Husbandry

A few year ago, trainers may have forced a dog to learn the command “sit” by placing his hand on the animal’s rump. Today’s methods are quite different, according to Dr. Pamela Reid.

“We no longer use physical manipulation because we have realized that reward-based training is much more successful.”

As example, Dr. Reid points out that a simple way to teach your dog to sit is to take a treat and slowly move it over their head. Most dogs will track it with their eyes and sit down on their own. At this point, you can reinforce the behavior with a reward and begin to associate it with a word.

Another innovation that has been enormously successful is the use of a “clicker” — a small device that owners can push to make a clicking noise. The noise can be used to help the dog understand that it has done something good. When the dog sits on command, the owner clicks the clicker and gives the dog a treat.

When the owner wants to teach the dog to put its paw out hand and “shake,” the owner waits until the animal places its paw on his or her hand by its own free will and then makes a “click” followed by a treat. The animal quickly learns that the click means it performed well.

Another valuable piece of training equipment is The Gentle Leader, invented by veterinary behaviorist R.K Anderson, which makes the choke collar appear barbaric. It fits onto a dog’s muzzle and head just as a horse halter would, allowing for more control, yet it is not nearly as traumatic as other training collars.

Dr. Reid steers away from using choke collars and pinch collars in her practice, but in cases where either a choke or a pinch collar needs to be used she advocates the pinch collar. The pinch collar is effective punishment, however the choke collar just chokes the animal and annoys them.

As vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center in Urbana, Illinois, Dr. Reid frequently counsels pet owners, veterinarians, trainers, and shelters on behavioral issues. In her eyes the profession has changed greatly compared to just a few decades ago.

“We have really come a long way with the advent of reward-based learning pioneered by Ian Dunbar,” she explains.

Source: University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

• Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness for Dogs
• StarMark Clicker
• Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog by Dr. Ian Dunbar
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• Pet Collars