17 Responses to “Dog training,reward or discipline?”

1. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Modern training methods that have been proven to be very effective involves training based on rewards. Positive dog training requires that you reward acceptable responses and ignore unacceptable ones. The only form of "punishments" acceptable are a firm "No" and ignoring the dog. This may often be supplemented by certain gadgets like Clickers to 'capture' and 'register' the moment with the dog.

   I have a 5-month old GSD and the reward system has worked miracles on him. Physical punishment can make the dog fearful and thus make him prone to biting in self-defense. Positive training makes sure that the dog is confident and happy. Dogs trained using positive methods are more attentive and do not cower from the master. The relationship between the dog and the master is one of respect. Dogs trained under this method WANT to please it's master as against being forced to.

   It has been suggested (though I don't subscribe to it) that old-fashioned methods take a shorter time to register than modern methods. I am not at all sure about that. I trained my dog to sit, stay and fetch in two 10-minute sessions by using the reward system.

2. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Dog training can be a positive and effective experience for the dog and you, if you are seen by your pooch as the leader. Punishment is not required for this. You say that the dog is responding awesomely to your training using positive reinforcement and that is great. You will encounter resistance by the dog at times and that is normal. Always be a consistent leader and the dog will want to learn. If you used only negative reinforcement such as hitting and yelling then what you are teaching the dog is to fear you and you will have a dog that will be inconsistent and perhaps dangerous. My suggestion is that you keep positive reinforcement (treats, "good dog", a quick pat) your main focus to lead your dog forward. Sometimes hitting the dog is necessary but reserve that for significant times when the dog is doing something the animal KNOWS it is not allowed to do. p.s. That rubbing the nose in the poop is not effective and is not something to be done ever.
3. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   when training a dog, both rewards and punishment are equally important. while rewading a dog with treats and praise is a great way to train,punishing it when it does somethin wrong is equally important. by punishment i mean a sharp no, turning away from him and refusing to engage,jerking his leash or if worse comes to worse a good shaking by the scruff. you should NEVER beat a dog as it will lead to many behavorial problems later in life. you want to train the dog,not break his spirit!
4. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Rewards, rubbing the nose in a potty accident doesn't teach any thing but to be afraid to go in front of you. If you catch a puppy in the act you yell something sharp to startle him and then take him out side immediately to show him the correct place to potty. The wrong kind of discipline makes the dog not trust you and could make them mean.You teach with patience, not strong discipline.Dogs should respect you, not fear you.
5. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Beating a dog and rubbing its nose in poop is neither training nor discipline. It's abuse and says more about the abuser that it says about dog training. These type need some of their own medicine.

   I train my dogs with praise and treats. I'm not a purely positive trainer because I do verbally correct them. I say Ah Ah in a stern voice and will give the leash a good pop on a dog who pulls.
   I do not lay a hand on my dogs except in kindness. I love my dogs and would never hit them or abuse them in any way and my dogs are obedient, well behaved dogs.

6. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   you can correct/discipline a dog without being overly harsh…

   it really depends on what you want…

   a dog that is taught to obey using harsh techniques is doing so out of fear…is that what you want?

   a dog that learns through positive reinforcement and slight and fair corrections learns to respect you as a leader and obeys because they trust you.

   I had much rather a dog be obedient because it enjoys being obedient and trust me as his/her leader than a dog that is scared to death of me…

   I am not a "clicker" only trainer that never uses negative reinforcement and I do not believe in harsh abuse to train…there is a happy middle ground where you can teach a dog without hurting it or "breaking it down"…it really depends on the dog…i have a dog i'm training now that i use a pinch collar with because he is hard and a bit stubborn…treats only clicker training would never work with him…however, my female would shut down if i tugged on her leash too hard so i handle her a bit differently, she gets more verbal praise.

   I very rarely treat my dogs for rewards unless we are working on something special.

7. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Hi. I am a Dog Trainer/Behavior Specialist with 25 yrs of experience raising, training, showing & rescuing dogs. You are absolutely on the right track using treats. Positive Reinforcement is the best way to raise and train your puppy. Harsh, punishment type training breaks the dogs spirit. The dogs are obedient out of fear, not because of the dogs will to please.
   Feel free to contact me for help training your puppy. My name is Andrea Sommer, and my business is Sommer Oaks Dog Training. I can be reached at 831-524-3773, or at sommeroaksranch@charter.net
   Treats as a reward are the best way to start, but it is best to gradually eliminate treats and praise with your voice, body language, and a scratch on the chest – or whatever physical praise your dog responds to.
   You also need to learn CORRECTIONS for misbehavior. Not punishment. The corrections you use depend on what misbehavior you are dealing with. Corrections should be quick and to the point, then move on to something positive.
   I wish you the best of luck with your puppy. I hope to hear from you
   For the Love of Dogs~
   Andrea
8. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   Beating your dog is NEVER a good way to train it, let alone make it love you. When you do that they will be afraid of going near you. But they will also listen to almost every word you say.

   However, when you reward your dog with treats it is happy to listen once trained thinking it will get a treat or a good rub and will also love you, since you are the supplier of all the yummy food!

9. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
   You should reward and discipline both, in moderation.

   Punishment should NEVER be used. Correction, yes. I find a sharp, "AHH!" Works better on my dog than scaring/hitting the crud out of him like my father tried. Only taught him to fear males. :/

   I'm pretty sure mine is one of the most obedient dogs in existence. I can trust him on and off lead, and he follows through within a couple seconds of me giving the command.

   My dog has NEVER been hit by me, and he respects me like crazy. Because of him respecting me, if he is doing something, and I give him the "Acht!" He stops immediately.

   Something that I have had extreme success with is NILIF training. http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

   Add: Ali, settle down. The dog is not being beaten.

10. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    I like using treats. However, I believe in being "firm" too. I don't mean yelling, I mean being serious when you're training them. Not all "Ok honey, now sit. Sit for mummy." Dogs can tell when you're not confident.

    The dogs that are trained with just discipline might end up being trained faster than the ones with treats, but the dogs also tend to be a little reserved. They seem to be a bit skittish and shy. I'd rather have my training take a bit longer and have a more well rounded dog.
    Treats shouldn't be used for *all* training. That just makes them obese. lol! Rewarding them with a walk or a new toy is a good substitute. (Many people say dogs don't care about new toys. I can honestly say that my dog gets SO excited when he sees that I bought him a new toy. He paws at it, pounces on it, and then he takes it to sleep with him.)

11. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    oh my god do NOT BEAT UR DOG!!!!

    when u were a baby did ur parents beat u or rub ur nose in poop when u did something wrong? no, i doubt it.
    Yes i think u r doing the right thing by using treats and praise this is what i used on my dogs. it is the humane method. prons and cons…

    DICIPLINE:

    Pros:
    Well trained…eventually
    Poops and wees outside the house, wherever u want it to
    Does whatever u say
    DOesnt run off and play

    Cons:
    IS afraid of u
    Is afrais to have fun, live life and be a dog.

    PRAISE:

    Pros:
    Responds well and quickly
    Loves learning
    Enjoys ur company
    Isnt afraid to be wrong sometimes
    Wants cuddles and love from u
    will have fun and play

    Cons:
    THERE IS NONE EXCEPT…
    Money spent on DOG TREATS

12. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    This harsh discipline is no better for a dog than it is for a child. Consistency and REWARD! Not just food in its mouth. A rub down or a Good Dog with a loving voice. A ride in the car ETC! Punishment should be kennel time not this other stuff you Speak of. Get your self a manuel on Obedience training. This other stuff could make your dog Mean.
13. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    Do you want a dog that fears you or one that respects you?

    If you are fair, firm and consistent you will win the respect of your dog.

    The dog must understand what you want before you can expect him to obey you. That takes time and consistent repetition.

14. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    why would you even ask this question?beating or rubbing it in poop is animal abuse not puishment.punishment is a firm "no" or time in a crate.NEVER hit ur dog, it will only teach it to avoid you.
15. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    I choose the reward method I think it produces results faster and it doesn't break the animals spirit.
16. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    reward..
    don't try to punish it..
    or it might fight back..
    and be less obedient..
    it might think that you're warning him not to sit when you say "sit"..
    ^^
17. admin on June 22nd, 2009 7:32 pm
    When it dose something bad scold it but when it dose good praise and reward it.

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