Not many dog owners want to know the science behind animal learning; they just want their pet to "be good". But it is imporant for ME, as a trainer, to be conscious of it so that I can offer the most effective and humane training possible, rather than following traditional conventions or current fads blindly. Why humane? Well, besides the obvious, some confrontational methods will get you, your child or your neighbour bitten and your dog euthanized or in a shelter. (See the UofP study below on causes of aggression) There are plenty of new and old myths and buzzwords out there so it is worth understanding the science behind what dogs do and how they learn so that you can evaluate them critically. I am always happy to recommend reading and seminars for those who are interested in learning more about behavioural science. ~ Karin

Submission is not Willingness
Like any other animal, dogs do what works for them. Its a law of survival. If you wish your dog to learn to do what you like, you will need to understand what motivates him or her. By controlling the things your dog wants, you control the dog's behaviour. By developing a relationship where the dog gets the good things in life by cooperating with you, you create a willing partner. A willing partner will work harder for you and be less stressed than a dog forced into submission. There is no need for displays of "dominance" tactics such as the long disproven myths of eating first, going through doorways first or not allowing dogs on furniture. Dogs are never stubborn, spiteful or obstinate. That would imply they have some kind of secret agenda and they are just not capable of that. Instead they usually simply want to do something else. Or, of course, they may also be distracted or unsure what you are asking for. It is then our job to make what WE want them to do more rewarding and help them to succeed. Then, wash, rinse, repeat and proof the training until the dog has formed the new habits. Slowly but surely the rewards are no longer needed unless you are teaching something new. Nobody needs to reinforce good habits!

(For a wonderful perspective on "respect" and "dominance", two of the current controversial buzzwords, read trainer Eric Brad's article here. CANINE REALITY)

There is rarely need to use physical or verbal punishments, or any aversive methods designed to make the dog "submit to your will". These techniques certainly can appear to work but may have very detrimental side effects*. They ignore the dogs' needs and desires and dignity in an attempt to make them a compliant "soldier". They can damage communication between owner and dog. Compliance is always a matter of choice, and I want the dog ready and willing to work with me, even when the leash comes off! In fact, by far, the most common problems I am asked to resolve are dogs that are acting out due to overly punitive handling or attempted "dominance" techniques, or confused by mixed messages of "carrot and stick" training.

BUT, being positive is not the same as being permissive. I believe it does our dogs harm both in themselves, in our homes and in society to be undisciplined. It also does our relationships harm to let the dog control the house or our families. The laws on dogs are getting tougher too. Therefore, it is in the best interests of your dog and your family and neighbors for you to help your dog become civilized. The solution? Many problem behaviours can be prevented through careful socialization and early training. No puppy is too young to learn through positive consequences and withheld rewards. Problem behaviours once established may need to be modified or stopped either through management techniques (which can be temporary or long-term) or training. There are many ways to make a problem behaviour less rewarding for a dog so that they will choose a different behaviour (one you like!) in the same circumstances. Often you can change the circumstances that create the "bad" behaviour and it goes away on its own. For example, a dog with no access to the front door cannot jump up on visitors! Or, you can teach the dog that a different behaviour in the same circumstances pays off better for them. Remember: dogs do what works! There are no magic tricks or "secrets" of dog training, just science.

                                           
Finally, and importantly, I do believe in having fun when I am helping people to train their dog. We want to enjoy our dogs and spending time with them. I like to see dogs eager to work and have fun with us. I like to see families having fun and enjoying their dogs too! It benefits everyone.


*More on Punishment
Punishment works. Really. It can suppress behaviour -- sometimes -- if you are very good at applying it correctly. But, it can also do one or more of the following undesirable things:
- drive the problem underground (suppression) so that it is hidden but not resolved and waiting to resurface in unknown circumstances (taking the ticker out of the time bomb as Dr. Ian Dunbar says)
- cause resentment or confusion and make the dog anxious or dull and uninterested in learning
- make the dog associate the punishment with the wrong element in the situation (another dog, a child, the room or the person doing the punishing)
- cause the dog to defend itself against the aggressor
This will certainly result in frustration or worse for the trainer! I prefer that a dog willingly cooperates rather than submits out of fear or threat of discomfort or pain. Unlike an older child, the dog can never understand why something is being asked of them, so they view the world very simply. Either something is rewarding to do or it is not. I believe the opposite of reward is no reward. There are simple non-punitive ways to withhold a reward for the dog so that an unwanted behaviour goes away. This works for bad habits as well as aggression and fear issues. 

NEW!! A Recent Study on Aversive Training Methods

A recent study by the Veterinary School at the University of Pennsylvania examined how dog owners respond to aggressive behavior in their dogs. (The abstract for the study can be found here.) They also asked owners if the technique(s) they used resulted in an increase, decrease or no change in the dog’s behavior. Owners that used aversive or punishing techniques saw a higher rate of aggression and continuing “bad” behavior in their dogs. Owners who used non-aversive and non-punishing techniques (such as teaching an alternative behavior) saw a much lower rate of aggressive responses.

Here is a little of what they found:

The highest frequency of aggression occurred in response to aversive (or punishing) interventions, even when the intervention was indirect:

• Hitting or kicking the dog (41% of owners reported aggression)
• Growling at the dog (41%)
• Forcing the dog to release an item from its mouth (38%)
• “Alpha roll” (forcing the dog onto its back and holding it down) (31%)
• “Dominance down” (forcing the dog onto its side) (29%)
• Grabbing the jowls or scruff (26%)
• Staring the dog down (staring at the dog until it looks away) (30%)
• Spraying the dog with water pistol or spray bottle (20%)
• Yelling “no” (15%)
• Forced exposure (forcibly exposing the dog to a stimulus – such as tile floors, noise or people – that frightens the dog) (12%)

Non-aversive methods resulted in much lower frequency of aggressive responses:

• Training the dog to sit for everything it wants (only 2% of owners reported aggression)
• Rewarding the dog for eye contact (2%)
• Food exchange for an item in its mouth instead of forcing the item out (6%)
• Rewarding the dog for “watch me” (0%)

According to the author of the study, “confrontational training techniques can provoke fear in the dog and lead to defensively aggressive behavior toward the person administering the aversive action.”

No suprise, this trend also occurs in children treated with corporal punishment. Researchers at Tulane University released the results of a 1998 - 2005 retrospective study showing that even mild corporal punishment such as spanking results in more aggressive behaviour as the child matures. Here is the link to this pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/peds.2009-2678v1study.