Basic Types of Training

Common Types of Training

This blog will tell you about the basic types of dog training and some of the tools commonly used.

Dominance Based Training

Dominance based training sets its foundation in punishment.  Many of these techniques require your dog to submit to you and cause you to challenge bad behavior verbally or physically. Tools that are commonly used in dominance based training are prong, choke, or shock collars.  These tools work by inflicting pain on your dog so that they will not want to continue to do a certain behavior.  Below are different types and versions of prong collars.  Although one is made of metal and the other is plastic both collars work the same way, by causing pain and negative experience. 

Positive Reinforcement Based Training

This training sets its foundation in rewarding good behavior while ignoring bad behavior.  Common tools used in this training technique are treats, verbal praise, and clicker training.  Clicker training helps reinforce positive behavior quickly while giving your dog an auditory clue that they are doing the desired behavior.  Below is an examples of a clickers used in dog training

 

 “Balanced” Based Training

Many trainers are now calling themselves balanced trainers, which means they ae using a combination of positive and negative techniques.  Balance type trainers use a combination of tools used in other types of training. 

What to Look for in a Trainer

Look for a trainer that uses force free based training.  This will help your develop a positive relationship with your dog and will help prevent your dog from becoming fearful, anxious, or withdrawn.  Although balanced trainers may seem “balanced” they still have a foundation that is based in fear and can have negative effects on your dog.   Some people feel that Positive reinforcement based training lacks discipline yet by ignoring bad behaviors you are in fact telling your dog that those behaviors are not acceptable and will not gain your physical or verbal attention. 

Look at your potential new trainer’s education or credentials.  If you are not sure about an organization do some research on the organization do see what type of training they teach.

Choose a trainer that involves you and your family in training.  Board and train programs can sound appealing but separate you from the training and bonding with your pet.

Where to look for recommendations?

Your veterinarian – Many veterinarians are aware of local trainers and behaviorist that they researched and approve of.  

 Do your own online research – Look at your prospective new trainer’s website, youtube, or google profiles.  See if they are demonstrating the techniques, tools, and methods that will have a positive impact on your pet’s training and well-being. 

What your TV may be Teaching You

In the past 10 years dog training shows on TV have gained popularity.  Although they may have an entertainment value some of these shows demonstrate harmful techniques that could put you, your family, your friends, and your pet at risk.  Remember training your pet and reinforcing your positive behavior can take time, work, and consistency.

 Kristi Medearis

Need additional resources?

Check out the following websites and their approved trainers.

American College of Veterinary Behaviorist

http://www.dacvb.org/

American Society of Veterinary Behavior

 http://avsabonline.org/