By now, many people are familiar with the idea that using aversives to train dogs can have side effects. Studies show a correlation between aversive techniques (such as hitting, pinning, leash jerks and shock) and behaviour problems like aggression (Herron et al 2009; Casey et al 2014). One study found dogs in a training class that used aversives showed signs of stress and were less likely to look at their owners than in a similar class that used positive reinforcement instead (Deldalle and Gaunet, 2014).
Rewards bring benefits: dogs with a history of reward-based training are better able to learn a new task (Rooney and Cowan, 2011). Nicola Rooney and Sarah Cowan say this may work “by increasing the dog’s motivation and aptitude to learn, because it learns to anticipate rewards.” If you are used to training with rewards, you know that look of happy anticipation on your best friend’s face. (Incidentally, the same study found dogs previously trained with punishment were less playful with their owner and less likely to go up to a new person).
There’s increasing recognition that good animal welfare includes giving animals positive experiences that cause positive affective states. In other words, it’s about making animals happy. Training your dog gives them control: “If I do this behaviour, I’ll get a nice reward.” They enjoy it and become better learners.
Rewards bring benefits: dogs with a history of reward-based training are better able to learn a new task (Rooney and Cowan, 2011). Nicola Rooney and Sarah Cowan say this may work “by increasing the dog’s motivation and aptitude to learn, because it learns to anticipate rewards.” If you are used to training with rewards, you know that look of happy anticipation on your best friend’s face. (Incidentally, the same study found dogs previously trained with punishment were less playful with their owner and less likely to go up to a new person).
There’s increasing recognition that good animal welfare includes giving animals positive experiences that cause positive affective states. In other words, it’s about making animals happy. Training your dog gives them control: “If I do this behaviour, I’ll get a nice reward.” They enjoy it and become better learners.
Last year I wrote about a study by Ragen McGowan et al that found dogs prefer to work to earn a reward, rather than just be given the reward. The study had an ingenious design in which dogs were taught a set of tricks using some novel equipment. Sometimes they got the reward for doing the trick; other times they just got the reward anyway.
Dr. McGowan told me, “Think back to last time you learned a complicated new task… do you remember the excitement you felt when you completed the task correctly? Our work suggests that many dogs also experience this ‘Eureka Effect.’ In other words, learning itself is rewarding for dogs.”
Giving dogs opportunities to learn is good for them. You don’t have to pick a complicated task; begin with sit or shake paw before you build up to difficult tricks.
If you’re new to training, it’s easy to get started. All you need is food that your dog likes: chicken, cheese, hot dog, peanut butter cookies, tuna fudge, roast beef... See what your dog prefers (and adjust meals as necessary). If you like, you can use a clicker.
Training is like any other skill: it takes patience, practice and consistency. If you want to improve your technique, you could sign up for classes with a local force free trainer. Be warned: you might find you and your dog have a new hobby!
Other ways to make your dog happy may include petting, walks, hiking, swimming, paddling, fetch, tug, puzzle toys, chew toys, agility, nose work, playtime with other doggie friends, rolling in stinky stuff (the dog, not you!), and so on… If you want to give your dog lightbulb moments, pick something that involves problem-solving, like training for food rewards. Otherwise, any activity you both enjoy will make your dog happy.
Other ways to make your dog happy may include petting, walks, hiking, swimming, paddling, fetch, tug, puzzle toys, chew toys, agility, nose work, playtime with other doggie friends, rolling in stinky stuff (the dog, not you!), and so on… If you want to give your dog lightbulb moments, pick something that involves problem-solving, like training for food rewards. Otherwise, any activity you both enjoy will make your dog happy.
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