Modern Dog Training! & why care?

WRITTEN BY: C.C. BOURGEOIS, CPDT-KA, CSAT, PMCT, Wonder Dog University

Training methods have evolved in the last decades. Continuing to use training techniques simply because it’s what you’ve always known may have its downsides, so let’s refresh our perspectives.

Behavioral scientists and trainers current on behavioral data have moved to Modern Training methods. Modern Training uses methods that are founded on evidence-based, science backed research. Dogs’ natural behaviors are reward driven; in other words, animals repeat rewarded behavior. What is not rewarded stops occurring. Use of rewards - food, praise, play, access to things a dog wants - keeps the good behavior coming and teaches a dog clear outcomes in response to their behavior. Modern Training guides a dog toward our preferred behaviors. Negative behaviors are decreased or eliminated by teaching the dog an alternative behavior or providing calm consequences that are not as rewarding to the dog, so they stop behaving that way. It’s proven to work, plain and simple.

WE KNOW MORE NOW ABOUT DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR.

Misconceptions about dog behavior and training are abundant. Unfortunately, outdated methods are greatly popularized and perpetuated, both in the media by those with little education in the field, but also mega-marketing machines and the slick video production behind them. Breakthroughs and discoveries made decades ago that clearly disprove common, old fashioned concepts have been dimmed by the glare of this spotlight.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of science available to guide us to “Modern Training.” Boundless evidence exists that shows training a dog in a way that aligns with true learning and doesn’t talk down to their brilliance is far more beneficial. Did you know that dogs learn the same way that children do, by association? Their intelligence also develops to that of about a two year old. See: Smarter Than You Think. So, harnessing a dog’s full potential is neglected when using training tactics that aren’t founded on science and don’t speak to a dog’s brain and ability.

Let’s reframe this idea. Large animal handlers, using Modern Training, teach lions to cooperate when having their nails trimmed. They could use forceful techniques on these powerful animals, but this would only make future interactions difficult and dangerous. Sedating them is time and cost prohibitive. Instead, they take a little time to show the lion that allowing handling of this delicate area can be rewarding, so the lion gladly cooperates. We can do the same for our dogs, encouraging them to think for themselves and make good choices.

To demonstrate the need to be open to Modern Training, allow me to myth bust a concept that’s been perpetuated. Take the “alpha roll,” a term used to describe physically rolling a dog onto their back in an effort to teach them the human is alpha, dominant, etc. This has its roots in wolf observations and was debunked ages ago. We now understand that, in nature, a wolf pack’s alpha is determined by birth order and offspring

of the parents naturally see their parents as leaders. There’s not a reason for displays of dominance. The same is true of our dogs. They naturally see their people as the authority. Even feral dogs, living in resource scarce conditions, do not use communication that is dominantsubmissive based. Countless educated professionals in the dog behavior world have very publicly explained why they oppose this method in an effort to set the record straight on this and other outdated concepts. See: TIME Magazine Article from 2010 and The Man Who Cried Alpha.

C.C. Bourgeois from Wonder Dog University working with a shelter dog.

Jeanne Taylor Photography

PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM MISINFORMATION.

The next time a well meaning person or even a trainer offers you advice on how to train your dog, run it through your critical thinking filter. What’s the original source of this information? Is it useful in current times? Does it apply to you and your dog’s needs? Are there other options? Take the common skill of having your dog “heel” on your left side. Why teach a dog this skill? Does it serve a need for you and your dog? Should your dog heel on the left on all walks at all times? Ask a trainer this last question. If they answer, “yes”, promptly escort them on their way. Here are my quick reasons why. “Heeling’’ has its origins in the 1800s when dogs were primarily working dogs. At this time, everyone used their right hand as their dominant hand and would need it free to handle other items, like horse reins or a gun. Having your dog on the left also avoided shells or casings from a fired gun being discharged onto a dog’s head or body. Is “heeling” useful to you? Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great skill. I use it with my dog sometimes, so we practice it to keep the skill fresh for both of us. However, on daily walks, I only ask him to loose leash walk and often allow him to have a “sniffari” as a reward for this.

Each dog has a unique set of circumstances, genes and environment, but they are overwhelmingly, fundamentally alike in how they learn. Modern Training applies the same evidence-based practices to all training sessions, no matter the dog, while still taking into account the individual person and their dog’s needs. A Modern Trainer will not change their core methods based on the dog. They may choose a tool from the Modern Training toolkit to help the specific person and dog, but they will not stray from the principles of using no-force techniques that adhere to a high standard of humane care and utilize science as it applies to the way dogs process information. “But what about ‘aggressive dogs?’ Don’t they need a heavier hand?” Nope. My team and I specialize, with great success, in changing aggressive behaviors and have not once used any method other than Modern Training. Doing so risks causing a dog to shut down (commonly mistaken for calmer behavior), then explode later. Using force often causes insecurity in a dog and lack of confidence in their handler or the environment. The dog may even respond with escalated aggression out of fear. Worse still, the stress hormones released into a dog’s system cause a chemical imbalance that builds over time, impedes their health and ability to cope and learn. None of this is productive in changing these behaviors.

Understanding what causes behavior is key. Knowing that a very small percentage of dogs are actually “aggressive,” is important. Your dog may be displaying what appears to be aggression, but it is a “display” used to help them control what they see as an unpredictable situation. They learn very quickly that barking, lunging or growling reliably makes other dogs or people move away from them and are useful tools they can call upon to feel more secure and confident.

THE MODERN WAY.

Using only evidence-based training methods, means all of the skills you and your dog use are backed by animal behavior science that has proven how dogs learn for the most successful and humane outcomes. Your dog will choose to make the right decisions versus being forced to make these decisions out of fear of consequences.

Take Tusker. He was displaying all sorts of unsafe and stressed, aggressive behaviors. His person, Elizabeth Bennett, had this to say. “I feel like I understand his behavior more and no longer see the need for punishment. We had been trying corrective leashes, collars, an e-collar for a while, trying to show him that we were “alpha” and none of it was making a difference. Learning Modern Training techniques changed everything for the better!”

SO, WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE USE MODERN TRAINING?

Good question! There are still some skeptics. Some believe forcing a pet to “obey” gets quicker results. Others simply haven’t studied the latest science. And there’s that misinformation machine we spoke of. Also, it does take knowledge and skill on the trainer’s part to deliver simple and seamless training for both dog and client. Honestly, there’s a lot of pressure from the average dog owner to provide quick fixes. If a trainer without the desire to gain the knowledge and skill to provide Modern Training wants to thrive as a dog trainer, they often default to old fashioned methods. Sadly, right now, anyone can say, “I’m a dog trainer” as trainers are independently certified by a nationally recognized counsel. It is our hope regulations will soon pass requiring those calling themselves “dog trainers” to have to attest to being experienced and a commitment to ongoing education in the field. Until then, screen your trainer well. Take comfort in knowing there is no reason to use outdated training methods.■

SOURCES Smarter Than You Think- www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/dogs-think

TIME Magazine- http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2007250,00.html

The Man Who Cried Alpha- www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/man-who-cried-alpha

Photo on page 7 by Jeanne Taylor Photography