Dog Training: must corrections be utilized as a last resort?
I’d like to begin a discussion on whether corrections must be utilized as a last resort in pet dog training.
Let’s fail to remember about labels such as “all positive trainers” since those labels are extremely limiting as well as inaccurate. No fitness instructor is all positive, as well as ideally none of them insurance claim to be.
By “corrections” I’m referring to anything that may be utilized to stop a pet dog from doing something. It might be a sharp noise such as “hey!” of niet!” It might be snapping your fingers. It might be a tap on the carry or stepping ahead to block a dog’s space. It might be a light tug on the leash or a light noise or vibration from a shock collar.
I utilize all of these things.
When I’m training my own pet dog Ace, I like to utilize positive reinforcement as much as possible, treats as well as praise. This is all I utilize for technique training as well as it’s what I utilize mainly for obedience training.
But often a modification is what’s needed for the very best results, as well as utilizing a modification is not my last resort.
For example, when my pet dog tries to eat something gross off the ground on a walk, I firmly state “No!” or I tug on the leash or physically block him.
As one more example, my pet dog barked at a raccoon at 10:30 p.m. one night this week. We online in an apartment or condo complex, as well as I do not authorize of barking. I scolded Ace with “No!” He got the message.
So, while I like positive reinforcement it’s not always my very first choice. often it won’t work, as well as often it’s just not the safest option.
Running with rescue dogs
I utilized to run with rescue dogs in Fargo, N.D. I did this year round, which indicated it was commonly below 0 degrees with a great deal of snow, ice as well as wind. The dogs were housed on the edge of town on a road with heavy truck traffic, no sidewalks or shoulders.
In those conditions, I might not be fumbling around with treats. I had gloves on, as well as the wind was so loud I couldn’t hear anything else. Plus, I was using a number of layers, a hood, a facemask as well as sunglasses. communication as well as motion were limited.
The prong collar was always my very first choice. It was normally my only choice.
Those dogs would come bounding out with so much power as well as enthusiasm. They were dogs without foster homes, so they were normally the strongest as well as largest dogs with the worst manners.
The prong collar enabled me to be out as well as about safely with one pet dog at a time. With a prong collar on, the pet dog would be at my side, not pulling me. A gentle Leader or Halti just wouldn’t work since so lots of of the dogs would buck as well as struggle against it the whole time. This was as well risky with all the ice as well as traffic. I needed the dogs to be under manage in any way times.
In warmer months, I still favored the prong collar, although I often utilized a basic martingale collar with a few of the less powerful dogs.
I assumption I just feel like there is a disconnect when people put so much pressure on themselves to be “all positive.” Doing so does not make somebody a much better pet dog fitness instructor or a much better pet dog owner.
How about the rest of you?
What kinds of “corrections” do you provide your dog? Do you utilize these as a last resort?