Aug. 7 – Does Training Style Change with Breeds or Needs?

When Buzz arrived at our home several years ago, he came complete with a mound of special paperwork – registration papers, vaccination records, general care instructions – everything an owner should receive when bringing home the newest member of the family. Imagine my surprise when I saw the warning: “These are high prey pups and want to be dominant. They must be put in their place until they understand that they are followers in the pecking order and not the leader of the pack, which is what they are trying to be.” The paper also noted that most retriever pups go through a play biting stage that, if not dealt with immediately, could develop into a severe problem of dominance aggression.

Wow, to think that 8 week old little bundle of fur was already plotting to take over the household!

Beside the faulty notion of dominance, my problem with the warning was Buzz pigeon-holed into a specific type of behavior and only harsh training was suggested as a solution. I've heard it from owners before: I have xxx breed (fill in your favorite) who will only respond to yyy training (fill in reward-based or punishment-based) because his breed is zzz (fill in a type of behavior like stubborn or smart). Is it true that there must be different styles of training for different dogs?

Breeds of dogs were developed to enhance certain characteristics that were desired by people. Border collies were bred to herd, labs to retrieve fallen game, terriers to rid farms of vermin. There are some strong genetic components to their behaviors which owners strive to enhance (or overcome), but a great deal of their development depends on training. As Raymond Coppinger states in his book Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution: “When I buy a dog, my work in shaping that animal has just begun. I want a great set of genes, but the behavior I want is not totally predetermined by those genes.” In the same book, Coppinger points to trainer Brian Plummer, who “built his dog-training career on the fact that he can teach any breed any task.” Proper training can produce extraordinary results.

Let's digress for a moment. A math class full of individuals is assigned the task of learning to solve quadratic equations (don't laugh, that's probably the equivalent of how training looks to some dogs) . They are given the quadratic formula and shown how to use it. They try a problem, but make a mistake. I note the mistake - oops, try again – and back up to guide them through the steps to success using different strategies to account for different learning styles. No punishment, just searching for what works for them. They get a treat they like (praise, chocolate) when successful. Viola, reward-based training. Next scenario: they try, but make a mistake. They are rapped on the knuckles with a ruler until they get it right. Method? Punishment-based training. Third scene: They may get a treat for taking the right steps, but get the wrong answer and here comes that ruler! The method is referred to as “balanced” training, but still incorporates punishment. They can learn with each method, but in which situation will they learn most eagerly and come out with a love of math? There are parallels in approaches to dog training.

Positive training is not permissive. It takes into account the dog's breed, individuality, and the behavior we are shaping as we seek appropriate rewards. Don't like this treat? How about a game of disc or sniffing instead? We vary our tools. Harnesses, shaping, special protocols, whatever is called for that will help guide this dog to the correct choice without the use of pain. It's more than a method, it's a philosophy of benevolent leadership and teamwork.

Punishment-based training is based on dominance. Shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, kicks, ear pinches, all teach the dog to perform by avoiding pain. It can also lead to fear, anxiety, aggression, and unpredictable behavior. To quote Roger McIntire “encouraging the use of punishment by the human is always dangerous, for the punishment is more likely to be contingent on the recent experiences and frustrations of the punisher, rather than the subject's behavior.”

What about the so-called “balanced” training? These trainers use reward, but still incorporate punishment. Correct behaviors may get treats, but mistakes result in chokes (“pops” is the euphemism, but it's still aversive to the dog). If the dog is learning a new behavior, he doesn't know what he'll get – reward or punishment. It's like someone who hugs you then slaps you. Doesn't build much trust, does it?

Positive training prevails because it works for all breeds, all behaviors, all individuals. It is supported by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists (www.avsab.org). Steve and Jen White use it to train dogs for police work. Chris Bach uses it to train obedience. Robert Milner uses it to train hunting. Susan Garrett uses it to train agility. Laura VanArendonk Baugh uses it to train schutzhund. No more excuses. Training with any pain is not acceptable since we now understand how all dogs learn. It's not about breed. It is about establishing trust with the dog so we can work as a team.