My philosophy on dog training is based on the idea of providing dogs the best and most full lives available in their domesticated situation with humans. Training is a means to create a communication between two species, which do not share a common language. Communication in the form of commands, body language, and demeanor are needed to develop through teaching and learning between the canine and canine owner. It is more effective and efficient to be able to guide the dog what to do in situations, rather than have them guess what you would like them not to do.
In order for dogs to have the most freedom and exercise, commands must be able to be performed reliably in distracting real life situations in which they are likely to accompany their owners. Therefore it is important to use and design methods that teach the dog and owner in increasingly difficult distraction and situations. For my dogs and my clients dogs; freedom, activity, fun, and mental work make their lives so much more enjoyable. Sure dogs enjoy food, and I do sometimes use food rewards, but nothing trumps an adventure. Being able to bring a dog to as many places as it is possible, enriches not only the dog's life but the dog owner's life as well. It forms a relationship that is a partnership and deep friendship. As a reward for all involved, nothing trumps that.
My philosophy has been developed through my interactions and observations of the International Association of Canine Professional members (professional association), Margot Woods (seminar presenter and training advocate), Martin Deeley (seminar presenter and previous executive director of the IACP), William Koehler (author and trainer who died many years ago. the proper use of the KMODT method using small steps practiced consistently to teach a dog gently and effectively—note you can ignore the last chapter of the book for way outdated methods) and recently Mike Ellis who stresses training under drive and motivation.
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3 comments:
I've always thought that 90 percent of dog training is to train the owner on how to properly interact with the dog in a way that the dog is secure in what is being asked of him/her and the owner is consistent in what they are asking for.
I've spent a lot of time over the years explaining to people that dogs don't get "gray" areas; there's a rule or there isn't a rule. To a dog, inconsistent application of the rules = no rule.
Have you found that to be the case with the folks you work with?
Consistency is a big must when training a dog. And yes, most humans have a hard time getting that.
I often tell them "imagine I have dropped you off on a planet where the beings do not look like us, communicate anything remotely like us, et. How are you going to survive? How will you learn if one thing is shown when they do multiple other things with no consistency?
And as for the 90%, when I am coaching owners to train their dogs, that is essentially true, as I am not training their dogs during an hourly weekly session. I am training them how to train their dogs.
Residency though, much of the up front work in training is up to the trainer, and then it's probably more of a 70/30 ratio.
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