Exploring Your Options in Dog Training

I came across a meme today that really resonated with me: “Don’t judge people for the choices they make when you don’t know the options they had to choose from.” This simple yet profound statement got me thinking deeply about dog training, particularly the belief held by some that positive reinforcement is the only acceptable method.

Positive reinforcement, where dogs are rewarded for good behaviour with treats, praise, or play, is widely praised and can be incredibly effective. It’s often the go-to method for many trainers and dog owners. However, I am not one of those trainers – it’s important to remember that training dogs is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each dog is unique, with its own temperament, motivations, and challenges. This means that while positive reinforcement creates many behaviours, it can’t be effective to create others, create reliability or stop unwanted, inappropriate or dangerous behaviours.

The Emotional Toll of Rigid Beliefs

Imagine being a dog owner struggling to live with their dog. You used positive reinforcement to train many behaviours and it works wonders for some, but it was not as effective for others. You might feel frustrated, discouraged, and even guilty. The pervasive message that any form of training causing negative feelings in a dog is cruel can lead to feelings of failure and emotional gaslighting. This is where the issue lies—when people are made to believe that exploring other methods is inherently wrong, they feel trapped and judged.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that every dog and every situation is different. While positive reinforcement is a valuable tool, it’s not the only tool available. Just as with people, different dogs respond to different methods. Sticking rigidly to one approach, especially if it’s not yielding results, can be limiting and disheartening.

Embracing a Balanced Approach

At Perth Canine Craft, we believe in a balanced approach to dog training. This means combining positive reinforcement with other disciplined methods tailored to each dog and dog owner’s unique needs, circumstances and relationship.

For instance, we might use remote collars, prong collars, or transitional leashes (and much more) in conjunction with all aspects of classical – and operant conditioning. These tools, when used consistently and effectively turns out to be humane and can help address specific behavioural issues that might not respond to positive reinforcement only. It’s not about causing harm or fear; it’s about clear communication, guidance and giving the dog clarity on how they can take control of their own choices and have predictability in consequences too.

Exploring All Options

It’s okay to explore and try different methods. Your journey to a well-trained, happy dog is unique, and it’s important to find the path that works best for you. Here are some points to consider:

• Understand Your Dog’s Needs: Every dog is different. Some may respond well to treats, while others might need a different form of motivation. Understanding your dog’s specific needs and temperament is key.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about various training methods. Knowledge is power, and understanding the options available can help you make informed decisions.
• Stay Open-Minded: Don’t be afraid to try different methods. What works for one dog might not work for another, and that’s okay. The goal is to find what works best for you and your dog.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Look for a professional trainer that are good at what they do, and if that doesn’t work after 12 months, then go to a trainer that does something different. Thus, if you work with a trainer that does positive reinforcement and management only, and it works – then that is great! If it doesn’t, then move on.

Your Journey, Your Choice

Training your dog is a journey, and it’s important to remember that there is no single “right” way to do it. At Perth Canine Craft, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our balanced approach, combining positive reinforcement with other effective methods, ensures that you have the tools and guidance you need to succeed. But we are not afraid to recommend other professionals in our network that can ensure you get the help you need, even if it is not us helping you and your dog.

Don’t let rigid beliefs limit your options. Embrace the journey, explore different methods, and find what works best for you and your dog. We’re committed to helping you achieve your training goals, ensuring a happy, well-behaved, and well-adjusted dog.