As in all areas of educating, there are different methods of doing things, and different beliefs about what is right and wrong. Religion is a frontrunner in this category. There are also many ways to dicipline a child. Using physical force for dicipline is a hugely debated topic. How to train your dog might run a close third with questions like Pinch collar, or Choke Chain or none of the above?

There are 3 ways of reinforcing a dog’s behavior in order to get what you want.

1. Positive reinforcement is a reward that encourages a response. dogs will come back for more when the “more” is a good thing that makes them feel good.

2. Negative reinforcement means that something is taken away in order to encourage a response. A dog that is being trained with the use of a shock collar, will do what he is supposed to do when the shock is taken away. After behaving there is no shock, hence he learns to behave to avoid the shock. When you left early for work one day you might have figured out that something was missing, the heavy traffic, hence you desire now to leave early again and again. You eventaully realize that leaving early eliminates the traffic burden.

3. Punishment is an unpleasant thing that is added to the situation. There is no question about the differences from “negative reinforcement”. When a dog growls you might “smack” him and yell at him. When a child misbehaves it is easy to repond with a yelling tone of voice and threats. Fear motivates your dog to behave.

Whatever approach you use it will ultimately work. Dogs respond to hard leash tugging. If your dog believes that he is getting a treat from you he will come. And, the dog will come when you run away from him.

Choking your dog hard with a metal choker collar or yelling at him could be your responses to misbehavior. Or, he will behave when he realizes he will get a treat for being good.

What does this all mean? Would you rather your dog behaves well for pleasing you or out of fear? You make the choice.

By

Dr. Marika Zoll

DrDogTalk.com