Concept Training For Dogs: The Fun Way To Train, Play & Bond
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Are dogs truly pack animals driven by dominance, as many believe? Or is dominance theory just a misguided concept that has been widely misunderstood and perpetuated over the years? In this article, we delve into the science behind dominance theory in dogs to separate fact from fiction.
Dominance theory suggests that dogs exhibit a hierarchical pack structure and strive to assert dominance over other pack members, including humans. Proponents of this theory advocate for a more authoritarian approach to dog training, emphasising the need for owners to establish their dominance as the “alpha” in the relationship.
However, recent research in animal behaviour and psychology challenges this traditional belief. Scientific studies indicate that dogs don’t operate solely based on dominance hierarchies. Instead, their behaviour is influenced by a variety of factors, including individual personalities, socialisation, and training methods.
By exploring the latest scientific evidence, we aim to shed light on the complexity of dog behaviour and provide a more nuanced understanding of dominance theory. Join us as we uncover the truth about dominance theory in dogs and explore the most effective and humane ways to train our furry companions.
Dominance theory actually has its roots in the study of wolf behaviour. The word alpha was first introduced to the published world of popular dog training by David Mech in 1970, whose work was not based on his own scientific studies, but the citation of Rudolph Shenkel, who had published his WOLF research in the 40s. And what was Shenkel’s work based on? The captive wolf study went something like this…
Imagine a scientist visits 25 countries, plucks a human being from each of them, against their will, and drops them all into a foreign and inescapable environment together without warning or explanation. These human beings share no language, no shared culture or community and are inherently traumatised by recent events. Think this sounds a lot more like The Hunger Games, than real life? Well Shenkel’s wolves felt exactly the same.
To reasonably expect that these people (or wolves) are going to behave calmly, objectively and civilly towards one another in this set up is incredibly unrealistic – rather it’s far more likely that there’s going to be a massive display of stress-induced resource hoarding, aggression and violence.
This was exactly the situation that Shenkel’s wolves found themselves in and so that’s exactly how Schenkel’s wolves behaved. If aliens landed in the centre of this hypothetical human experiment and determined that normal human society and familial relationships operated akin to what they saw before them, it would sit in stark contrast to an alien landing in your family home and observing how you engage with your children, your parents and your friends on a day-to-day basis. And this is exactly what Mech went on to discover, over the next 40 years of researching WILD wolves in their NATURAL habitat. In fact, in 13 years of studying a single wolf pack structure, not once did he ever observe a single contest of dominance. Mech himself refuses to even use the term alpha anymore, citing that wolves in the wild live in family units, with parents leading the pack through cooperation and mutual respect, rather than dominance.
This misunderstanding of wolf behaviour has led to the misinterpretation and misapplication of dominance theory in dog training. Instead of recognizing the unique social dynamics of dogs, many dog owners have mistakenly believed that they need to assert dominance over their pets to establish control.
Dominance theory in dogs revolves around the idea that dogs are constantly striving to be the “alpha” in their pack, which includes their human family. Advocates of this theory believe that dogs should be submissive to their owners and that any sign of disobedience or challenge should be met with immediate correction or punishment.
Central to dominance theory is the concept of “alpha rolls,” where owners physically force their dogs onto their backs as a show of dominance. However, this approach is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful, and certainly dangerous. It can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, as they perceive such actions as threatening and invasive.
Furthermore, dominance theory fails to account for the individuality of dogs and their unique personalities. The truth is, each dog is different, with distinct temperaments and preferences. Treating all dogs as if they are driven by dominance undermines their individuality and can hinder their training and development.
In recent years, scientific studies have provided compelling evidence against dominance theory in dogs. One study conducted by Dr. Barry Eaton and his team at the University of Nottingham found that dogs do not exhibit consistent dominant or submissive behaviours. Instead, their behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors.
The study involved observing a large sample of dogs in various social contexts, including interactions with other dogs, humans, and in their home environments. The researchers found that dogs displayed a wide range of behaviours, with no clear dominance hierarchy emerging. Instead, they observed that dogs were more likely to engage in cooperative behaviours and form social bonds based on trust and mutual respect.
Another study conducted by Dr. Monique Udell at Oregon State University focused on the effects of training methods on dog behaviour. The research showed that dogs trained using positive reinforcement and reward-based methods exhibited more obedient and cooperative behaviour compared to dogs trained using dominance-based methods.
These studies and others like them have challenged the notion that dogs are driven by dominance and require an authoritarian approach to training. Instead, they highlight the importance of understanding dogs as individuals and using humane and effective training methods based on positive reinforcement.
As dominance theory has been called into question, alternative theories on dog behaviour and training have emerged. One such theory is the “relationship-based” approach, which emphasises building a strong bond between dogs and their owners through trust, communication, and positive reinforcement.
This approach recognizes that dogs are social animals that thrive on positive interactions and cooperation. By focusing on strengthening the bond between owners and their dogs, relationship-based training aims to create a harmonious and mutually respectful partnership.
Another alternative theory is the “cognitive-emotional” approach, which explores the cognitive and emotional processes that shape dog behaviour. This theory recognizes that dogs have complex cognitive abilities and experience a range of emotions similar to humans.
By understanding the cognitive and emotional aspects of dog behaviour, trainers can tailor their methods to meet the individual needs of each dog. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of dogs as sentient beings and encourages empathy and compassion in training.
Applying dominance theory in dog training can have serious consequences for both dogs and their owners. The use of aversive techniques, such as physical punishment or alpha rolls, can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. These methods erode the trust and bond between dogs and their owners, making training more challenging and potentially damaging the dog-owner relationship.
Furthermore, dominance-based methods often fail to address the underlying causes of undesirable behaviours in dogs. Instead of understanding the root of the behaviour and providing appropriate training and guidance, dominance theory focuses on exerting control through punishment. This approach does not address the emotional needs of dogs and can exacerbate behavioural issues.
In addition, dominance theory can perpetuate a negative cycle of fear and aggression. Dogs that are subjected to punishment or forced submission are more likely to exhibit fearful or aggressive behaviours as a defence mechanism. This not only puts the dog and its owners at risk but also perpetuates the misconception that certain breeds or individual dogs are inherently aggressive or dominant.
In contrast to dominance-based methods, positive reinforcement and rewards-based training methods have been shown to be more effective and humane. These methods focus on rewarding desired behaviours with praise, treats, or play, rather than punishing unwanted behaviours.
Positive reinforcement encourages dogs to repeat behaviours that are rewarded, leading to faster and more reliable results in training. It also fosters a positive and trusting relationship between dogs and their owners, enhancing the bond and cooperation.
Rewards-based training methods also promote mental stimulation and engagement, as dogs actively participate in the learning process. By using rewards that are meaningful to the individual dog, trainers can motivate and inspire dogs to learn and perform desired behaviours willingly.
To truly understand dog behaviour, it is essential to adopt a modern and evidence-based perspective. This means recognizing that dogs are complex beings influenced by a variety of factors, including their genetics, early socialisation, and individual experiences.
Understanding dog behaviour from a modern perspective involves considering the dog’s emotional and cognitive needs. It requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to adapt training methods to suit the unique needs of each dog.
By focusing on positive reinforcement, rewards-based training, and building a strong bond based on trust and mutual respect, dog owners can create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with their furry companions.
Do dogs need leadership and guidance? Absolutely. Do dogs need to be physically dominated to be well-behaved? Absolutely not. As we have seen, physical punishment and dominance-based methods can have detrimental effects on a dog’s behaviour and well-being, whilst positive reinforcement and rewards-based methods have been proven to be more effective and humane in achieving desired behaviours.
It is also important to dispel the myth that dogs are constantly vying for dominance over their owners. Dogs do not have a desire to dominate humans; their behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors, and they simply seek guidance, structure, and positive interactions. By providing clear communication, consistent training, and a nurturing environment, dog owners can foster a healthy and balanced relationship with their pets.
As our understanding of dog behaviour continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed and open-minded. By embracing evidence-based training methods and recognizing the individuality of dogs, we can provide them with the care, guidance, and love they deserve.
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Dog trainers for reactive dogs are often called upon in cases of barking, lunging, or dogs showing signs of aggression towards other dogs or people – an increasingly common behavioural problem.
Is your dog reactive and difficult to handle? If so, you’re not alone. Many dog owners struggle with reactive dogs and the challenges they present. That’s where professional dog trainers come in. In this article, we will explore how professional dog trainers effectively manage reactive dogs, providing insights and strategies that can make a real difference in your dog’s behaviour.
With years of experience and expertise, good professional dog trainers have a deep understanding of canine behaviour and psychology, and experience across a wide variety of cases has shown them the importance of positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to help shift a dog’s reactive behaviour. By identifying triggers, implementing desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques, alongside working on impulse control, trainers help break the cycle of reactivity.
Whether through one-on-one sessions or group classes, professional dog trainers create tailored training programs specific to your dog’s needs. They focus on building a strong foundation of trust, communication, and obedience, enabling your reactive dog to become more confident and better equipped to handle challenging situations. Over my years working on reactivity cases, I’ve developed an in-depth rehabilitation programme for reactive dogs which coaches owners through the training process. So many owners struggle on a daily basis, and yet feel isolated and alone either because they have no idea where to start, can’t afford the help they need, or – perhaps most dangerously of all – have been given entirely the wrong advice.
This is why I’ve chosen to make my unique training programme available to every struggling owner, for an incredibly affordable price.
If you’re struggling with a reactive dog, don’t lose hope. Professional dog trainers have the skills and knowledge to help you break the cycle and transform your dog’s behaviour.
Reactive dogs are dogs that display an exaggerated response to certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or even specific objects. This reactivity can manifest in various ways, including barking, growling, lunging, or even aggressive behaviour. It is important to note that reactive behaviour in dogs is not necessarily a sign of aggression but rather a response to fear, anxiety, or frustration.
Reactivity in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lack of socialisation, traumatic experiences, or even medical conditions. Understanding the underlying reasons for your dog’s reactivity is crucial in effectively managing and addressing their behaviour. Professional dog trainers are skilled in identifying the triggers and root causes of reactivity, allowing them to develop tailored training programs to help your dog overcome their reactive behaviour.
Managing reactive dogs requires a combination of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. By creating a safe and controlled environment, trainers can gradually expose reactive dogs to their triggers at a distance that does not induce a reactive response. This process, known as desensitisation, helps the dog develop a more positive association with the trigger, gradually reducing their reactivity over time. Additionally, counterconditioning techniques are used to replace the dog’s negative emotional response with a more positive one, further helping to break the cycle of reactivity.
Reactivity in dogs can have a significant impact not only on the dog but also on their owners. Dogs that are reactive may experience heightened stress levels, leading to a lower quality of life. They may struggle with fear and anxiety, making it difficult for them to engage in normal activities or enjoy social interactions. Similarly, owners of reactive dogs often face challenges in managing their dog’s behaviour, which can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and even isolation.
Professional dog trainers understand the emotional toll that reactivity can take on both the dog and their owners. They provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment, guiding owners through the process of managing and training their reactive dogs. By equipping owners with the necessary skills and knowledge, trainers empower them to effectively address their dog’s reactivity and improve the overall well-being of both the dog and their owner.
While it is possible for dog owners to address their dog’s reactivity on their own, the expertise and guidance of a professional dog trainer can greatly accelerate the process and increase the likelihood of success. Professional dog trainers have extensive knowledge and experience in working with reactive dogs, allowing them to develop customised training plans tailored to each dog’s specific needs.
Through one-on-one sessions or group classes, professional dog trainers provide a structured and controlled environment for reactive dogs to learn and grow. They focus on building a strong foundation of trust, communication, and obedience, which is essential for managing reactivity. Trainers also teach owners effective techniques for managing their dog’s behaviour, ensuring consistency and reinforcing positive behaviours… all of which is included in my reactivity rehab programme.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful training technique used by professional dog trainers to manage reactive behaviour. This technique involves rewarding desired behaviours with treats, praise, or play, creating a positive association in the dog’s mind. By consistently rewarding calm and non-reactive behaviour, trainers can reinforce the desired response and gradually reduce reactivity.
Counterconditioning and desensitisation are two closely related techniques used to help reactive dogs overcome their triggers. Counterconditioning involves pairing the trigger with something the dog perceives as positive, such as treats or play, to change their emotional response. Desensitisation, on the other hand, involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger at a distance that does not induce a reactive response, allowing them to become more comfortable and less reactive over time.
In addition to training techniques, professional dog trainers also emphasise the importance of implementing management strategies for reactive dogs. These strategies may include the use of tools such as head halters or body harnesses, which provide better control and reduce the risk of injury during training sessions. Another management technique is to use a front-clip harness during walks, which provides better control over the dog’s movements and can help redirect their attention away from triggers. It’s important to use these tools correctly and consult with a professional trainer to ensure they are fitted properly and used appropriately.Trainers also emphasise the importance of creating a calm and structured environment for the dog, minimising triggers and providing ample mental and physical stimulation.
Consistency and patience are key when it comes to training reactive dogs. Professional dog trainers emphasise the need for owners to be consistent in their training approach, using the same cues, rewards, and techniques to reinforce desired behaviours. It is important to remember that progress may be slow, and setbacks are common. Patience is crucial in allowing the dog to learn at their own pace and overcome their reactive behaviour gradually.
The journey of managing a reactive dog can be challenging, but with the help of professional dog trainers, many owners have achieved remarkable results. Stories of once-reactive dogs who are now able to calmly interact with other dogs and people are not uncommon. These success stories are a testament to the effectiveness of professional training and the transformative impact it can have on both the dog and their owner.
If you’re struggling with a reactive dog, don’t lose hope. Professional dog trainers have the skills and knowledge to help you break the cycle and transform your dog’s behaviour. Through a combination of positive reinforcement, counterconditioning, desensitisation, and management techniques, trainers can help your dog become more confident and better equipped to handle challenging situations.
Remember, managing reactivity takes time, patience, and consistency. Celebrate the small victories along the way and seek support from professional trainers who can provide guidance and expertise. Together, you can break the cycle of reactivity and create a harmonious relationship between you and your dog.
With the right guidance, support, and training, even the most reactive dogs can overcome their fears and become well-adjusted, happy pets.
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Since Covid hit, we’ve all had to pivot and find new ways of tackling old problems, situations and challenges. And whilst we’ve all been stuck at home, dog training, of course, has been no exception. We’ve always been allowed that one critical outdoor excursion per day, but we’ve spent a great deal of time unable to attend not only training classes, puppy parties and canine competitions… but our own everyday social events too. Dog training at home has been literally our only option, and for seasoned owners and new-puppy parents alike, this has posed its own unique set of challenges.
First of all, let me be clear… skipping out on those noisy church-halls filled with squealing pups, squeaky chairs and sneaky side eyes from your fellow students is not all-bad. In fact, it’s a pretty awesome opportunity to do some incredible dog training at home that you will really see the benefit from.
Why? Because training classes can be an overwhelming, and distraction-rich environment for your dog… and this is not an optimum situation to learn in.
The truth is, you go to the training class not because your dog is going to learn a new behaviour there and then. You go so that YOU can learn exactly how to teach that behaviour, and then implement your training at home.
Imagine teaching someone to drive a car for the first time. I doubt you’d deliver the first lesson with the radio turned up, at night, in the rain, and ask them to simultaneously follow sat-nav instructions, whilst you ride shotgun and explain the basics of clutch control.
Think back to your first driving lesson, and how you needed a quiet (deserted!) road and a silent distraction-free car, to deal with even the tiniest nugget of info from your instructor. Sure, 3 years down the line you can change gears and switch lanes on auto-pilot, with the radio on and your best friend nattering beside you. But it wasn’t the environment you learnt in. And the same goes for dogs.
In the world of dog training, this is often referred to as the ‘proofing’ process. New cues and behaviours are taught in familiar-distraction-free environments, where your puppy or dog is set up to succeed! The distractions and challenges are added later, one by one, to build a truly bomb-proof dog. Sounds like training your dog at home certainly ticks that box, right?!
Next up: humans can find training classes overwhelming too. Comparisonitus can often kick in when the poodle next to you seems to be excelling in comparison to your pup, and it can be tricky for instructors to give quality one-to-one advice when there is a large group of owners and dogs to manage.
So we’ve established that training your puppy or dog at home can provide a better environment for both the dog to learn in, and for the owner to teach in… but now you’re on your own! What do you teach your dog? And how do you teach it? And how long should it take? And how often should your ‘lessons’ be?
We obviously live in an age where we’ve grown accustomed to turning to our good friend Google for answers to any and all of our questions. And the internet can be a great resource – but of course, when it comes to dog training, you can easily find yourself instantly overwhelmed by the plethora of opposing opinions, arguments and training methods out there. You could read one article, and immediately follow it up with a second, on the same topic, that contradicts the first entirely.
Crate training is good. Crate training is bad. Punishment is cruel. Punishment is effective. Punishment is great. Punishment is dangerous. Feed dry food. Feed raw. Never mix the two. You can mix the two! I could go on all day.
In all honesty, it’s up to you which approach you decide to adopt. Obviously here at Listen Dog Training, we advocate a reinforcement-rich positive approach to dog training, based on the science of concept training (you can read more about that right here!) but if that’s not for you, you’re bound to find an approach that fits your own training philosophy in readily available books and articles produced by qualified and respected trainers.
But once you have done your research, and you have all the information you need on what you want to train, and how to train it… there’s something else you need. And without this, it doesn’t matter what method you plan to use – you will not get the results you’re hoping for. What is it?
Consistency.
The fantastic thing about dog training classes, is they keep you very accountable when it comes to making progress with your pup. You have to keep going back, week after week… it’s embarrassing if you haven’t put the work in and your dog isn’t shaping up quite as progressively as all the others! This fear of not measuring up in class, keeps us persisting, and practising those exercises, and building on our successes.
And without this, consistent, repetitive approach to training, you cannot expect your dog to consistently deliver strong reliable reactions to cues, or good behavioral choices in everyday life. It’s the difference between cramming for an exam the night before, or putting the hours of revision in, for months beforehand. Which one leaves you feeling confident in the exam room? Which one means you can trust your dog off-lead in a park full of tempting distractions? The recall you practised for a day, or the recall you taught slowly, from the foundations up, proofed and proofed some more, and rehearsed daily?
At Listen Dog Training, we are all about keeping you persistent, consistent and successful – which is why so much work goes into our dog training planner range!
Designed to help you turn your four-legged fiend into your next passion project, and guide you through an easy, enjoyable and addictive way to transform both of your lives for the better, our planners have been utilised by dog trainers and pet owners around the world.
No matter where you and your dog are at in your dog training journey, there is a planner for you, packed with training games, exercises, training methods and more to ensure you achieve your goals.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day… but it was built! Which means you can achieve incredible results, if you put the time in, and stay consistent!
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