Tag Archives: positive reinforcement training

Don’t Be Fooled By Dog Torture Devices in Disguise

As pet store professionals, we get all kinds of publications advertising all kinds of pet products. Lately we’ve seen a disturbing trend in so-called “training” supplies that are thinly-disguised dog torture devices.

Pain isn’t training

The last thing dog owners want is to hurt their dogs. But some of these so-called “training” devices are all-dolled up to fool you into thinking they’re not designed to hurt your dog.

Plastic or metal, a prong collar is a dog torture device

The picture shows a perfect example. This is a modern-day version of the old metal prong collar. It’s made of plastic, and they put colorful nylon around the outside so, at first glance, you may not be able to tell it’s designed to cause pain. It’s a martingale design, so it tightens when pulled. Which sticks the plastic points into the dog’s neck. 

In whose opinion is that a good idea? The advertising text really set our teeth grinding: “37% of dog owners were more open to purchasing *this* collar than a traditional metal prong collar.” We can’t believe that more than a third of the population would be so naive.

Think about it

The ad also says this collar has a “modern and approachable appearance.” Appearance isn’t reality. This is a dog torture device, pure and simple.

It’s not that we’re unfamiliar with prong collars or their use. Years ago when we started serious obedience training with our dogs, we used both metal choke and prong collars. We know exactly how to use them “correctly” and effectively. And for those who still advocate their use, we can only say when you know better, you do better. 

We’ve changed our approach to dog training. Every training session is fun for everyone – both dogs and people. And our dogs are happier, more successful, less stressed, and better at our chosen dog sports.

There’s a better way

Lots of people got pets over the last year to keep them company during lockdown. It may have been difficult to find quality dog-training help. It can be very tempting to use products that can “instantly” solve whatever issue your dog is having.

But the easy way isn’t necessarily right. We’ve seen ads for things that hiss air, or blast sound audible only to dogs, or use an electronic collar with a remote. Don’t even get us started on those.

If it comes with a disclaimer – don’t use it. It’s a dog torture device. If it has text that says “will not cause permanent harm” that means it causes temporary harm. That means pain. 

Rant over

Many people look for the easy way. It’s understandable. But you don’t ever want to deliberately cause your dog discomfort. Some of these things are wrapped up in language that makes them sound okay. If you need help translating it – get in touch. We’re happy to help.

Is “Obey” a four-letter word?

Sometime in the last few decades, “obey” became a four-letter word. More than just numerically. It used to be a good thing when you had an obedient dog. Obedience training was expected for all dogs. There was no stigma attached – it was just what you did when you got a dog. You signed up for the local dog class – at the park district, 4-H Club, dog club. Wherever the local dog trainer held classes.

Banishing words like obey

Maybe obedience lost its luster around the same time that there was a push to change wedding vows from “love, honor, and obey” to “love, honor, and cherish.” Truthfully – it’s a better deal for women. Dogs? Yes and no.

If people truly do cherish their dogs, they give their pets the skills they need to cope with the world. Which means obedience training. It equips our dogs to behave appropriately, at home and outside. They learn what to expect and what’s expected of them. “Training” is another word that’s lost its luster. Nowadays it means something other than fun. Like exercise. 

Obey was part of the problem

Fortunately, just as the language has changed, so has obedience training over the years. The most forward-thinking trainers have discarded old force-training methods. The days of “yank and crank,” tugging on collars, or “popping” the collar to “correct” the dog are becoming a thing of the past. 

It may be that today’s dog owners, left with memories of the old ways of doing things, are at a loss. They don’t want their dogs tortured by training, but haven’t found good alternatives. They want their dogs to obey, but don’t know where to find help. It does take some research and knowing what to look for.

Trainers who advertise “fast” results are, undoubtedly, force trainers. We know many “board and train” outfits use shock collars to get their rapid results. It works – as long as the dog is wearing the collar, the batteries are charged, you have the remote, and you don’t mind torturing your dog. Terrifying a dog into behaving isn’t training.

Training isn’t torture

For us, training is play time with our dogs. It may be only a couple of minutes at a time – but it’s precious time that we spend with our dogs doing fun stuff. Sometimes we work on fitness stuff. Other times it’s skills we use in obedience, rally, or agility competition. Some days we just play with toys, or learn new tricks like putting their toys away or “tapping,” which is Torque’s absolute favorite!

Torque loves to “tap” and tries to convince Hope to do it every session!

We’re addicted to training because it’s fun. We get to play with our dogs and we all have a good time. Our dogs get excited when they get to class – they know they’re going to have fun. At home, when they see us reach for a clicker or treats, they dash for our little training area. It takes time to teach a dog – just like it takes time to teach a child. You didn’t learn to read overnight. But you did learn. Step by step. At your pace. 

There are some dogs that are “rocket scientists” at some stuff. Torque is a whiz at “sit, stand, down.” But not for anything will he “drop it!” when toys are involved. It’s an ongoing process, because that behavior is difficult for him. So we teach it in little chunks he can cope with – using less-valuable toys, trading them for more-valuable ones, or high-value treats. And when we get frustrated, we leave it be, for now. Tomorrow’s another day.

Failure to connect

There are people we haven’t been able to convince, and it makes us sad. Hope teaches the Novice Obedience Competition class for our dog club. She had an older woman in class with a lovely, 9-month-old Standard Poodle puppy. Lilly is a smart, biddable, trainable dog. But the student wasn’t willing to change the methods that she learned years ago. Hope couldn’t convince her to stop using physical corrections. So the woman found a trainer who uses corrections, and shock collars. It made us sad.

We’ve also had some wonderful victories. A current student was used to force-training. His current puppy, now 10 months old, is the softest dog he’s ever had. This dog would cringe in class, almost as if he expected to be hit. Fortunately, his owner figured out he had to change his training and his demeanor. His puppy trots along happily in class now. It’s a joy to behold.

Be comfortable where you go

When you’re looking for a trainer, class, or method of training, try to visit before you commit. You are your dog’s advocate and protector. If you don’t like what you see, walk away. If a trainer or class won’t let you observe – find another. There are lots of options – take the time to find one that suits you and your dog. 

One of the best ways to cherish our dogs is to teach them to be polite. To become Canine Good Citizens. That way, they’ll be welcome wherever they go. And your lives together will be happy ones.

Sit happens! Dog training in an instant

Have you ever watched a dog show? Remember seeing all those dogs standing in the ring to be judged? When sit happens, it’s not a good thing.

Last week Hope did a bad thing. She taught a show dog to sit in about a minute. Fortunately, the dog’s mom, a friend of ours, laughed about it.

It was sort of an accident

Hope went to see a litter of puppies last week. The breeder has gorgeous dogs, does all the health testing, lives with her dogs in the house – all the things you want from a responsible breeder. Hope really, really thought she was ready to come home with a new puppy. Despite how one little boy tugged at her, it turns out now’s not the right time.

It was disappointing for both Hope and her breeder-friend Sue. But they still enjoyed spending time together and playing with Sue’s dogs.

Starting clicking

When Hope and Sue were talking about their visit, Sue mentioned that she wanted to start training and asked Hope to show her some tips to get her started. There’s a club near where she lives that offers Rally classes. Rally is probably the most fun / least stressful of the performance sports. Rally is the one that lets you talk to your dog, has instructions posted along the way, and speed only matters if there’s a tied score.

French Bulldog sitting with tongue out
Sharky

So Hope brought Sue a clicker. A clicker isn’t absolutely necessary for training, but it does make it more consistent and easier, once you have the timing. Hope started clicker training Sue’s three dogs – Sharky (darling little boy), Pinch (adorable adult girl), and Alecia (Sue’s gorgeous little show girl).

Teacher’s pet

All three are food-motivated, which always makes training easier. Pinch is a retired show girl and Sue’s pet. She’s not used to having to “do” something to get a treat – she’s a princess and is treated like one. Sharky is a teen-aged boy. His brain is sometimes present. Sometimes not so much.

Alecia is a training superstar! She figured out the “click” in no time.

Click = treat. Got it!

Sit = click. Got it!

And just that fast, sit happens! Alecia learned to sit for just the possibility of a treat.

In a non-showing household, that would have been a wonderful thing. In a show home? It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not great. Show dogs are supposed to stand to be examined by a judge. They’re supposed to show off their physiques. And they can be standing for a while, depending on the number of dogs they’re competing against.

Sorry about that, chief!

Fortunately, Sue was really proud that her girl learned so fast. And understood that “stand” can be a learned (and rewarded!) behavior just like sit. She forgave Hope. Whew!

Kinder, gentler dog training

We joined a dogh training cluhb more than 20 years ago. This week it hit us how much has changed in two decades. Thank goodness! Kinder, gentler dog training is lots more fun than it used to be!

Hope teaches the Novice Class for the club, the first competition level. Lots about competition obedience is precise and picky – but most of it, like all dog training, is having fun with your dog while you do the “stuff” that qualifies you for the American Kennel Club’s “Companion Dog” title.

Starting a new puppy

A friend and fellow club member is just starting in obedience with his year-old Cocker Spaniel girl. Rich has been a club member and instructor longer than we have, but it’s been quite a while since he’s taken a puppy through our classes. Suffice it to say, he got side-tracked by retirement, grandkids, and the allure of agility. He shelved the obedience stuff.

Rich was also one of Hope’s first instructors back in the day. He learned and taught with negative reinforcement, also known as corrections. It’s what he knows and a habit he’s been successful with for many, many years.

cocker spaniel puppy

His new puppy’s personality is different than his previous Cocker Spaniels. All of Rich’s dogs have been easy-going, love-everybody dogs. One dog’s initial shyness was quickly overcome and his dogs have always been people and dog friendly.

Every dog is different

Bella, the new girl, has a different mind set. She’s wary in new situations and can light up if she takes exception to what’s going on. She met Fran’s puppy Simon this week and, to put it politely, she wasn’t impressed. She was still a bit riled up when Hope walked in and she grabbed Hope’s pant leg as she walked by. No damage done. No one hurt in any way.

None of this is to say that Bella’s unreliable, or naughty, or a “bad” dog. She’s not. She’s just a bit more cautious than Rich’s other dogs have been.

Which means that Rich is going to have to adapt his training to reflect this dog’s personality, learning style, and tendencies. We hope he’ll have fun with it – but it won’t be easy breaking old habits.

Learning new habits

We have a family joke that habit is the most powerful force in the universe. We’ve all heard the statistics about how long it takes to form a new habit – and how difficult it is to break an old one. We’re going to do everything we can to help our friend form some good, new habits.

In the “olden” days, our trainers told us we should never let a dog make a decision because they’d always make the wrong one. We controlled pretty much every aspect of our dogs’ lives; made every decision, made every choice for them.

Making good decisions

Now? A complete turn-around. Training is all about teaching our dogs to make good decisions! It’s so much more fun! Rather than having our dogs just obey us, we come together as a team to do “stuff” we both enjoy.

If Rich retains that old way of thinking, rather than the kinder, gentler current dog training mode, it’s possible that Bella will have a hard time in new situations – especially if Rich’s attention wanders and leaves her to make her own decisions.

Our dogs aren’t afraid doing the “wrong” thing, because there is no “wrong.” (Except going potty in the house. That’s always wrong.)

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement know that when they do something we want, they’ll get a treat and a celebration. If they do something else, there’s no reward.

Reward or ignore – gentler dog training

It’s as simple as that. Reward the behavior you want. Ignore what you don’t.

Sounds simple, but so very complicated. Fortunately, Rich will have our help every step of the way on the new adventure. We hope he has an easy adjustment. Because it’s so much more fun to be a kinder, gentler dog trainer.