Learning Theory

In order to train our dogs, we must first understand how they learn and what motivates them to work for us.

It used to be the case that in training a dog we had to establish our dominance by use of physical force. This is commonly referred to as establishing the role of the 'Alpha.' Obedience was achieved through physical means. Dogs were forced into various positions using the leash and collar. We have come to understand more about what motivates animals in general and dogs in particular. If we take as our model that the dog will do obedience if he gets something out of it, we can construct a continuum along the following lines:

On the left side of the continuum is classical force training. In this type of training, the dog is called on to execute commands in order to remove the force. The dog escapes the force by doing the command. The dog gets something out of this kind of training: relief from the pain caused by the trainer. An example is teaching the dog to sit by pulling tight on the choke collar in the upward direction, and when the dog sits the choking is relieved.

On the right side of the continuum, we have reward-based training. The dog is lured into position using food or a toy and is rewarded when he executes the command by obtaining the lure. The only negative consequences are to withhold the reward if the dog does not perform the command.

Rarely do we find much good in extremes. Forcing a dog to do something without first taking the time to teach him in a non-threatening environment is cruel and unproductive. At the same time, we can observe the parent/child relationship of any animal and see that negative reinforcement is a natural way for an instinctive being to learn. That being said, only when a dog understands what a command requires should compulsion ever be used. Our method teaches a verbal reprimand to communicate disapproval.