POPULAR DOG TRAINING METHODS 

With so many dog training methods out there, you will naturally find it daunting to identify and settle for the right one. You are in fact not alone. Indeed, many dog owners have in the past confronted similar issues. As a matter of fact, the professional dog training community has yet to strike a consensus as regards which of the available methods are ethical and universally acceptable. 

The fact that several methods overlap or serve more or less similar purposes further aggravates the situation. Listed and explained below are seven of the most trusted dog training methods which might be of benefit to you: 

#1 Positive Reinforcement - Force Free Dog Trainer

Positive reinforcement simply means, if a behavior is positively rewarded, that particular behavior, is likely to increase. Positive reinforcement is great to teach your dog commands. Once the behavior is achieved, you have a split second to reward your dog for that behavior. This is known as Classical Conditioning, or Pavlovian Conditioning. A scientist, Pavlov rang a bell, the dog salivated then knew a food reward was coming. This is the basis of R+ training. The bell became a conditioned response. Are you still with me? The biggest misconception of R+ Training, is that the dog is only responding to the food reward. This is where most trainers make the huge mistake of not fading the food lure out quickly. Positive R+ trainers use reinforcement schedules and only reward when the behavior is exceptional. Not all dogs are food driven, R+ trainers often use toys in place of food to achieve desired behaviors. This type of training creates a healthy bond between you and your dog, it is humane, fun and has long lasting effects on your dog. Find out what motivates your dog!

#2 The Science Based Dog Trainer

BF Skinner, often referred to as the “father” of Operant Conditioning. This is a science-based widely accepted method to train dogs. It also involved Positive Reinforcement and use of punishment. When we hear the word punishment, we automatically think of a harsh method. In scientific terms, punishment is to weaken the undesired behavior. Operant Conditioning uses behavior and consequences. “Don’t Shoot The Dog!” , also known as the “Bible” of R+ training, written by Kryen Pryor focuses on Positive Reinforcement to achieve desired behaviors in marine animals, birds, children and of course dogs. Karen Pryor is most well known for initiating Clicker Training, as she did with dolphins in the 70’s.

#3 Clicker Based Dog Trainer

Clicker training, just like the scientific training, also relies heavily on the operant conditioning. It employs much the same principles as the positive training. As a matter of fact, clicker training may be bundled in the same category as positive reinforcement rather than a distinct form of training on its own. It employs devices to make quick and sharp noise and alerts. These include whistles or a clicker to alert your dog when a desired behavior or course of action has been attained. 

Perhaps the most outstanding significance of this training method is that it heralds the precise moments when the desired outcomes are attained. It also precisely identifies the exact behavior or activity that is being rewarded. This way, the dog gets to associate a given behavior with a click and the corresponding reward. The verbal command may also be introduced in order to form a new association. 

On the whole, this method is mainly suited for inculcating new tricks to your dog. By this, it may be used to shape or influence the basics into more complex tasks. The method is mainly used by professional trainers. Inasmuch as it is great for the learning of new behaviors, it is not so effective in curbing undesirable behaviors. However, when it is utilized alongside other training methods, it can lead to well-trained and well-behaved dogs. 

#4 Model-Rival or Mirror Training 

In its design and model, a model-rival form of training acknowledges the fact that dogs make use of observation to learn new concepts. The method works mainly by furnishing a model of good behavior or suitable rivals to compete for resources. This lets the dogs learn to mimic the desired behaviors. 

A trainer may, for instance, use another human to act as the model. This way, the human may commend them for accomplishing the tasks commanded successfully or scolding them for falling short of the desired expectations. 

This arrangement lets the dog act as an observer in order to learn what to do correctly. This method can also act both as a rival or reward. It may let the dog compete for a toy and encourage the dog to pick up on a task and carry it out within the shortest time possible. 

Mirror training, on the other hand, relies on the same principle as the model-rival method. It, however, uses the owner of the dog as the model and thereafter offers rewards for imitating good behaviors. In on the whole uses the natural instincts of the dogs to operate socially rather than working against them. 

It, on the whole, has the same level of success as the positive reinforcement and the operant conditioning respectively. It also doubles up as being more natural and preferred. It is the technique of choice if your dog has a stronger bond with you. It also works well if you have more time at your disposal. 

#5: Relationship-based Dog Trainer

On the whole, this method incorporates several training options but lays emphasis on the dog and the owner. It lays great emphasis on the dog and the human owner. It endeavors to meet the needs of the dog and the owner, strengthen their bonds, and foster their communications. This way, it becomes more beneficial to both parties. 

For this method to work, the dog owner has to know how to read the body language of the dog. He also has to master how to meet the needs and expectations of his dog before commencing the training session. The owner has to, later on, use positive reinforcement to promote good behaviors. You have to control the environment of the dog to limit the possibilities of unwanted behaviors. 

You will have to use new information to build on past successes. For instance, you may have to instruct your dog to sit in a quiet room before attempting the command in park kids, squirrels, and other forms of distractions. You thereafter have to increase the difficulty levels progressively. 

In case the dog does not perform the desired behaviors, you have to find out why rather than punishing it all together. You may seek to ask and answer the following questions, ‘is the dog distracted?’, ‘is it hurt?’, ‘is it unable to hear?’, ‘could it be that it is just not willing to perform the exercise?’ 

This method of training leads to deep and meaningful bonds. It, however, requires a great deal of time and patience. It is not so different from other forms of training also. It is on the contrary more inclusive of several aspects of the other training methods. 

#6: Alpha Dog or Dominance Dog Trainer

This means of training takes advantage of the instinctual pack mentality of your dog to bring about dominance and submission. The logic behind it is that dogs deem their families as their packs and also adhere to a set hierarchy much the same way as a pack of wolves. In case you place the dog at the alpha position, you need to emphasize their submission. 

To do this, understand the body language of your dog, respond appropriately to their reactions, and instill some confidence and authority. You should also see to it that you go first when eating, walking on a leash, or leaving rooms. Ensure that your dog sits before being allowed to go out. In case they plan to eat, they have to wait patiently as you prepare the food. 

As a core principle of this training, your dog ought not to be on the furniture with you. The same case should apply to your bed. You should also see to it that you do not stoop to the eye level of your dog. In case you do so, your dog might get the impression that the two of you are equal. 

This method of training has been given a boost by Caesar Milan. He at times combines this method of training with other similar ones. This training method has received criticism from various quarters. Many experts have argued that it is not as effective as claimed since dogs do not wholly rely on the pack mentality as once thought. The pack dynamics of the wolves in captivity are also not as well-structured as those in the wild. 

In as much as the training method is pretty effective in watering down unwanted behavior, it is largely obsolete by modern standards. This is mainly because it does not get to the root-cause of the bad behavior and in most cases leave dogs fearful and more anxious. Moreover, the dominance struggles of the dogs often have to be reinforced due to their constant nature. This may be daunting or difficult both for the children and the elderly.