Dog training methods

[KtheChickenGal]

Hey!! What y'all think about different dog training methods? My dog is already fully and successfully trained, but before I say how I trained her, I'm curious about other people think. Like about positive + negative reinforcement and punishment, etc.

 

[MKetter]

I don’t have a dog, but I would like one trained to protect the flock. (When I get a flock. Right now I’m raising my brother’s chicks through the brooder stage, and he gets them when they’re feathered out and ready for the coop.)

 

[KtheChickenGal]

I don’t have a dog, but I would like one trained to protect the flock. (When I get a flock. Right now I’m raising my brother’s chicks through the brooder stage, and he gets them when they’re feathered out and ready for the coop.)

That's cool! What breed do you think you'd get?

 

[KtheChickenGal]

Many years ago when I started showing dogs I read Monks of Skete. Novice obedience training has dramatically changed over the years. I prefer the old ways without clickers and loads of treats. My dogs are trained through praise alone with a big "Okay!!" play time at the end of a session. I use french commands so that they hear me over other handlers. There is no such thing as negative reinforcement. I've shown and owned many breeds but the Leonberger is my soul dog.

Great!! I agree about the loads of treats thing. Your dog shouldn't obey you only when you have food, and only because of the food. I love using play and praise as rewards!! - I do use food, but mostly her daily kibble and treats sparingly.

 

[KtheChickenGal]

Many years ago when I started showing dogs I read Monks of Skete. Novice obedience training has dramatically changed over the years. I prefer the old ways without clickers and loads of treats. My dogs are trained through praise alone with a big "Okay!!" play time at the end of a session. I use french commands so that they hear me over other handlers. There is no such thing as negative reinforcement. I've shown and owned many breeds but the Leonberger is my soul dog.

Can you explain more about no such thing as negative reinforcement please?
Just curious, and a bit confused because I have used it and seen it used.
Thanks!!

 

[KtheChickenGal]

I guess you'd have to define "negative." Sorry to answer your question with a question but I don't scold, yell or physically do anything to train a dog. Calm, pack leader, assertive, whatever you want to call it, it's still not negative. I think my Dad's generation rolled up a newpaper and swatted dogs for potting training. Yeah, none of that.......

Ok!
My understanding of negative reinforcement: taking away something you dog doesn't like to increase a behavior. In this case, negative meaning you take something away, and reinforcement meaning you are trying to increase a behavior. For example, if I had a leash on my dog and she refused to lie down, I could apply leash pressure until she lies down and then as soon as she lies down release the pressure and praise her.
I prefer praise and play- positive reinforcement over negative reinforcement!

 

[KtheChickenGal]

I guess you'd have to define "negative." Sorry to answer your question with a question but I don't scold, yell or physically do anything to train a dog. Calm, pack leader, assertive, whatever you want to call it, it's still not negative. I think my Dad's generation rolled up a newpaper and swatted dogs for potting training. Yeah, none of that.......

Ok!!
I don't use negative reinforcement- different than punishment, it increases not decreases a behavior- a whole lot, but here is my understanding of it: in this case, negative simply means to take something away, and reinforcement is something to increase a behavior. So negative reinforcement takes away something that the dog does not like, to increase a behavior. For example, if I had a leash on my dog and she refused to lie down on command, I could guide her with leash pressure until she does lie down. Then as soon as she does lie down I would instantly release the pressure and praise her.

 

[KtheChickenGal]

I guess you'd have to define "negative." Sorry to answer your question with a question but I don't scold, yell or physically do anything to train a dog. Calm, pack leader, assertive, whatever you want to call it, it's still not negative. I think my Dad's generation rolled up a newpaper and swatted dogs for potting training. Yeah, none of that.......

Ok!!
I don't use negative reinforcement- different than punishment, it increases not decreases a behavior- a whole lot, but here is my understanding of it: in this case, negative simply means to take something away, and reinforcement is something to increase a behavior. So negative reinforcement takes away something that the dog does not like, to increase a behavior. For example, if I had a leash on my dog and she refused to lie down on command, I could guide her with leash pressure until she does lie down. Then as soon as she does lie down I would instantly release the pressure and praise her.

Whoops I think I might have replied twice or something

 

[KtheChickenGal]

And by the way, @SandyRiverChick I'm not trying to argue with you!

Ok!!
I don't use negative reinforcement- different than punishment, it increases not decreases a behavior- a whole lot, but here is my understanding of it: in this case, negative simply means to take something away, and reinforcement is something to increase a behavior. So negative reinforcement takes away something that the dog does not like, to increase a behavior. For example, if I had a leash on my dog and she refused to lie down on command, I could guide her with leash pressure until she does lie down. Then as soon as she does lie down I would instantly release the pressure and praise her.

 

[KtheChickenGal]

Thats the human behavior definition from the Internet.... Is the leash method for teaching "down," what you've seen as successful? In my opinion you're teaching the dog to fear the leash. I like that the very sound or sight of a leash makes my dog off the charts excited.... excited to work, because he's a working dog. And to please me, because he lives for me.

Like I said, I do not use negative reinforcement a lot, I totally prefer positive reinforcement over it. I was only trying to give an example. I have an amazing relationship with my dog, she's basically obsessed with me and not at all afraid of the leash because I do not use it to punish her, only to guide her sometimes in certain situations.