Dog training techniques

There are many useful pieces of equipment available to help with training, known as training aids.

Research has shown that dog training is most effective when good behaviour is rewarded using treats or praise as it is more likely your pet will repeat these actions.

Other types of training techniques however, include ‘aversive training methods’ which are not reward based and instead act on negative behaviour in the hopes of changing it. They work by using gadgets or collars designed to deliver an unpleasant liquid, make a sudden noise or vibrate when the dog expresses any unacceptable behaviour. Whilst these devices can produce the desired effect of interrupting undesirable behaviour, they are potentially harmful and are much less reliable than using a reward.

Some of the risks, and dangers you need to be aware of include:

• Increasing the dog’s fear or anxiety about the situation. Many undesirable behaviours occur because a dog is scared, these devices could make their fear (and therefore the behaviour) worse, especially as the dog is not being taught what is required of them
• Decreasing the dog’s ability to learn and causing confusion or frustration about required behaviour. Anxiety and frustration results in dogs being less likely to learn new things
• Associating other, coincidental events with a fear-provoking event, especially if the application of the spray, hiss or vibration is poorly timed. This can result in the dog starting to express the undesirable behaviour in even more situations
• Causing a new avoidance or aggressive response
• Damaging the bond between the dog and the owner

A big obstacle with aversive training devices is that it’s very difficult to select a suitable positive punisher for each individual dog. There is no one size fits all when it comes to dog training and it’s extremely difficult to select something that is aversive enough to interrupt behaviour but not aversive enough to cause fear. This is different for each dog and depends on the breed, temperament and previous experiences.

The need for patience

Every dog is different, they have different genes and experiences that will shape their personality and how they interact with their environment, humans, other dogs and animals. This makes it very difficult to generalise about them and is why different training techniques and aids will work better in some dogs than others. It’s important to remember that treating behavioural problems or training dogs in general is never a quick fix! Identifying the cause or motivation behind a dog’s behaviour can be a challenge and once identified, re-training often takes a long time. If your dog is displaying common behaviours that you’d like to understand more about, click here to read more.

Seeking help

Unwanted behaviour in dogs is not uncommon and if you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour it is important you seek help from a professional to understand why they do it and what you can do to help them in a kind, safe and effective way. There is a strong link between behaviour and disease and vets will need to rule out a medical cause before solely looking at behavioural causes.

If you have a new puppy or dog, try starting your journey by house training them before developing on to basic tricks. If you and your dog are struggling, why not consider training classes?

Unfortunately anyone can call themselves a behaviour expert so it's very important to find a properly qualified trainer or behaviourist who has the appropriate qualifications, up to date knowledge and experience whilst using their skills in a way that doesn't put the welfare of dogs at risk.

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is the only charity dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals undergoing training or behaviour therapy. It also sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviour therapist, it also maintains the national registers of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists.