Positive Dog Training
Training dogs using positive reinforcement and reward training has long been recognized as both a positive and highly effective experience for the dog. In fact, it’s proven so effective it’s the only method used to train dangerous animals (such as lions and tigers) for work in the movie and television industries.
In an effort to understand what makes positive dog training so effective, a quick look at the history of humans and dogs can be helpful. The earliest dogs were most likely wolf pups that were tamed and used by early humans for protection from predators and later for guarding and herding livestock. It’s possible the wolf pups were easily trained and therefore made the best companions. Or it’s equally possible that these early dogs were orphaned or abandoned wolf pups. Whatever their origin, there’s little doubt that the vast variety of dogs we see today have their origins in the humble wolf.
Wolf packs, similar to packs of wild dogs, are established as an hierarchy. Since wolves and dogs hunt as a group, this hierarchy (and the cooperation it brings) is essential to the survival of the species. Every dog understands his or her place within the pack, and except in the event of death or injury, once the hierarchy is established it rarely changes.
Every dog, therefore, is hardwired by nature to look to the pack leader for guidance. The basis of all good dog training, including reward-based training, is the handler being well established as the pack leader. This isn’t just the dominate position. The pack leader provides leadership and protection, and this leadership is vital to the success and survival of the pack.
You want your dog to see himself as part of a pack, and to recognize you as the leader of that pack. You want him to respect your authority.
A dog with a submissive personality will generally be easier to train using positive reinforcement, since he will not want to challenge you for leadership. Even dominant dogs, however, respond well to positive reinforcement. There are, in fact, few dogs that do not respond well to this form of training, though gaining the respect and trust of an abused dog can sometimes require a dose of extra patience.
Here’s the simplicity of positive dog training: when your dog performs the desired behavior, he’s provided with a reward, most often in the form of a food treat, though it could be something as simple as a scratch behind the ears or a rub under the chin or a pat on the head. The point to remember is that every time your dog does as he’s commanded, he is consistently rewarded for his proper bebavior.
That’s all there is to it. Lots of repetition. Lots of love.
No matter what type of dog you’re working with, chances are it can be helped with positive reinforcement. Training methods based on respect and trust, rather than intimidation and fear, have proven over and over again to be quicker and more effective at getting the results you want from your dog.
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