by L. Woodrow Ross

Created on: July 31, 2010

Gender definitely affects the methods that trainers should use with dogs. The way that the animals react to different aspects of training are distinctly different. A knowledgeable trainer will take this into consideration when working with dogs.

Male dogs are more aggressive in most cases. There are exceptions to any statement, but in general, this is an accurate statement. You can use techniques in training males that would be too harsh for females. By the same token, if you use the same technique for males that you have for females in the past, you might learn that they are less than successful.

Males require a firm hand and more discipline than females. They are more concerned with their desires than pleasing the owner. You must overcome these traits and teach the animal that the things that you require of him are in his best interests and may also be fun for him as well. Harsh treatment is never a good way to train an animal, but a firm voice and absolute control in the early stages of training may be required for males.

Female dogs, on the other hand, are more compliant and eager to please their masters. If training techiniques are too agressive with females, it can lead to problems. In bird dogs, problems such as "blinking" or avoiding pointing birds to escape discipline if a bird is flushed by the dog's eagerness may result. Gentler methods, less harsh sounding commands and more kind attention seems to work best with female dogs.

In all cases, with young dogs, trainings sessions should be short to avoid boring the dog. Later, they may be extended after the dog learns what is required and it becomes more eager to participate. Praise of the animal when it performs properly is one of the best tool in the trainer's arsenal. Some trainers use treats to get animals to perform, but this is not necessary. Almost all dogs value their master's praise above all else. You should be quick to praise and cautious to reprimand in working with young dogs.

There are distinct differences in training methods required for each sex of dogs, but there are unique differences in individual animals in each sex. Trainers need to be able to discern these differences and adapt their training methods. If the wrong approach is used in training, a potentially great dog may be ruined and never reach its potential. That is the fault of the trainer and not the dog.

Common sense and keen observation of the animals being trained are traits that will serve a trainer well. As an old hunter once said, "A man has to be smarter than the dog to train him."

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