Training Styles

By Laura Kramer

There are a number of training styles and even more philosophies on the subject. However, I am going to focus on the two major training styles that are used to teach and maintain a behavior: Traditional Training and Positive Reinforcement Training.

Traditional Training

Traditional training methods use physical corrections to teach a dog. This type of training often involves choke or pinch collars and works in the following manner: I tell Fido to sit. When he does not, I pull quickly on his collar and may even push his butt down, and then I tell him that he is a good boy. While this method apparently works, the dog has not learned what you think it has. A dog should sit when told to so because he understands that action to be associated with that word. However, if you teach sit using the traditional training method, the dog is sitting to avoid correction.

Many trainers and people feel that because dogs are historically pack animals they will learn best by an Alpha, or leader. Karen Pryor at the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies explains, “The traditional trainer ‘behaves’ like another animal in the herd or pack that’s higher up in the dominance hierarchy. Being ‘trained’ by such an individual is a matter of learning how to comply with indicators of pleasure and displeasure, and thus to avoid attack.”

This method does work, though there are some problems. First, this method will not work for more complex behaviors. While you can correct a dog very quickly if he does not sit, where would you begin correcting if you wanted your dog to retrieve something? Second, it may be hard for some people to know the difference between correction and abuse; I was just in a class where a man slapped his dog every time she did not obey. Not only is it foolish to punish an animal for not doing something that they do not know how to do, this can actually lead to something called learned helplessness.

Positive Reinforcement

Another, and from my experience a much better, training style is positive reinforcement. This is very popular right now; you may know it as Clicker Training. Positive reinforcement is a great alternative to traditional training methods. It’s great for a number of reasons. First, dogs actually learn what a word or action means. Second, complex behaviors are easy to teach. Third, and possibly most important, dogs think this training is fun.

A Short History

In the early 1900’s a scientist by the name of Edward Thorndike “discovered,” what he called, the law of effect. He found that when he placed hungry cats and dogs in, what he called, a puzzle box that once they got out and were rewarded with food they were able to get out quicker each successive time they were put in the same box. John B. Watson built on Thorndike’s theory and taught rats to navigate complex mazes with small food rewards. While previous scientists developed theories on animal behavior and learning, it was B.F. Skinner who popularized them.

B.F. Skinner formalized operant condition, of which comes positive reinforcement. Using a Skinner-Box – a small box, in which an animal is placed, that has a lever that dispenses food when pressed – he studied when animals pressed the bar to get food. Before placing animals in the box, Skinner would teach them, using a method called shaping, that pressing the lever will result in food being given to them. This is a major difference between Skinner and Thorndike, who would have placed the animals in the box and let them learn using trial and error. Skinner advanced the animals’ learning by adding a light and teaching them to press the bar when the light went on.

Positive Reinforcement

For those that have had an ‘Aha moment,’ when something suddenly makes sense, you know how exciting it can be to learn. Dogs are no different. They love learning for a number of reasons, one being that they love being able to communicate better with their owners.

I suggest getting a clicker. Training can be very confusing for your dog; you’re talking, you’re giving them signals, you are making them do things. A clicker emits a sharp click that is much different from a human voice. Because it is so different it helps dogs focus and ultimately learn that the action they were doing when the clicker sounded is what they are supposed to do. You can get them at any pet store for less than a dollar, and if nothing else you can use the clicker to signify a training session. I don’t use a clicker much anymore with my dog, but the moment I get it, she is focused and ready to train.

If you have never used a clicker before you will need to get your dog used to it. Get your dog’s favorite treats. You can use regular dog treats, but your dog will probably be more likely to work for something they do not normally get. String cheese is great; occasionally I will bake hot dogs. Just remember to give them treats in moderation, especially if they are greasy, and make sure they are pretty small. For example, if I use hot dogs, I cut them in ¼” slices, and then half or even quarter those pieces. Then while you are sitting watching TV and your dog is sitting quietly, click the clicker once and give them a treat immediately afterwards. Keep these sessions short, 5-10 minutes is sufficient, but do them until your dog begins to look for a treat when they hear the clicker.

Now that you understand basics of positive reinforcement you are ready to shape a behavior.

About the Author:

My two dogs, Monkey and Lucky, two cats, Opie and Cha Chi, and I live in Chicago, Illinois. During the day I am a study coordinator at the Center on Outcomes Research and Education.

When I am not working, I am either out and about with my two companions or teaching them a new trick. They love to learn!

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.