Train Smarter, Not Harder: All About Tools
Dog training tools are like all tools, they can be used correctly or incorrectly. Like some dog breeds, a lot of useful tools have gotten a bad wrap. This is mainly because people have not been educated on them and others have misused the dog training tools. This leads to even more controversy and pushback which hinders the collective progression of dog training and responsible pet ownership. It’s my hope to educate people on how to use the tools correctly so they train in an ethical way, create a more balanced and clear relationship with their dog, and help rewrite the narrative about these incredible and useful dog training tools.
When is the best time of day to train my dog?
A Full Belly makes it HARD to work. Treats are by far the most common training tool for dogs, but even treats are less appealing the fuller the belly becomes. Imagine eating multiple desserts after a full dinner. Humans have been able to shape dogs’ behaviors through their bellies from the instant dogs became domesticated. Just like humans, dogs want to be paid for the work they do and they are rewarded through food. Also like humans they want to be paid fairly and on time. Dogs are smart and efficient and will always take the easy route to success. Similar to humans they live by the mantra “work smarter not harder”, and if food is always free then they will no longer need to tap into their primal need to work to fill their belly. In other words, their motivation will dwindle.
It is important to use food as a tool to shape the way we’d like our dogs to act. One of the easiest ways to incorporate food for payment is a clicker. The clicker makes the same sound every time and lacks the emotional tonal shifts that the human voice relies on. When you classically condition your dog to understand that “click” equals food, you are left with a tool that allows you to clearly present what you are expecting from your dog in order to get paid.
Board + Train graduate Caesar showing off his training tools.
Tactile learning through guided pressure
Prong collars, slip leads, dominant dog collars, and e-collars use pressure to communicate. This method of pressure is similar to how dogs play with each other. Dogs use their teeth and jaws to communicate boundaries of what is appropriate and when a line is crossed. It’s how the mother communicates to her puppies and teaches them, it’s how the pack establishes boundaries as well. Just like having clear communication when it comes to food, the need for clear communication extends to training collars. When used correctly, these tools use pressure to help steer the dog towards the correct response. These tools should take little to almost no pressure to obtain the correct response.
Common mistakes
Issues that arise with dog training tools are easily avoidable with just a little understanding of why the user is not seeing the results they desire. Some common mistakes are the tool being too loose, using the wrong tool, using the tool as a punishment out of anger, using the incorrect amount of pressure, and applying pressure at the incorrect time.
Most dog collars are often too loose, requiring more force for less pressure. This creates inconsistent results. E-collars are either placed in the wrong spot or too loose and make a poor connection with the dog’s neck. This inconsistent application creates inconsistent results. Collars are placed too low on the neck or are not practiced in low-stress situations. Owners also make the mistake of not having enough slack on the leash to give any feedback to their dog.
Technology wins
E-collars are the cell phone of dog training, they allow the trainer to cut the cord of the leash and maintain clear communication wirelessly. While it may be tempting, you can’t receive the benefits of using an e-collar before you’ve done the work of on-leash dog training. As a review, you must first teach the dog what you want through clear communication and boundaries guided by on-leash pressure. Then, you can bridge between leash and e-collar by using your clicker and food. The seemingly magical transition happens when pressure from the e-collar is presented in a similar context to the previously learned on-leash pressure.
If dog training tools are so effective, why do I need a dog trainer?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s my passion to learn about the psychology and biology of dogs as well as the innovative new dog training tools we have at our disposal in this day and age. Through consistency and clear communication, you too can be the envy of the dog park. The right tools and education will bring you closer to your dog and I’m ready to help take you to the next level with your pup. Click here to be directed to my service page where you can find information on individual handler training as well as my popular board + train option available all year long. Stay tuned for my next blog post as we delve into the topic of dog nutrition and why it’s so important to invest in your furry friend’s diet!
If you are looking for a great recourse to fast-track your understanding of the e-collar check out this awesome short read from Larry Krohn.