Because there are so many popular dog training methods available in Malaysia, it can be challenging to choose which one is best for your dog and you as a pet owner.
You’re not alone if you find it overwhelming and perplexing. Even among the group of professionals that train dogs, there is a considerable lot of dispute over which techniques are morally and effectively done, and for the greatest outcomes, several techniques overlap or are utilized simultaneously.
Below are a few method or ways that usually used by a dog trainer to conduct a dog training in Leowon Whisperer, #1 Dog Training Specialist in Selangor, Malaysia.
Positive reinforcement
Its underlying notion is quite simple. When a positive action is followed by a reward, dogs will repeat it. Bad conduct is not acknowledged or rewarded. If punishment is required, it takes the form of elimination of incentives, such as taking away a toy or treat. Physical or harsh penalties are not required.
This dog training technique starts by rewarding a desirable behavior as soon as it occurs, within seconds. In this manner, the dog learns to link the behavior to the benefit.
This approach is sometimes used in conjunction with dog clicker training. This provides the dog with a clear indication of the precise instant the activity was finished. Additionally, commands must be direct and succinct.
Besides, consistency is needed for positive reinforcement. As a result, your entire household must employ the identical directives and incentives in order for the training to be successful.
Start by rewarding your dog consistently for good behavior. As the behavior becomes consistent, gradually transition to intermittent rewards. Beginner dog trainers can mistakenly reinforce inappropriate conduct. For instance, if the dog starts barking at a squirrel or another dog, they could let the dog outside.
Also, a rewards, which can include sweets, toys, praise, and even pets, are only given for desired behaviour. When your dog is learning, it may also be simple to overfeed sometimes, so use tiny treats when you are awarding with food to avoid overfeeding.
This approach is excellent for dogs in learning dog commands, but it requires patience to stop undesirable habits.
Alpha/Dominance Dog Training
The goal of the alpha or dominance dog training method is to place your dog under you in the “pack structure.”
Positive punishment plays a significant role in dominance training. This can entail giving your dog “corrections” for bad conduct, including rolling him onto his back and putting him in a submissive position aka an alpha roll.
Setting ground rules is also necessary for alpha-based training, such as leading your dog at all times through doorways and on walks, and only allowing him to eat after you have completed supper and given him permission to do so.
In alpha-based training regimens, vibrating collars or electrical static collars are frequently utilized to provide punishments.
Be aware that some trainers who emphasize alpha/dominance also use positive reinforcement throughout training. Positive reinforcement and positive consequences used in tandem by trainers are known as a “balanced method” or “balanced training.” The word, however, is deceptive in the eyes of many who advocate positive punishment due to the dangers it presents.
Although we’ve indicated there are many methods to teach your dog, we do not advise alpha / dominance training because it has been thoroughly disproved by science and may seriously harm your bond with your dog.
Instilling dread and mistrust in a dog through dominance training results in a bad connection and has even been linked to an increase in aggressiveness. After all, when they’re scared, dogs behave aggressively.
Having said that, there is nothing wrong with acting as your dog’s leader. True excellent leaders, on the other hand, steer with gentleness rather than using intimidation and terror.
Clicker training
Positive reinforcement is a key component of clicker training, which is also based on operant conditioning. In actuality, rather than being considered a distinct type of training, clicker training might be categorized as a positive reinforcement technique.
It uses a whistle or, as the name implies, a clicker to generate a short, sharp noise to let a dog know when a desired action has been achieved.
The benefit of clicker training is that it indicates precisely when the required action has been completed and what is being rewarded. Trainers can then add vocal orders and mould new behaviors using the clicker.
Before that, the dog must first be trained to associate a click with a forthcoming reward. The dog may then link a particular behavior to a click and a reward. The verbal instruction can then be used to establish a new relationship.
This is a fantastic way to pick up new skills and it may help turn simple jobs into more challenging ones. This technique is popular among professional dog trainers Malaysia.
Clicker training is excellent for teaching new behaviors, but it may not be the best method for reducing undesirable ones. It may be quite useful when combined with other training techniques to ensure that your dog is well-trained and mannered.
Relationship-based training
Relationship-based training integrates a number of different training philosophies but is more customized for both the dog and the human. Everything is driven by the interaction between a dog and a person.
This approach aims to satisfy the requirements of both the dog and the trainer, promote communication, and deepen their relationship. Basically, it’s about having an advantage for both parties.
Before each dog training session starts, the owner must be able to read their dog’s body language, choose the incentives that will encourage them the most, and provide for their fundamental requirements. Good habits are encouraged by positive reinforcement.
The dog’s surroundings are managed to prevent any undesirable habits. New knowledge is based on earlier achievements.
A strong and meaningful link results from this relationship-based training, but it requires time and persistence. It might not offer enough to set it apart from other training techniques, but rather, it seems to incorporate a lot of their best features.
There are a few circumstances that you should send your dogs for obedience training in exchange for a harmonious relationship. Regardless of the dog training technique you choose, you could discover that your relationship with your dog gets better, and that connection will undoubtedly encourage you to keep training your dog in the future.