change your dog behavior in easy days
A growing collection of recent studies is proving that positive
reinforcement training of dogs is much more effective and ultimately successful
than training involving and punishment
Some of the studies even demonstrated that training involving punishment
actually created additional problem behaviours – certainly an outcome no dog
guardian deliberately sets out to achieve.
Behavior Training That Hurts Rather Than Helps
A study titled “The importance of consistency in the training of dogs”was conducted at the
University of Southampton in the UK and the University of Life Sciences in
Norway. It was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour:
Clinical Applications and Research in May 2007.
The purpose of the study was to determine whether punishment was a risk
factor for problem behaviors, and the combined effect on obedience and specific
problem behaviors of reward, punishment, attitudes and rule structure. Rule
structure is defined as permissiveness vs. strictness, and consistency in
applying rules.
The study showed that punishment correlates negatively with obedience
and positively with training problems. Rule structure, including consistency of
the owners, was associated with higher levels of obedience and less training
problems.
In another study conducted at the University of Bristol in the UK and published
in the September-October 2008 Journal of Veterinary Behavior:
Clinical Applications and Research, results suggest
dogs trained only with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer problem
behaviors. And dogs whose owners used punishment in training were much more
likely to show a fear response to other dogs.
Additional Positive Reinforcement Training Studies
·
A study titled “Behavior of smaller and
larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behavior and
level of engagement in activities with the dog” and published
in March 2010 showed that increased anxiety and fear was related to a more
frequent use of punishment in smaller dogs.
The researchers
concluded smaller dog owners can significantly improve obedience in their pets
by being more consistent in interactions and engaging regularly in play and
training activities with them. Behavioral problems could be reduced by avoiding
habits of punishment that might reinforce fear or fear-related aggression.
·
In a “Survey of the use and outcome of
confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs
showing undesired behaviors” conducted at
the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and published in
early 2009, confrontational methods applied by dog owners before their pets
were presented for a behavior consultation were associated with aggressive
responses.
The researchers
concluded it is important that owners understand the risks associated with such
training methods as “hit or kick dog for undesirable behavior” … “growl at dog”
… “physically force the release of an item from a dog's mouth” … “alpha roll” …
“stare at or stare [dog] down” … “dominance down” … “grab dog by jowls and
shake.” These confrontational methods elicited an aggressive response from at
least a quarter of the dogs on which they were attempted.
·
In a paper published in 2004 by researchers at the University of Bristol
in the UK, it was determined
that in the general dog-owning population, dogs trained using punishment are no
more obedient than those trained by other means, and, furthermore, they exhibit
increased numbers of potentially problematic behaviors.
Because reward-based
methods are associated with higher levels of obedience and fewer problematic
behaviors, their use is a more effective and welfare-compatible alternative to
punishment for the average dog owner.
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in 5 Simple Steps
The goal is to use very small-sized treats (pea sized is good, and you
can even use frozen peas if your dog seems to like them) and verbal praise and
affection to encourage desired behaviors in your dog.
·
Come up with short, preferably one-word commands for the behaviors you
want to teach your pet. Examples are Come, Sit, Stay, Down, Heel, Off, etc.
Make sure all members of your family consistently use exactly the same command
for each behavior.
·
As soon as your dog performs the desired behavior, reward him
immediately with a treat and verbal praise. Do this every time he responds
appropriately to a command. You want him to connect the behavior he performed
with the treat. This of course means you’ll need to have treats on you whenever
you give your dog commands in the beginning.
·
Keep training sessions short and fun. You want your dog to associate
good things with obeying your commands. You also want to use training time as
an opportunity to deepen your bond with your pet.
·
Gradually back off the treats and use them only intermittently once your
dog has learned a new behavior. Eventually they’ll no longer be necessary, but
you should always reward your dog with verbal praise whenever he obeys a
command.
·
Continue to use positive reinforcement to maintain the behaviors you
desire. Reward-based training helps create a range of desirable behaviors in
your pet, which builds mutual feelings of trust and confidence.
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