by Scott Sylte

Created on: October 23, 2010   Last Updated: October 25, 2010

Positive reinforcement, rewards, praise, positive language tones, positive attitudes are far superior to "correction-based" or negative training methods as I refer to them. Correction-based, negative reinforcement, punishment oriented training methods don't work with humans, why would anyone expect the same repetition of negative-based training methods to work with canines?

When the focus of working with your dog becomes one of providing a healthy, safe, caring environment, growing a bond of loyalty, fairness, love, trust and respect is what almost naturally occurs. If this is how you treat your dog there is practically no need to "train" him, he will automatically show you the same respect. One of dog's strongest motivations is the desire to please the person with whom they've bonded. That's how feral dogs respond to each other. This faulty idea about alpha dogs and that humans must assume the alpha position is based upon a very faulty understanding of canine behavior. This "ALPHA idea has not really held water, it's been scientifically studied through close documented observations for many years among feral dogs, coyotes, wolves, hyenas, foxes, etc.

There is one technique I use which might be considered correction-based by some, but in reality it is not. That is what I and others who understand canine behavior call "pinning." When a dog does something which is out of the realm of canine behavior, such as an over stimulated act of aggression, protectiveness, etc. the handler simply "pins" the dog by placing his hand on the dog's withers and holds him down for a moment, then releases him.

Nothing has to be said as this is what dogs will naturally do to other dogs who exhibit behavior outside of their hierarchical status. This really is a more reinforcement than correction. It reinforces the idea in the dog's mind that they were behaving outside the realm of their hierarchical status. People also do this and it can be done both in positive or negative ways. Negative, correction-based training generally gives rise to resentment and fear. There are many business management styles based on fear and dominance, I know of no workers under those circumstances who are happy, healthy and well balanced at those workplaces. It is never a good thing for your dog to fear or not respect you.

If you and you dog have formed an excellent human-canine bond, your dog will almost instinctively know what you want or need him to do and even do things

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