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 Training your pet to meet your expectations may
require skills you never learned. This article is designed to help
you get started in helping your pet to become “your best friend.”
When looking for the best method for training your pet,
recommendations can be so diverse or even conflicting that it can be
confusing to figure out which technique is best. As Stephen
Valentino says, “A sea of dog training information available that is
supposed to help us learn is either contradictory, not based on
evidence or downright makes no sense. In fact, opinions on dog
training are about as varied as there are breeds of dogs.”
Sampling various websites may open doors for understanding and using
training techniques. One such article, “7 most popular dog training
methods,” describes several approaches and indicates who is most
likely to benefit from using them:
1. Positive reinforcement is accomplished “by rewarding the behavior
that is desired.”
2. Scientific training “aims to understand dogs’ nature, their
ability to be conditioned and the effectiveness of rewards and
punishments.” Though these are used more by professionals, it is
helpful for pet owners to stay informed about the latest research.
3. Clicker training utilizes a device that makes “a quick, sharp
noise, such as a whistle or, as the name suggests, a clicker to
signal a dog when the wanted behavior is accomplished.” This one can
be most effective when used alongside other methods.
4. Electronic training “relies on the use of an electric collar that
delivers a shock or spray of citronella when the dog is not
performing a desired task.” This one is not for use by the average
pet owner.
5. Model-rival or mirror training “relies on dogs learning by
observation when they watch a model of good behavior.”
6. Alpha dog or dominance “relies on a dog’s instinctual pack
mentality to create a relationship of submission and dominance.”
Modern dog trainers consider this method outdated.
7. Relationship-based training “combines several different training
methods, but focuses on a more individualized approach for both dog
and owner.” This approach values and assumes a close owner-pet
relationship.
It is important to find a method that works well for you and your
pet, but knowing what researchers say can also be helpful. For
example, in “Positive Reinforcement vs. Alpha Dog Methods ‘’ Trainer
Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz notes “Some training focuses too much on
‘bad’ things a dog does and forces the animal to figure out, through
trial and error, what they must do in order to not be punished.” She
further asserts, “training doesn’t have to be cruel and punishment
oriented…if you train using positive reinforcement, you’ll get a
trained dog and you will retain the spirit of the dog.”
In looking at the science of dog training, the writer says,
“Researchers have found that dogs trained with more reward-based
techniques had greater measures of overall obedience.” These
techniques “show an increase in a dog’s welfare, seem to decrease
anxiety for animals and leads to searching, exploring and risk
taking.”
The reward-based techniques also “lead to a greater sense of
security and fewer problem behaviors.” In contrast,
“punishment-based techniques can cause more aggression of
excitability” in animals.
No matter what strategies you choose, it is important to manage the
consequences of your dog’s behavior. Influencing the way dogs behave
will mean rewarding the behaviors you like and not rewarding one you
do not like. This method will help communicate your expectations for
the dog.
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Methods for training cats
Training a cat is likely to require different techniques. A WebMD
article on “Training tips for your cat or kitten” says many believe
cats are not trainable because “They don’t respond to methods used
to train dogs. However, reinforcement of behavior was first used
with cats.”
If you want to train a cat, you must first understand a cat’s
temperament and personality. Cats tend to be “less social, more
independent, less inclined to work for praise and not as easy to
motivate.”
Positive reinforcement and clicker training can work with cats and
usually involve rewarding them with treats.
To begin positive reinforcement training, find a treat your cat
“goes crazy for” and reward the cat when it shows the desired
behavior. When you reward cats, they are more likely to display that
behavior in the future.
For clicker training, use a clicker or even a (retractable
ballpoint) pen: When the cat does the behavior you want, do the
click and then offer the cat a treat. The treat can be either food
or a toy depending on what the cat prefers.
As certified Animal Behavioral Consultant Amy Shojai says, “Training
strengthens the bond between owner and cat because suddenly you are
communicating. The cat realizes that they can control the outcome by
their actions.”
Some experts say you should avoid punishing a cat, which can make
the cat learn to run away. It can also cause stress and problem
behaviors.
No matter which method you choose when training your pet, it is
important to commit yourself to the process. Stay positive because
pets can sense when you are upset. Be patient with your pet because
training is really long-term relationship building.
Resources:
Babcock,
Pamela. “Positive Reinforcement vs. Alpha Dog Methods.”
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-training-positive-reinforcement-alpha-dog-method#1
Clark, Mike. “7 most popular dog training methods.”
https://dogtime.com/reference/dog-training/50743-7-popular-dog-training-methods
Shojai, Amy. “How to Clicker Train Your Cat.”
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-clicker-training-554058
Valentino, Steven. “Most Effective Dog Training Tips According to
Science.”
https://topdogtips.com/most-effective-dog-training-methods/
WebMD Veterinary Reference. “Training Tips for Your Cat or Kitten.”
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/kitten-training-tips#1
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