermore, timing is a critical factor in effective correction. Corrections must occur while the undesirable behavior is happening or immediately afterward, within a second at most. The same principle applies to rewards; positive behaviors must be marked instantly with a clicker or verbal cue like "Yes" to ensure a timely reward. Accurate timing is vital for fair and effective training.
Motivational, positive reinforcement-only training is a comprehensive system that can nearly stand on its own. Corrections, on the other hand, do not constitute a complete training system. Although it is possible to teach dogs everything using corrections and force, it's essential to acknowledge that this approach is rooted in older training methodologies, some of which involved animal abuse. Modern dog training has evolved significantly, and motivational training has become a game-changer.
In addition to the discussions on correction and motivational training, it's worth mentioning another training methodology that has been employed in both dog and horse training. This approach involves the application of negative pressure followed by positive reinforcement, effectively transitioning from a negative phase to a positive one.
This method, often used in traditional training systems, acknowledges that pressure, when appropriately applied, can be an effective means of communication with dogs and horses. The principle is simple: when the dog or horse complies with the desired action, the pressure (negative stimulus) is released, making the experience positive for the animal, and it is followed by a reward in the form of treats, praise, or other positive reinforcements.
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