Using force in training

If you're up on all the latest trends in training you'll know that eliminating the use of force to train a dog has become one of the great crusades of the doggy world. "Positive reinforcement" is the new buzzword of the training establishment, with some going so far as to decry any use of force or negative reinforcement of any kind.

It's true there are people who use excessive force when training and something needs to be done to show them a better way, but advocating the complete abolishment of force in training is not only miss-leading, it's impractical, counter-productive, and, to the best of my knowledge, impossible.

I have never been able to train a dog without using force. I've never known anyone else who's been able to do it either. Sure I've met lots of people who claim they never use force in their training program. Usually when they're telling me this, they're holding one end of a leash while the dog strains at the other end. That's a dead giveaway. They use a different dictionary than I do.

If you use a leash you are using force. Even if you are only 'gently restraining' your dog. Don't tell me you don't use force while you are demonstrating that you do.

One last thought about the use of force. In his natural environment, force is the constant companion of every dog. Force is a force or nature, a part of survival. A dog is either serving it up or he's on the receiving end. He understands force. Perhaps much better than we do.

• The most impressionable time in a dog’s life is between 7 and 16 weeks. Keep learning a fun experience.
  
• Socialize your dog from an early age – after their second series, of vaccinations – in a friendly, positive manner (friendly places, not public parks where stray dogs or wild animals might frequent, until after their full series of vaccinations). They should become familiar and comfortable with different people, friendly dogs, strange sounds, objects and places. Remember, these should be fun experiences so always keep their tail wagging.
  
• Freedom is earned not given! Dogs can be interior decorators, so until your dog knows proper behavior, know where he is and what he's doing at all times. It takes at least six weeks of consistently correct behavior to establish a lifetime habit pattern.
  
• Is your dog ruling your house? To avoid unwanted behaviors, set the rules and consistently enforce them.
• Always have supervised, controlled playtime with your dog and small children! We find that most children under nine years of age need guidance when interacting with dogs.
  
• Your dog’s teeth should never be on anyone. If this occurs and is not stopped it can become unpredictable biting!
  
• Canine and human behavior should not be confused with each other. The response patterns and intellect of a canine is very different from that of humans, although we do share some common traits. One of these traits is the drive to form close social groups with strong bonds to significant others. This bonding can be thought of as a kind of love. Even though this type of bonding is a natural trait in both canines and humans, we must avoid endearing our pets with human emotions.
• Remember that inappropriate behaviors cannot be eliminated overnight and that good behaviors take time to develop. Have patience with your dog. Repetition makes perfection.
• If you ever want your dog to obey on the first command, don't fall into the trap of repeating a command and doing nothing while he ignores you. Give the command once, and if he doesn't respond, go to him, take him by the collar. Now repeat the command and physically help him obey. If you never repeat a command without using the collar, he will come to the conclusion that he might as well obey the first time so as to take advantage of your good nature.
• When you are out looking for dog care resources, get references.  Call those references and ask specific questions about the methods used.  These folks may have observed unpleasantness and not know that there was another way.  So, they might not know to offer that information. 
• Go to the vet, day care, groomer or class and observe.  Are the dogs happy?  Are the people?  Is anybody being forced to do anything?  Does the facility check vaccination records?  Does it smell clean?  If it is a daycare, are big and small dogs separated?  How do the employees, in general, interact with the dogs?  Are they friendly and respectful?  Or do they use harsh tones and force?
• Even though they aren’t trainers, it’s important that groomers, vets and pet sitters also use gentle, humane methods.  If yours suggests anything forceful or puts their hands on your dog in a way that either hurts or scares her, please find someone else. 
• If you didn’t know to ask questions and you are in a situation that is uncomfortable for you…just walk.  If you are comfortable with it, tell them why you are leaving.  And tell every dog lover you know.  I know you may have already spent your money and you won’t be able to get a refund.  But is it worth it to have your dog and yourself in an unpleasant, possibly damaging environment?  Offer it up to experience and go find yourself a more gentle and respectful atmosphere for you and your dog.  When you find that, tell every dog lover you know.