Clicker Trainers Use No Punishment And Other Training Myths

[Doberluv]

So many wild assumptions are made lately on "positive method" training that I thought this is good reading for starters. I see people saying things to the effect that positive method training is all about pleading, bribing, being a cookie dispenser, ignoring all horrid behavior no matter that it's happening right before your eyes, like a dog biting someone or getting into the garbage. It's as if some people are purposely misunderstanding. This is the science of learning behavior. It is not some new fangled, religion. It's based on science that's been around for a while and it is VERY effective and successful in all venues of dog training. This article might set a few things straight for those interested in learning. There is definitely more, but this is a start. The headings of each paragraph are the myths remember. Then an explanation follows.

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/726

 

[mrose_s]

I promise to read it tomorow. i'm so tired

 

[Gijora]

good, informative, link

 

[Doberluv]

If you still think positive methods are all about cookies and ignoring, think again. For you doubters, read this as a minimum before discussing the difference between training using science and experience in canine behavior and using staves and other forms of force and pain.

 

[heartdogs]

Good post, Doberluv. And evidence that you can punish a dog without touching him. They do understand the concept of absence of a reward.

 

[Doberluv]

Yes, absolutely. And you can do it without making them shut down and instead get them to try again to try and get the reward rather than fearing what's coming next. There are phsiological differences too in dogs trained with positive methods. Stress in dogs and in humans, as we all know can cause some major health problems. Harsh, stern punishment, confusing signals, intimidation....all that stuff raises the metobolic rate, puts a dog near or in fight or flight....adrenelin surges, hormones rise....the cortex can't operate right because the limbic or autonomic nervous system is what's being used. There are all kinds of reasons to use positive methods. (a really indescript term, but just for short.) LOL.