Dog Training
Introduction
Dog training is the application of behavior analysis which uses the environmental events of antecedents (trigger for a behavior) and consequences to modify the dog behavior, either for it to assist in specific activities or undertake particular tasks, or for it to participate effectively in contemporary domestic life. While training dogs for specific roles dates back to Roman times at least, the training of dogs to be compatible household pets developed with suburbanization in the 1950s.
History of Dog Training
The Roman training of dogs was a matter of necessity, with the development of a specific breed of dog not required. The Romans, for instance, had a need for a dog that could herd and guard livestock. This required a dog that was not only strong but also intelligent enough to learn and perform tasks. The result was the creation of the Rottweiler, a breed of dog that is still popular today.
Methods
Dog training methods have changed a lot over the years. Modern dog training can be traced back to the work of Pavlov and his studies on conditioned reflexes. Pavlov's work led to the development of the operant conditioning method of training, which is still widely used today. This method involves reinforcing good behavior with rewards, such as food or praise, and punishing bad behavior with a negative consequence, such as a stern voice or a time out.
Types of Training
There are several types of dog training, each with its own specific goals and methods. These include obedience training, agility training, hunting dog training, and service dog training.
Obedience Training
Obedience training is perhaps the most common form of dog training. This type of training is designed to teach dogs basic commands such as "sit", "stay", "come", and "heel". Obedience training is often taught in classes, but can also be done at home with the right knowledge and patience.
Agility Training
Agility training is a competitive sport for dogs that involves them running through a course of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. The goal is for the dog to complete the course as quickly and accurately as possible. Agility training is a great way to keep a dog physically and mentally stimulated.
Hunting Dog Training
Hunting dog training is used to teach dogs to assist in hunting. This can involve tracking, flushing out game, and retrieving. Hunting dog training is often very specific to the type of game being hunted and the method of hunting used.
Service Dog Training
Service dog training is used to train dogs to assist individuals with disabilities. This can involve a wide range of tasks, from guiding the blind, to alerting individuals with epilepsy of an impending seizure, to providing physical support for individuals with mobility issues.
Training Techniques
There are a number of different techniques used in dog training, including positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and clicker training.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding the dog for good behavior. This can be done with treats, praise, or anything else the dog finds rewarding. The goal is to encourage the dog to repeat the good behavior in the future.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant when the dog behaves correctly. For example, if a dog is pulling on its leash during a walk, the handler might stop walking until the dog stops pulling. When the dog stops pulling, the unpleasant experience of not moving forward is removed, and the dog is more likely to stop pulling in the future.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a method of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker, a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound, to mark the exact moment a dog performs a desired behavior. The clicker is followed by a reward, reinforcing the behavior.
Conclusion
Dog training is a complex and nuanced field, with a variety of methods and techniques available to help dogs learn and behave in ways that are beneficial to both themselves and their human companions. Whether for obedience, agility, hunting, or service, training can greatly enhance the quality of life for dogs and their owners.