On the debate between punishment vs reinforcement based training techniques: Properly educating owners and handlers on the correct usage of available training equipment and learning theory is whats required. Banning or judging others for the use of certain training aids or practices is a kin to the controversial breed specific legislation (BSL) thats in effect here in Ontario. For example, banning Pitt Bulls (or pinch collars) doesnt solve the underlying problem of ignorance. It does however perpetuate the stigma that Pitt Bulls are bad or vicious. Like Pitt Bulls, pinch collars (and other correction based training aids/techniques) have their place. What doesnt have a place is their abuse! There is no excuse for ignorance in dog training. If you dont know how to use it properly, leave it on the shelf. If you want to know how, seek professional guidance! Chances are, if your looking at pinch or e-collars for your dog you are experiencing difficulties. It stands to reason that if your having trouble you should get some help. Example: If your a hunter who depends on skill for survival yet cant even hit a stationary target at 50 (no matter how hard you try), skipping target practice to hunt live game likely isnt the best approach, is it? No! To improve your marksmanship your best bet is to seek the guidance and expertise of a skilled marksman. To practice. And to understand not only how your chosen weapon works but also how all the other variables play into the outcome. For example, a few more obvious factors include; weapon choice, ammunition, sight/scope, weather, distractions, experience level, familiarity with the weapon, and your own competency. A few less obvious factors include; location, temperature, humidity, wind, possible obstructions or dangers. Even less obvious are; your state of mind, attitude, breathing, nerves, vision, adrenaline. The best hunters are also able to factor in their subjects behaviour, condition, likely routes, etc and have mentally walked through every scenario. The point is that it doesnt matter if your shooting stationary targets on an indoor range or live game on the African safari. What matters is your knowledge, experience, skill and (perhaps most importantly) your understanding of all the applicable variables and ability to apply them in practical use. Dog training is no different. You wouldnt expect to be an expert marksman without first learning how to hit a target. Likewise you cant expect to be a competent dog trainer without first learning the basics. Understanding learning theory and basic canine behaviour takes you beyond the basics and gives you the tools you need to really assess all the variables. Seeking professional guidance helps you to bring all the pieces together and into focus. Id love to see more obedience instructors include segments on the fundamentals of learning theory and how they apply to dog training in all of their classes. If more handlers understood how and why perhaps there would be less misuse or abuse of our canine companions. Of course this concept implies that most obedience instructors have a solid grasp of these principals themselves. Sadly thats just not the case. Its one thing that sets professional dog trainers, behaviourists, and obedience instructors apart from one another. Each have their place but each should be well educated in all of the tactics they teach and know the potential effects of each. So as the saying goes; Dont be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. If your experiencing difficulties with your dog dont run to the pet shop looking for the next fancy training aid to solve the problems for you. It may in fact make the problems worse. If you dont know how to use it properly do your dog a favour and leave it on the shelf. It doesnt take much to have your well intentioned use of a misunderstood training aid slip into an abusive scenario (often without even realizing it). Leading to an unhappy relationship for you both. Do yourself (and your dog) a favour, if your having a hard time seek professional guidance. There may well be a valid need for that particular training aid. There is however an equally valid need for you to understand its use and how it effects your dog (and in turn the relationship that you have with your dog).
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:35:56 +0000
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