The three most common types of obedience training are 1) Treat Training, 2) Balanced Training and 3) Electronic Collar Training. Stay away from any methods that utilize elements of domination, punishment or intimidation as a way to shape consistent behavior in a dog.
Treat Training uses food to encourage or lure a dog into learning commands or desired behavior, then later as a reward for performing them. Clicker training and “all positive” methods also use food as a reward. Successful treat training always involves a transition from giving food rewards initially and replacing it over time with praise and affection.
Pros| Food can be the most powerful reward there is for some dogs. If the dog is highly food motivated, treat training is a quick and easy way to teach a desired response. Treat training can be useful for handlers with physical limitations. If you’re looking for “all positive” reinforcement or training without the use of corrections this method is for you.
Cons| This method may not be as effective for behavior modification or addressing poor manners because it lacks a direct means to correct the dog or provide feedback that marks undesirable behavior. This type of training can also create dogs that are only obedient when they know a treat is available if food rewards are not properly managed. Consider the potential inconvenience of always having to carry food and/or clicker, and the possibility your dog may constantly beg for treats.
Common Applications| Agility & other dog sports, Trick Training, Basic & Advanced Obedience
Balanced Training also known as “leash and collar” training utilizes praise and affection as a reward for desirable behavior and corrections to discourage unwanted behavior. Motivation is used to teach commands and encourage good manners. Successful balanced training results in a transition away from the need for corrections and towards ongoing praise as the dog learns.
Pros| The advantage of this type of training is the dog learns to perform for the handler’s praise and affection rather than for food or other stimuli. It is generally effective for behavior modification because the dog learns, through a balance of both praise and corrections, what is desirable versus undesirable behavior. This type of canine education confirms a bond based on mutual trust, respect and affection for both dogs and their families. We believe this is the most effective all-around training method.
Cons| Leash and collar training requires more physical interaction with the dog. Some individuals may not be capable of giving effective leash corrections. Training and experience for the handler is necessary to learn the methods that teach commands as well as proper timing and technique for giving praise and corrections to achieve reliable obedience and good manners.
Common Applications| Basic & Advanced Obedience, Off-leash Obedience, Behavior Modification, Trick Training, various dog sports
Electronic Collar Training or “e-collar training” allows the handler to stimulate or correct the dog using a remote control device. Two approaches are used with e-collars, the addition or removal of electrical stimulation as a correction or to mark a desired response. In order to be successful, care must be taken to establish the lowest effective level of stimulation for each individual dog.
Pros| This type of training provides the means for remote communication with your dog and allows individuals with physical limitations to give effective corrections without the use of a leash. It can also be combined with leash and collar training. For some dogs obedience training can be accelerated because they respond quickly to the low level stimulation. Similar to the balanced training method it can be very effective for behavior modification.
Cons| It is generally not recommended for treating aggression because the stimulation, if not used properly, can heighten aggressive behavior. E-collar equipment can be expensive and there is a broad range in the quality and capabilities of the gear. Keeping batteries charged in both the collar and remote control is a pre-requisite. Some dogs can become collar smart and for that reason the collar always needs to be on the dog for them to respond reliably. Professional training for the handler is recommended.
Common Applications| Hunting, Basic & Advanced Obedience, Off-leash Obedience, Behavior Modification
There is a right and wrong way to go about any type of training, consult with a professional to get the most out of the method that interests you.
Pauline Houliaras, CPT, is a resident of Canton, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Co-Owner of Doghouse Girls, a local dog walking, training an pet sitting service. www.doghousegirls.com
Co-Author, Kirk Halma, CPT, www.K-9motivation.com
