At a certain point
in training, I introduce corrections into my training
sessions. At which point I do this depends on the dog,
but first of all I will address the question ‘why’ I do
this because the subject of punishment can cause some quite
strong feelings on both sides.
In my article on
the ‘use of aversives in dog training’ I explained
that I use the term ‘correction’ for an aversive which
enables you to diminish unwanted behaviour without distressing the
dog or being harsh.
Positive-only
training
If you have been
following my article on training the sit you will see that it is
possible to get quite a long way in training without correcting a dog
at all. In fact, there are trainers who teach very
advanced skills to animals without ever correcting them. This
is called positive-only training. Positive-only is not simply
reward based training, nor is it training that avoids rough
punishment, it is training that avoids coercing or correcting
the dog in any way at all.
So why would I want
to correct my dogs, if it is possible to train them without
doing so?
A disadvantage
of positive-only training
There are some dog
trainers who feel very strongly that a dog should never be coerced
into anything. They believe that all dogs should be trained
using a ‘positive-only’ system of training.
I am not one of them.
I think
positive-only training is a brilliant way to improve your training
skills, to establish new skills in a very controlled environment,
and to teach young and sensitive dogs. But it has a
disadvantage. It relies on ‘extinction’
to diminish unwanted behaviours.
What is extinction?
Behaviours that
persistently result in no consequence (no change in environment) for
the dog will eventually die out. You can find out why in
‘A game of consequences’. This process is called
extinction.
What is wrong with
relying on extinction?
There is nothing
intrinsically wrong with relying on extinction. But as training
advances, and as you move into more challenging environments it
becomes more difficult to control every consequence of your dog’s
behaviour. Achieving the abolition of unwanted
behaviours through ‘extinction’ becomes increasingly
complicated.
Therefore when
unwanted behaviours arise, I believe taking action to diminish
that behaviour is a good idea. For example, if I have
taught my dog to sit still at home, and a squirrel runs
past him the first time I ask him to sit in a field, I will
correct any attempt to follow the squirrel. Whilst it was
my fault that I put the dog in a difficult situation, the
logistics of breaking a squirrel chasing habit, are just too high a
price to pay for avoiding a correction.
At the other end of
the spectrum there are still some dog trainers that are convinced
dogs cannot be trained without punishment or intimidation, despite
the abundant evidence to the contrary.
The vast majority
of trainers nowadays fall somewhere in between these two extremes
Should most
people use corrections with their dogs?
That is a question
I cannot answer. Only you the dog’s owner, can decide whether
or not you want to correct your dog. Or if you would
rather train without any coercion at all. It is a very
personal decision. If you decide never to correct
your dog you may require more time to reach the same objectives as
someone that uses the occasional appropriate correction.
And that is your choice.
I do not personally
believe a well loved and happy dog comes to any harm whatsoever,
from the occasional rational rebuke.
If I do correct my
dog how should I go about it?
My definition of a
‘correction’ is a punishment that does not distress the dog
and would not be considered unduly harsh by most reasonable people.
All dog owners should be using the minimal correction possible
for their dog, not only because they have a duty of proper care
towards him, but because kindness fosters a mutually beneficial
relationship between a dog and his owner.
For many dogs that
have been primarily trained through positive-only methods, a
gruff verbal ‘growl’ will be sufficient to chastise
them. In many cases the only physical form of coercion
you will need will be to restrain the dog using a long line or
training lead. This simply prevents him from getting into
mischief and allows you to continue to train in the presence of
distractions. Sometimes physically reseating a dog
in a position he has left without permission may be appropriate.
There is no need
for displays of dominance, aggression, alpha rolls, electricity or
physical violence.
The timing of a
correction is just as crucial as the timing of a reward,
and you must make sure that any correction is applied immediately
your dog misbehaves.
When should I
introduce corrections?
Corrections are not
appropriate for small puppies, or for nervous,
aggressive, or very sensitive dogs. When you have a
well balanced dog that is confident and beginning to become more
independent, and when you are in situations where it is
difficult for you to control the consequences of his actions without
the use of corrections, then that is the time to consider their
use.
Why are there no
corrections in the Train your dog to sit series?
It is a relatively
simple matter to introduce corrections into an exercise that has been
designed for positive-only trainers. Where the ‘positive-only’
trainer would ignore a mistake, and back up to an easier task for the
dog, another trainer may chose to correct the dog with a verbal
rebuke and then re-attempt the exercise at the same level
again.
Using corrections
avoids a certain amount of backtracking and can speed up training,
which in some circumstances may well be to the overall benefit of the
dog.
It is a very
different matter to take corrections ‘out’ of a traditional
exercise which has been designed for trainers that use corrections as
a matter of course. A great deal more explanation
would be needed. I therefore designed the ‘Train
your dog to sit’ series so that it is effectively a
positive-only system, and other trainers can add in
corrections at a later stage if they wish.
Its up to you
Do remember that it
is up to you. If you do not want to correct your dog,
don’t let anyone persuade you to do so against your better
judgement. Take your time, break down each skill into its
smallest components and you will get there.
How about
you? Are you a positive-only trainer? Do you think
the use of corrections is ever appropriate in dog training?
