Here at Jumojo's we believe in using postive and motivational training methods.
This page will explain our training philosophies.
The Whys, What Fors, and Hows of Positive Motivational Training
Positive motivational training develops:
- TRUST between handler and the dog
- a dog with a LOVE of learning
- a THINKING dog
- a CONFIDENT dog
- a well-TRAINED dog
We've all had experiences with bosses, parents, teachers, or friends who
have "taught" us something through negative reinforcment. Have you ever had an experience where you performed a new
task without being shown how - and then got reprimanded because you did not do it correctly? When this happened,
how did you feel about the person who reprimanded you? Most likely you were angry at the person who yelled at you, felt
somewhat bad for doing it wrong, and also were a little indignant and confused that you were being yelled at for something
that you had no idea about. How do you suppose our dogs feel when we say a foreign word they've never heard before (like
'Sit') and then pop them on the collar when they don't DO what we TOLD THEM??
Too often, trainers and training classes stress using choke or pinch
collars as the primary training aid for your dog. These types of training collars are important tools, but in most cases
they should only be used AFTER your dog has already learned a lesson. Below are the phases of training our dogs go through:
The most important thing ot realize is that no matter what the age of your dog - when you are teaching it
something new it is just that - SOMETHING NEW. It is OUR job to explain to the dog what we want of it, and to make the
dog want to perform the activity. Treats, praise, and toys are used to "trick" the dog into what we want it to do, and
to reward the dog for the correct behavior. Training completely new behaviors such as this is done in an environment
the dog is familiar with with no distractions for the dog.
After the dog learns the new behavior we will then begin to proof that behavior. Proofing means that
we work with the dog and its new learned behavior or trick, under different circumstances to help teach the dog that no matter
what - the dog is expected to perform action X when Y (command/hand signal) occurs. An example best demonstrates this
philosophy:
1) We teach sit outside or in the kitchen without other people around. Dog masters this.
2) We teach sit with other members of our family nearby. Dog masters this.
3) We teach sit outside with the kitties running around. Dog masters this.
4) We teach sit at an outside location where the dog does not frequently go (new smells and surroundings).
Dog masters this.
5) We teach sit inside a pet store with LOTS of distraction. Dog masters this.
6) We take the dog to obedience class and teach it to sit with all the distractions this brings. Dog
masters this.
After step 6, your dog probably knows how to sit. This may sound like a lot of training for one command,
but if you do not have a dog, talk to friends or neighbors with dogs. I'll bet a dime to a dollar if they haven't done
this type of training in some variation they will tell you their dog is great at home but not in the park/at the vets/when
friends come over.
It is also important to realize that actually each of the exercises ARE different exercises for the dog.
It takes an increasing level of focus and attention, and understanding that the command sit means sit (No matter what!) from
your dog or puppy as they go through these phases.
So, when does correction come in? Correction is used AFTER your dog has consistently shown you he
or she understands the command without ANY doubt, in any of the steps shown above. After your dog has this level of
understanding with the command, then you may correct it ONLY within the level of training that it has this understanding.
For example, if you have mastered Step 3 with your dog, then you can correct it for not obeying on Step 3. However,
you can NOT correct it for not obeying on Step 4. In effect, correction is ONLY used when the dog has learned a behavior,
beyond a doubt, 100%, but refuses to comply with the command and exhibit the behavior when requested.
