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Confused about Dog Training Techniques?

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You are Not Alone

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cDiane Rich

If you are searching for a professional trainer in your area, hopefully you have choices.  Large cities may be host to dozens of trainers who advertise availability.

Confused as to which trainer to hire?
Each trainer you contact has their own idea as to what methods they will use to train you and/or your dog. Dog training philosophies and techniques between two trainers can be similar in nature or may be polar opposites. A trainer may be proficient with techniques to help with obedience but not able to help with certain behavior problems. Behavior experts may offer strategies to help with behavior but not with obedience past knowing how to teach an on leash sit or down.

Over the years I have found that trainers teaching dog sports such as agility also differ with training techniques. Most agility trainers are adamant about their philosophies and training methods when teaching  the sport to interested handlers.

Breeders also use specific handling and training techniques that work for them and may share those techniques with their clients.

Viva la Difference’
Some trainers use food when teaching behavior and others are against using treats, some trainers use clickers (click and treat), some use specific collars or harnesses for training including remote or e-collars  (electronic collars). Some trainers use specific methods for correction while other trainers do not believe in correction. Some trainers believe in the dominance theory and  pack structure and train according to their understanding of what that means. Other trainers and behavior experts believe the dominance theory is a myth and is flawed. The study was based on observing captive wolves and interpreting behavior and  social skills or lack of skills of these amazing animals in a controlled setting.

Yikes!

cDiane Rich
Clicker, treats,  head halter, no pull harness, choke collar, prong collar or any combination thereof?
Chase is modeling some, not all training equipment used by trainers to help with control, help create  desired behavior or correct unwanted behavior.

To further confuse the dog owner, just watch training on television. The two main players are Milan and Stillwell who are very different in their approach to training.

Information is Power
There are good books on training and behavior.  Clients trying to do their due diligence gathering information tell me they are overwhelmed with all the conflicting information.

Be the Pet Parent
What I can suggest is to be your dog’s advocate.  Whether you enroll in classes or hire a private trainer, only you can be the judge of what is working, effective and humane.  The worst case scenario is that you may be out some money if you do not agree with the methods a trainer advocates for your canine companion and decide to drop out. Better to walk than waste precious time or have your dog endure unnecessary exposure to inappropriate handling and training methods.

Help
I always recommend getting referrals from people who have actually used the services of a trainer. If you want to give training a try on your own, without professional help, by all means give it a go. But, for the sake of the dog if you get confused,  it may help to contact a seasoned professional to evaluate your training methods,  equipment, process and results.

Woof,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog


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