Melanie, I do agree with most of what you are saying. We probably aren't that different in our training.
This is where we disagree.
Nearly all behaviors with all dogs can be trained using highly motivational methods. I have no doubts about this.
There is no one way for every dog in every situation with every person. It just doesn't work like that.
I've seen some very well trained dogs who have naturally obedient personalities trained with just a clicker and treats. They do awesome. I have one myself.
However, I've yet to see a truly high drive dog be properly controlled around highly rewarding stimuli with *just* clicker training or *just* positive training*.
Know quite a few folks who are happy to have simply gotten a good heel with *just* a clicker and treats...and it took them months, sometimes years.
I find that very sad but that's just me. I don't think that approach is any help to a novice dog owner with a pulling, lunging, uncontrolable dog.
I don't think any approach that is strictly set in one way of training, traditional correction based, or purely positive, is productive for dogs and thier owners. Being flexible can go a long way.
Ann, you say you use "moderate corrections" and "appropriate corrections" but if you do work with a lot of dog owners you surely know that what YOU might consider moderate or appropriate is not what some people consider the same.
Of course people will make their own assumptions unless we explain to them exactly what type of corrections are appropriate. I explain and demonstrate for my clients what is acceptable for that particular dog. And providing the person typing has a general grasp on the english language, they can explain the same thing over the internet.
I think where we differ the most is that I don't belive a well timed pop on the collar is going to harm a relationship with the dog. I don't think it should be something avoided at all costs untill the last resort. I just see it as another way to give information to the dog. That's it.
(and it's obvious that I'm not capable of following my own advice and staying out of this thread... lol )