POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT VS. FORCE
In the dog training world we hear about cross-over trainers. These are trainers that have moved from compulsion based training methods to positive based training methods. Compulsion based training uses fear and force to get the dog to comply. Some dogs tolerate these negative experiences while others develop major issues like fearfulness and aggression, etc. Positive based training methods use classical and operant conditioning and were brought into the dog training world via Karen Pryor - dolphin trainer. Karen knew that dolphins would not respond well to force - they may learn but they would be sluggish, sulky and unreliable performers. As well, they could become aggressive towards humans. Karen realized that if we trained dogs the same way we trained dolphins, the dog would behave like a dolphin - eager to learn, attentive, cooperative and successful!! So that is just what she did and amazing things have occurred. A whistle is used on the dolphins as a conditioned reinforcer and a clicker is used for dogs. This little piece of equipment (clicker) has changed the dog world forever. We now have less dogs being euthanized at shelters and staff are using her positive reinforcement methods to rehabilitate dogs matching them with the correct potential dog owner. Dog training is a lifelong process that requires constant reinforcement by the owner long after the dog has been trained..
Force or compulsion based training is the opposite. Where positive reinforcement uses the laws of learning (operant and classical conditioning), compulsion training uses physical force, intimidation and coersion. Karen Pryor's book is titled "DON'T SHOOT THE DOG" and is a must read for all dog owners, parents, and teachers.
LEADERSHIP
Most training issues stem from lack of leadership on the owners part. Please note that when I mention leadership it does not mean harsh punishment or force. Leadership involves the control of valuable resources and positive reinforcement training methods, rather than physical violence. This also means having the dog work for everything and anything he wants. Humans need to remember dogs are canines first. They also love to work (especially the working breeds). Most of the training goes wrong when owners try and make their dogs into human beings. This is very confusing to the dog and the dog senses a weak link within the pack. This is when some dogs feel the need to take control and also where things can go wrong. Obedience is a key ingredient for a successful and happy relationship between human and canine. A confident dog owner is a strong, relaxed leader and the dog will sense that. You gain confidence and much more through a class environment. Classes provide distraction work around other dogs and humans. Classes entail homework which provides an incentive to work your dog at home when not at class. This aids owners in being consistent which is mandatory in dog training. In other words, dog training is WORK and an obedient, happy dog does not happen overnight. It takes time and patience but the rewards are tenfold. All dogs attending my classes are put on a leadership program and if followed correctly, you will see amazing results. Remember that a strong leader is not out of control, violent, or loud - they are calm and relaxed.
As stated by Myrna Milani, DVM:
"... the mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. And, in fact, wild animals who rely on brute force to maintain their status typically get eliminated from the gene pool because this approach requires so much energy."
DOMINANCE by Nicole Wilde with permission
I recently attended a lecture given by a self-styled "dog psychologist" on how to improve your relationship with your dog. One of the main points made was that dogs don’t need a loving leader, but rather, a strong leader who uses "domination." Owners were advised to use the alpha roll (forcing the dog on his back and staring until he submits), to "show him who's boss." I was saddened to hear this regurgitation of the old, strong-arm techniques, in this enlightened day and age. The truth is, you can be both a strong and a loving leader.
Techniques like the alpha roll and scruff shake are purportedly based on the behavior of dogs’ ancestor, the wolf. Studies done in the wild years ago reported that wolves use the alpha roll to discipline and control other pack members. In later years, those studies were disproved. What ethologists found was that when a wolf wanted to dominate another, he would "muzzle pin," i.e. place his own muzzle, mouth wide open, teeth bared, gently over the muzzle of the other. The pinned wolf would then roll over and submit voluntarily. That’s an important distinction. In fact, if a wolf forcefully slams another to the ground, teeth around his neck, staring hard, chances are he means to kill that animal. Is that really the message you want to send to your dog?
If your dog has any aggression issues, using force will only make the problem worse. It may look for the moment like you’ve solved the issue, because the dog stops the aggressive display immediately. Of course he does; you’re physically stronger and are threatening him. That’s called self-preservation. In reality, you’re only suppressing the aggression, and causing stress that will assuredly resurface--and it won’t be pretty. It may reappear as other seemingly unrelated behavior problems, or even worse aggression. Besides, what happens if one family member uses force, but the others are not as physically or psychologically capable of doing so? I can tell you, because that’s the case with many families I’ve been called in to work with. When the domineering person (usually the husband) is gone, the dog challenges the one he sees he might have a chance of dominating, which is usually the wife.
Another fascinating fact from the world of wolves is that the "alpha" or top-ranking wolf does not need to prove a thing. Good alphas rule with a calm air of dignity. They are assertive when necessary, but are not bullies. At Wolf Park, a research and educational facility in Indiana, those alpha wolves who ruled with a heavy paw were quickly deposed by other pack members. Those who ruled wisely ruled longer. It’s actually the middle-ranking, wanna-be alphas who do all the squabbling. They have something to prove. You shouldn’t.
So remember: Be kind, be firm, be fair. Be a good leader. Your dog will love you for it.
(c) 2001 Nicole Wilde. All rights reserved.
POSTIVE REINFORCEMENT
VS. FORCE
