· By Minou Tpain
Author: Denise Partlow
Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas
The balanced community loves a good tool. We see the benefit they have in training, that it helps a dog progress faster than if we were not to use it. Our dogs can grasp concepts faster with the use of tools, this includes the most simplest of tools, a leash.
But unfortunately, many dog owners rely too heavily on these tools as a form of correction; creating a dog who may only comply when those tools are being used. It will also create a dog who does not see the handler as a fair provider. The corrections may often be too harsh for the crime.
It is so important to understand that there are far simpler and kinder ways to correct a dog for minute misbehaviors.
Now…don’t get me wrong, I utilize corrections with tools when necessary but they are far and few in between. I will always try the least intrusive method first; verbal corrections and spatial pressure.
Verbal corrections are a noise or word that we use that typically does not sound very pleasant, such as NO, NOPE or AH-AH. It gets the dog‘s attention and acts as an interrupter so that you can then repeat what it is they should be doing instead. This is the form of correction I use the most.
I use it in our training sessions so that eventually the dog understands that when I yell out “NOPE” they must stop in their tracks.
Spatial pressure is when we move in closer towards the dog or into their space to motivate them to comply. Sometimes it can be a way to help your dog to see that what you say, you mean. Other times it’s just a way to help your dog focus because he may have been too far away when you gave a command and they might not be experienced at taking commands from a distance.
If you cannot correct your dog without the use of tools (with the exception of a leash) then you are not ready to incorporate aversive tools like a slip lead, prong collar or e-collar. You must master the art of correcting without physical touch first.
I have plenty of video examples of how I use these that you will find in the 2 story highlights labeled “impulse control”.
#dogtraining #doglover #dogpawrents#doberman #rhodesianridgeback #cattledog#miniaturepinscher #cltdog #charlottenc
