7 of the Most Effective Dog Training Methods
Dog training has gained popularity over the years. It is not only an essential aspect for every dog owner but teaching your dog vital skills lays the foundation in preparing your dog for a lifetime of companionship and ethical behavior.
With that said, there are many different types of dog training methods practiced worldwide. Some are popular, while others are not known to many. Whether you want to brush up your dog’s training or just brought a pup home or adopted a shelter dog, you would want your Fido to pursue a quality dog training module.
While every dog training school uses different methods to train canines, the ultimate goal is to make some behavior modifications in the dog. From performing complicated tasks to just learning how to respond to signals, there is always a way to go around the dog training process.
In this post, we will discuss the top 7 most effective dog training methods used by the training schools and instructors across the globe to teach dogs the crucial skills.
1. Electronic Training
Electronic dog training is a method that uses an electric or shock collar or a spray of citronella to teach the dog to behave. This is a preferred method to train dogs in scenarios where a leash can’t be used. For example, if the dog tries to go beyond the set boundaries, tries to escape, or misbehaves, a spray of citronella or electric shock will be delivered through its collar. Those who are against giving their dogs mild electric shock use citronella spray, which is intoxicating but irritating for the dog.
However, the advocates of this dog training method claim that the dogs are at less risk of getting choked by the collar. The electric shock delivered is extremely mild, which doesn’t cause any harm to the dog.
Nevertheless, pet owners who do not use this training method say that even if it doesn’t harm the dog physically, it causes mental chaos in dogs. That is, it creates a great deal of stress and may lead to permanent anxiety issues in dogs. This type of dog training method is especially used on hunting dogs. While the trainer may use precautionary measures when using the devices, it is often used by inexperienced owners who end up overusing them. This can put a lot of mental pressure as well as physical pain in dogs.
2. Relationship-Based Dog Training
The relationship-based method of training the dogs is essentially a customized approach based on the owner and dog’s relationship. This training method is all about strengthening the bond between the owner and the dog for correcting bad behavior. It is a more individualized approach for both the owner and the dog. While the owner learns to understand the dog’s body language, the dog’s environment is controlled to restrict unwanted behaviors.
The training starts in a quiet place with no distractions. For example, the dog must follow the command ‘sit’ in a quiet room before trying it in a crowded place or in a park filled with squirrels and butterflies.
3. Mirror Training or Model-Rival Training
This is one effective dog training method that uses the observation techniques to bring behavioral changes in dogs. That is, this method depends on the fact that dogs learn by observation. It is a tricky yet unique way to train your dog.
The concept behind this technique is to portray the good behavior with the belief that your dog will mimic it. It uses the dog owner as a model and offering them rewards for mimicking good behavior. Seeing this, the dog will learn what to do correctly from the human model.
This is an effective way to teach your dog commands without using any device that may harm the dog. However, this technique may trigger a sense of competition in dogs.
4. Scientific Dog Training
Scientific dog training is one of the most challenging dogs training modules to explain since it depends on information that is constantly developing and changing. This type of dog training method includes understanding the dog’s nature, the effectiveness of punishments and rewards, and the dog’s ability to be trained.
Dog trainers heavily rely on these studies to work with dogs. The trainers try to understand the behavior of the dog before they can be corrected.
5. Clicker Training
Clicker training is a widely used dog training strategy where the dog associates the click to the reward. It uses a device that produces a clicking noise to signal the dog when the desired command is accomplished. So, the dog knows that if it behaves as told, the owner will produce click sound, which ultimately points at the treat or some sort of reward.
In this training method, the dogs are taught that click means reward, so follow the basic commands. This type of training helps in shaping the fundamentals into more complicated tasks.
6. Dominance or Alpha Training
The alpha training or dominance training is a dog training method where the trainer imposes their authority over the pack as the alpha. Since dogs have a natural hierarchical instinct, the alpha stands out in behavior and personality. The other dogs will follow and respect their alpha.
This type of training is carried out with the owner being in charge of the dog’s life like when can the dog leave the room or when can it have his toys, or when can he go out to play, and more. When the dog realizes that you are taking care of all his needs, he will consider you as the alpha.
7. Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
This is the most preferred method to train dogs as it is considered the most humane and effective. The idea behind this type of dog training is to reward the dog for showing good behavior and teach the result of negative behavior. The reward usually involves tasty treats, which is bribed to the dog for performing specific commands.
Final Thoughts
These are the most used dog training methods across the globe. If you want to teach your dog some basic commands or want your dog to be trained as a police dog for house protection or for protecting your kids, then these training methods can help.
For more advice on dog training, visit here.
