A total switch in my training methods/views
 

Quicksilver -- I think you will like this one.

Back in early 2009, there were a few debates on this forum about training methods. Basically the dominance/alpha theory vs. positive reinforcement.

Although I never really "used" dominance methods on Jackson, because it was always unnecessary with him, I strongly believed in the "Cesar Millan" way of dominance and being a dog's pack leader. It just seemed to make sense to me. Don't get me wrong, I have not turned into a "Cesar hater" or anything -- I still respect the good he has done for the dog world, but I've also come to terms with the 'bad'.

I've been able to enjoy the experience of bonding and learning with a dog through truly positive reinforcement. Then I discovered clicker training as well. It's really amazing what you can do with a dog with a little encouragement and positive vibes.

I am not my dogs "pack leader" nor his "alpha". He doesn't obey commands because he HAS to... he does because he WANTS to and he ENJOYS pleasing me. He's my best friend, my every day companion, and my heart.

And with positive reinforcement, he has learned over 40 tricks at 2 years old and is constantly learning new ones and practicing old. He comes to me happily when I call his name (ok, most of the time! :p), he has gotten over his fear of strangers, he has graduated his first agility class, and is well on his way to becoming a canine good citizen. He's friendly with all other dogs he meets, he's able to walk into a store or go anywhere really and be on his best behavior. And this, plus much more, was accomplished without physical corrections, without dominating him or rolling him on his back, or forcing him to walk behind me (though I don't allow to pull, typically speaking), or using a prong collar/choke chain/shock collar.

Most of all, we have FUN together. We have a freakin' blast and he and I both enjoy training equally. We're a team... I'm not "above" him. We have a mutual respect for one another that's created a strong bond that will last a lifetime.

This thread doesn't really have a 'purpose' other than to clarify my views on dog training, since they did used to be vastly different. Jackson has taught me so much in general.

"Training is something you do with your dog, not to your dog."

Good post Brittany! Jackson is awesome....

Brister -
Great post! Awesome to hear another person using positive reinforcement training methods as well as clicker training. I had started with the clicker when Barney and Daisy were puppies. Any new trick we teach is with the clicker and they learn it in NO TIME.

The biggest mistake people make in training is thinking that a dog wants to please THEM -- dogs want to please themselves. So, if you have delicious food, positive interventions, and reinforcement of good and acceptable canine behavior, you and your dog will have a great relationship.

I think you are amazing with Jackson. Good for you for having this level of love and commitment to Jackson to do this training with him. 10 years of training with my dogs has really paid off. We're struggling with Teddy's training - he's a tough one - but we will not give up.

Thanks for the great post - I wish more people did more training with their dogs, it is so rewarding!

Love it! You and Jackson make such a wonderful team :).

I know so many love Stillwell, but my fave has always been Tamar Geller - have you read her stuff...you might like her: The Loved World Foundation by Tamar Geller - Home

:thumbup::thumbup:

You might enjoy this article form the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior:

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...0statement.pdf

A good friend of mine teaches obedience training and he is a firm believer in the clicker training. I used positive reinforcement only with Raley and he is a very well behaved little man.

Awesome post Brit! I wholeheartedly agree with 100% of what you said. It's easier to have a dog that has respect for you and you respect for him. It really makes training easier, I don't even use treats half the time unless I'm shaping a new behavior. Really something so very small like a "good boy" is enough for my little man. He really does what I say just for a hug, belly rub, kiss, or to keep play going.

The only problem I have is Kaji acts like he's scared if I call him inside the house. I have to play dead so he feels safe to approach me. :p

Britster, if you don't pursue a career working with dogs, I'm going to drive up to your place and harass you relentlessly. :D

LOL! I really want to -- I swear I will SOME day!

Thanks! See -- for a dog like Kaji, you could never use the dominance method. Jackson, too... he barely likes it if I touch him when teaching tricks, he likes to figure it out on his own. They're sensitive men ;)

Thanks! I have heard of Tamar but need to look into her more. I will check out the link :)

I agree! :thumbup::thumbup:

you rock Brit. we can all see the big changes in Jackson as he learns and grows up. proud of you and glad you believe what i believe as well. a happy dog will do what you ask because it makes you happy and making you happy makes him happy. Jackson is the coolest dog and we all have grown to totally love him to death....NOW do a GE sometime so we can send him prezzies :)

I think Kaji just likes to play fair. If he has to play dead, then I have to play dead. It's only fair right? :p

You should see how he rewards me for a job well done. It cracks me up every time!

I completely agree with you Brittany! Great post :D

What a great post to read! Very inspiring! I think I will tag it (my newfound tool) so that others may be directed to read it when they ask questions about training -- specifically ones like I have read lately that are "showing him whose boss!":eek:

It brings a smile to read the love you have for Jackson -- I agree you two are a great team! So much more can be accomplished that way than trying to dominate. Patience, love, perseverance and more love! Oh, and FUN -- lots and lots of fun! You said it girl!

Brittany, I love everything you write about Jackson and your marvelous life together. Thanks for sharing it all, the adventures, pictures, videos, the training.... it all just warms my heart. I swear Jackson is one of the luckiest Yorkies I've ever seen!

You're right, I do like this one! :D

Like everyone else, I am incredibly impressed with all you and Jackson have accomplished in the past few years. I don't know if you're hugely gifted, or Jackson is hugely gifted, or what, but you guys are working some magic over there.

You've motivated me to try the clicker again. Thor is scared of it, but I am thinking I can charge it if I use a really good treat. Maybe little pieces of steak. We could really use a tool that helps shape behavior more quickly. I'm somewhere in the hundreds on practice reps of "Wave".

I think this post reflects an important aspect of a great trainer, which is that you are willing to learn and change your mind. Intellectual flexibility is so important with animals. There is still so much we don't know. I'm excited to see what we discover over the next few years.

Have you considered becoming a professional animal trainer? There is a school out here in California that has a very rigorous training program. I bet you would be brilliant.

BTW, your current avatar pic just might be my favorite picture of Jackson ever.

I agree..... Tamar Geller is my favorite too. Thanks for that link.

INSPIRATION! I think.

I have a spare key with the little remote buttons to lock/unlock the car. Those buttons make very quiet clicks. I am totally going to try this out tomorrow!

It might get a little confusing for him when I use those clicks to open the car... I guess I could stop using it for that? Is there any way to remove the battery from these suckers?

I think your attitude is great!

I have a horse (Phoenix) and I train him with Parelli natural horsemanship. They have a saying that I really like, it is "create a relationship with love, language, and leadership." You do need to be your horses alpha, but it is a benevolent leadership, that is consistent, and just...more like a 51% - 49% ratio.

Anyhow, horse training is extremely different from dog training, prey animal and predator animal, but I think some of the principles relate. Just thought I'd share!

P.S.
I am aware that some people love Parelli and some people hate it, and I in NO way am trying to start a debate about it. :)

Just wanted to add...

I am pretty good with training my horse, but have never been good at training dogs, maybe just sit, and that is it!

I am highly impressed with all of you who do so well at it. I think I need to read in this section a bit more! :animal36

This is so nice to read and so true. I think the "we're a team" approach is one that does create the lasting, lifetime bonds. You and Jackson have magic together.

What a great post! I couldn't agree with you more about being a team and the bonding that comes with positive training. Ivan and Iris are my first dogs and I am having so much fun training them and taking classes with them. It's amazing to see how much they can learn.