The K9 Coach's Corner: Training Tips for Fans of the K9 Coach
Clicks
and Treats: Are They Effective Training
Techniques?
Clicks and Treats can work in many situations however I don’t believe they work in all situations. It is my belief that clicks and treats alone do not create a timely reliable result for obedience, unless you have months to invest to achieve the results. You should also know that I don’t believe any method works 100% of the time in 100% of the dogs. Most methods work for most dogs, but not always.
Now I
will preface my comments, by saying I have not taken a formal training program
in “marker” based training. But I have studied
many books & videos and I used it with my dogs and foster dogs, including a
blind Catahoula. It seems to work better
for “trick” training rather than the reliability of something like a Sit/Stay
or Come under heavy distractions.
I’ve
inquired in forums with “marker” experts about challenges I have experienced
and each time they have told me I was either moving too fast in the training
process, the distractions were too high relative to the value of treat reward
or I was not consistent in my timing or my queue. If I as a professional trainer can’t quite
master this, how is the average pet owner to do so? Am I to just give up and try another day when
I take my dog to the local park and he refuses to sit on command because my
treat is not yummy enough? Who’s
training who? (Click here for more on my training experience with my Great Dane and my
Dachshund with treats.)
· Praise: a verbal excited “Good
Boy!” coupled with a physical touch.
This might be an affectionate coupled with a gentle stroke on the head/face
or down their back. You’ll figure out in
time what affection your dog values.
· Motivation: Verbal encouragement
while they are learning to complete the command, a pat on your leg to get them
moving, a guiding hand with the leash, etc
· Correction: Once commands are learned the dog is expected
to comply. If not, we would generally issue
a verbal “No” coupled with a leash-based correction. A firm and quick tug and release on the
leash. It’s an attention getter and a
reminder that they need to pay attention you. It should NOT be harmful, painful or issued in frustration. Over time, “No” becomes the only correction
you will need.
·
I find that beginning with a Martingale collar is often sufficient with
many dogs. Depending on their level of
stubbornness or in cases of aggression you may find that progression to a prong
collar or E-collar is necessary. These
tools can absolutely be used effectively without harm to your dog. These tools can also be used inappropriately,
as can any tool, and should be taught to the handler by a professional. Your goal with any tool is to eventually
eliminate the tool and work toward complete off-leash training.
· I have seen many owners towing and dragging or using a standard leash
and collar inaccurately, causing far more harm than the proper use of
well-fitting tools.
· Using the right tool for your dog needs coupled with the needs and
capabilities of the handler can make all the difference in effectiveness,
timeliness and success of your training program.
o I will never use a tool on a
dog not approved by the owner. But many
owners reach a point where they tell me “Training is not working – what am I
doing wrong” – and the most common answer is your dog is training you (Remember
what the forums told me about timing, value of the treat, understanding of the
dog, etc) and to get a better result you’re going to need to consider a new tool.
o But does it hurt my
dog? No, I have tried them all, including
on my own arms, and holding the e-collar in my hands. I also use different
tools on each of my dogs depending on their need, personality, and
response. Your dog’s neck structure is extremely
muscular and powerful.
o Won’t it break their
spirit? Any training can break the dog’s
spirit if you’re wielding around intimidation, frustration, and
inconsistency. No training requires that
– including leash-based corrections with a prong collar or e-collar. And to be clear – your dog may NOT need
it. Some dogs however, based on
attitude, learning styles, and overall behavior may very well benefit from a different
training collar vs a treat.
I will forever be a student of dog training methodologies and dog behavior to continue refining my skills and doing what’s best for the dog. If we cannot achieve the desired result without a tool, we will move to what works the most effectively for the desired goals.
I can assure you, that no one loves their dogs more than I do. I will give them best I can in all things, including a corrective consequence if they need it. Why? Well, a reliable recall or preventing them from bolting out of my car, or sitting when I stop moving may very well save their life. And that’s the most important to me.
By all means give your dog a treat
and lots of praise when they do something right. But when you need reliability and
consistency, you may need to look to adding an appropriate correction method.
Have questions or need help with more
advanced training or behavioral issues.
Call us today. We can help.
Good luck! And please share your success
stories or other solutions you may have found effective. If this doesn’t work
for your dog, we can get creative and try something else 
Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com
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The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.
My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.
My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.
Begin training with a consult with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.
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