Positive reinforcement training means that you focus on the correct things the dog does and reward (or reinforce) those things. Positive reinforcement trainers don't use physical corrections like leash pops or jerks to get the behaviors.
Have you ever tried to learn something when you had an impatient or unkind teacher? It is very challenging to learn when the learner doesn't feel comfortable in the learning environment. When painful and confusing corrections or force is used, most dogs have a difficult time learning. They tend to shut down and just wish it would end. With positive reinforcement training, the animals well being and comfort level always count. We want the animal to enjoy the training process so that we get optimum results.
helps to strengthen the bond and relationship you share with your dog. Punishment based training breaks down that bond.
Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training. When done properly, the clicker is used to "mark" specific behaviors that the animal does so that the dog understands exactly what he is being rewarded for. Each click is followed by a food reward which serves as reinforcement so that the behavior will be repeated by the animal. The clicker allows the trainer to deliver non-emotional information to the dog so that the dog can have success much faster.
Absolutely! Many species of animals are being trained exclusively with positive methods. It is entirely possible and not at all difficult to train with positive methods only. Many people mistakenly believe that physical punishment must be a part of the training package and this is simply not true. When the dog is off leash and not attached to the trainer with equipment we want them to want to do what you ask. Positive reinforcement training produces dogs who WANT to work with you, not ones who do it because of the consequences if they won't. With show dogs the dog MUST enjoy what he is doing because if he doesn't enjoy showing he won't be a top competitor. Good show dogs love showing. If a particular dog doesn't naturally love it, he has to be taught to love it and you can't teach a dog to love something by forcing him or punishing him into doing it. For this reason it only makes sense to train show dogs using positive reinforcement methods only.
Fear is a very powerful and delicate emotion in both humans and dogs and must be dealt with carefully and appropriately. When a dog is frightened, something is happening TO him, it isn't something he is doing on purpose. If the dog wasn't fearful or uncomfortable he wouldn't act as if he was. Many people mistake discomfort or fear of the ring or judge as stubbornness or willfulness, and feel the dogs should be forced to "deal with it" or "get over it". We wouldn't handle fear in our friends and family members with such a lack of compassion and understanding, so why would we do that with our dogs?
counterconditioning and need to be taught to actually enjoy and feel comfortable with showing, not just tolerate it.
with it, what do I do? This comes up a lot and it is never an easy situation to be in. Owners feel obligated to make their breeders happy but also realize the need to protect their dogs comfort level and well being. What I recommend is sticking to your guns and protecting your dog. You are your dogs advocate and you are responsible for keeping him safe and preserving your relationship with him. If he says he isn't ready to be show, believe him, he is being honest and always will be. Explain to your breeder that your dog is afraid and you want to ensure that he enjoys the showing experience. Good breeders will stand by and respect your wishes.
You might start by checking our resources page and joining our yahoogroup list "clickershowdogs". The book Positive Training for Show Dogs - Building a Relationship for Success (also on our resources page) will help you learn the basics and our equipment page will help you figure out what you'll need. |
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