Dog Training
From LoveToKnow Dogs
The world of dog training is diverse and complex, and many different training methods exist. No one type of dog training is right for every dog and every family. It is important to research the many methods of training and find the right method for the relationship you want with your dog. It is important to find a way to communicate with your dog in a safe and effective manner. You want to make sure you use a positive training method with your dog to ensure a harmonious relationship with your new family member. Long gone are the days of harsh treatment. You can find a trainer to help you or you can train on your own using a good book. The most important thing to remember while training your dog is this simple fact - YOUR DOG WANTS TO PLEASE YOU.
Dog Training Professionals
It is best for first time dog owners to have the help of a professional. The dog training profession is not standardized, so that anybody can hang out a shingle saying they are a professional dog trainer. Be sure to ask any trainer you are considering for their credentials and experience. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a good place to start when you are looking for a good trainer. The APDT is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. The APDT offers individual pet dog trainers a respected and concerted voice in the dog world. They promote the training profession and work to increase public awareness of dog friendly training techniques. You can find out more about the APDT at their web site, http://www.apdt.com/.
Different Types of Dog Training Methods
- After The Fact - This type of training method focuses on correcting behaviors after the dog has already behaved inappropriately. This method of training relies more on punishment techniques. This method is not recommended and is considered an ineffective means of training.
- Clicker Training - This training method was popularized by Karen Pryor, an animal behaviorist. It is a type of operant conditioning that employs a positive reinforcement method of dog training. Owners who use the clicker training method provide consequences desired by their dog in exchange for actions or behaviors desired by the owners. Karen's web site, Clicker Training, provides detailed instructions and further information about clicker training.
- Lure Training - Developed by Ian Dunbar, lure training uses an object of attraction to teach obedience commands such as "Sit", "Down" or "Heel". Different dogs will need
Possible luresdifferent lures. Small tidbits of food such as hot dogs or cheese may work for some dogs, while other dogs will react better to human affection, play time or squeaky toys. With lure training, you can add hand signals and word signals for commands. As the dog learns the hand signals and word signals for the commands, the lure can gradually be phased out of the dog training sessions. Short and frequent training sessions are important while using this method. Five minute sessions, five or six times a day at different times of the day are best. In general, dogs have short attention spans. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, dog trainer and writer. He has many books and videos available to help you follow his training methods.
- Play Training - Play training is an effective method of training for dogs who are not driven to please or motivated by toys or treats. It relies on a dog's prey drive and is helpful in training more independent breeds.
Looking for Online Training Help
If you are looking for online training help, or are a native of New Zealand/Australian natives, check out Doglinks.co.nz. Doglinks.co.nz leads you into NZ's Dog Web with: information about working dogs, training issues, dog problems, a listing of dog clubs, trainers, breeders and kennels, canine health and care, and a section for teachers & students. The Dog News is updated daily.
Comments
Hello I am looking into doing a dog training project at my school. I was wondering if there was any information that you could give me on the subject. Any information helps thatks alot.
Jessica ^-^
- Hi Jessica,
The best advice I can give you is to peruse the articles in our dog training category. There is a ton of information here to help you get started. After that, I think it would be a good idea to visit a local dog training school in your area to observe classes and speak with a professional instructor.
Thanks for your question, and good luck with your project! :)
-- Contributed by: Jessica LizerHi Caroline,
Thanks for the clarification. I've edited the original author's work for greater accuracy.
-- Contributed by: Kelly"Clicker Training - This training method was developed by Karen Pryor, an animal behaviorist. It is a type of operant conditioning similar to the Pavlov's dog experiment." This information is incorrect. Pavlov discovered classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is about associations. Operant Conditioning was discovered by B.F. Skinner and based on consequences to actions.If you ask a dog to sit and it sits the consequence of that action is a reward which encourages that behaviour.
-- Contributed by: CarolineThis page has been accessed 1,747 times. This page was last modified 13:48, 17 October 2007.
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