Training Methods Explained
Training methods:
1)Force method means forcing the dog into the sit position by pushing on the dog’s hips.
2)Natural method means motivating the dog to sit on its own
The first method assumes the dog eventually understands that sit is a position and often includes repeating “good sit” while the dog is sitting. The second method assumes the dog associates sit with a behavior and training words to a dog is operant conditioning.
In the operant sequence, there are four possible scenarios, two of which increase the likelihood that the behavior will occur again and two of which decrease the likelihood that the behavior will occur again. Positive reinforcement involves the presentation of a good consequence when the response is performed. For example, you say sit, the dog sits, and you give him a treat.
Negative reinforcement involves the removal of a bad consequence when the behavior is performed. For example, you say sit and the pinch from the training collar stops when the dog sits. Both positive and negative reinforcement will increase the likelihood of the response and will establish a conditioned response.
Positive punishment involves the removal of a good consequence when the response is performed. For example, you say sit, your dog lies down, you eat the treat you are about to give your dog. Or more likely, your dog likes to retrieve the ball, you say sit, the dog lies down, you stop throwing the ball.
Almost all trainers usually incorporate all four of these processes when teaching people and animals.
Results:
What do you expect from the training program? For example, on Saturday morning, in our group class, we had three dogs heeling off leash, without collars, side by side, surrounded by fourteen other dogs. The three dogs were a three year-old intact male Rottweiler, a ten month-old intact male Doberman and a ten month-old spayed female Labrador mix. If that is the result that you want, then you need to find a trainer that incorporates both positive and negative reinforcement in the training program. Often a trainer that uses only positive reinforcement will not talk about the results but instead make negative comments about negative reinforcement, making false claims that it undermines the dog’s confidence and trust in humans. If that were true, all the trained police dogs in the country should be running away at their first opportunity.