I know (but totally dont understand) that there are people out there who dont like the idea of positive training, they doubt the effectiveness of especially treat training.
I had heard that people use choke chains to teach dogs heelwork but I just couldnt figure out how you could really teach a dog using that method.
A quick you tube search showed me just how (and lots of other things people do to their dogs in the name of training)
If you are not convinced then have a look here.
First we have a guy training his dog with the choke chain - and when he stops he teaches the dog to sit by whacking it on the bum with the other end of the lead. Take a look at the poor dog during all this, panting, licking its lips and avoiding eye contact and when he hits her with the lead she cringes and flinches.
Not a great looking heel, not a happy looking dog - and an owner who is only looking out for the dog doing the wrong thing and punishing it for that - at no point does he praise the dog for doing the right thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnmLfXYZS38
Compare and contrast to these dogs
The position of being in heel is so rewarding to the dogs that they just love it, no matter where she walks the dogs are glued to her side, other commands are followed as fast as lightning
and for those of you who complain that treats make a dog that is too focused on the reward and has to be treated all the time - look at how much her dogs do for a tiny treat or a game of tug. They are working with her because working with her is fun and rewarding.
If I come back as a dog I hope it is to a trainer as good and kind as her
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtkTJ6ZvlH0
My father in law is a "smacker". It sickens me. I hate to see anything beaten, having had that myself :(
ReplyDeleteI only use positive training for my dog - and as you so rightly point out, reward doesn't always mean food!
Toys, praise, love and attention are just as much a reward.
The first dog looked visibly frightened of that man. She was downtrodden. She also knew what was coming when he hit her with the lead, she turned her back end out and away from him.
ReplyDeleteMy staffy walks to heel, off lead almost perfectly. I just say 'Tilly here' and she walks right next to my leg. I didn't have to train her, use a choke chain or smack her to do it. She just did it (I like to think because she enjoys being close to me lol).
IMO if you need a choke chain to walk a dog you're doing something wrong. I've had a few foster dogs, none of them knew how to walk on the lead. After 2 or 3 days I had them walking nicely. Not perfectly, but nicely :-)
That's unbelievable. And he's supposed to be representing the expert way of doing things?
ReplyDeleteScary!!