Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog Using Proper Dog Trainers - Dog Training In London

24 Jul

Dogs have been man's best friend for thousands of years, serving as loyal companions and working partners. But it was not until relatively recently that modern training techniques emerged, allowing us to better communicate with and understand our furry companions.

The evolution of dog training has been quite the pawsome journey in London, packed with leaps (and bounds) in our understanding of animal psychology, not to mention some dramatic changes in how we treat our four-legged friends.

Who knew that the path to teaching Fido to fetch would be such a wild ride?

This blog will explore the historical and cultural context that gave rise to modern dog training techniques. Understanding the evolution of today's dog training is essential for those who work with dogs professionally and anyone who wants to better understand and connect with their furry friends.

The Dominance Theory And Its Effect On Your Relationship With Your Dog And Puppy

The dominance theory is based on the idea that dogs are pack animals and that within a pack, there is a hierarchy with a dominant leader at the top. According to the theory, for humans to gain respect and obedience from their dogs, they must establish themselves as being dominant over their pets by using certain techniques.

In the groovy '70s and '80s, some dog trainers got a wild idea: "Hey, let's teach our canine compadres a lesson with a little bit of tough love!" And so, these far-out trainers spread this dog training philosophy, which included some not-so-cool moves like leash-jerking and physical punishment. They thought, "Gee, if we show our pups who's the top dog, they'll totally listen to us, man."

Little did they know, their methods were about as effective as a cat chasing its tail!

Although the dominance theory remains popular with some dog owners, it has long been discredited by animal behaviour experts and dog trainers.

Studies have shown that dogs do not form hierarchical packs like wolves and wild canids. Instead, dogs are social animals who seek companionship and cooperation with humans and other dogs.

Modern dog training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, focus on building trust and mutual respect between the dog and its owner. These methods prioritise the dog's well-being and aim to teach them desirable behaviours through rewards and clear communication rather than physical punishment or dominance-based techniques.

Positive Reinforcement - The Future Of Dog Training In London

This method lets the dog make positive associations between preferable behaviour and rewards. In other words, if you reward the dog when they behave in a socially acceptable way or performs a certain task, it will begin to make positive associations with those actions.

There are several reasons why positive reinforcement is a more effective dog training method than the dominance theory.

Here are four reasons why:

It Is More Humane

It is a humane technique that focuses on celebrating our pups' pawsitive actions with treats, praise, and endless belly rubs instead of punishing bad behaviour. This approach not only keeps Fido's tail wagging, but it also saves your precious bond from going to the dogs.

It Builds Trust

As you shower your canine chum with rewards for being a good doggo, they'll start to think, "Gee, my human is the best!" Before you know it, your pup will follow your every command, eager to impress their favourite two-legged friend.

It Promotes Good Mental Health

This training is the ultimate chill pill for your furry amigo! This approach sweeps away stress and anxiety, leaving your pup feeling as safe and snug as a bug in a rug. When they trust you to keep them safe, and you stick to it, they can thrive like the beautiful creatures they are!

In contrast, the dominance theory relies on physical punishment and dominance-based techniques that can cause physical and emotional harm to the dog. These methods often result in the dog becoming fearful, aggressive or withdrawn, damaging the relationship between the dog and its owner.

The Importance Of Hiring A Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Hiring a certified clinical animal behaviourist is essential for addressing complex or serious behaviour issues in dogs. Unlike dog trainers, certified clinical animal behaviourists have advanced training in animal behaviour and psychology and are equipped to diagnose and treat behaviour issues that may be caused by underlying medical or psychological conditions.

Certified clinical animal behaviourists are experts in animal behaviour and have extensive experience working with dogs with a wide range of behavioural issues, such as aggression, anxiety, phobias, and compulsive behaviours. They use science-based methods to diagnose and treat these issues and work closely with veterinarians to address any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to the behaviour problems.

In addition, certified clinical animal behaviourists are required to meet strict criteria for education and experience, and they must pass rigorous exams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. This ensures that they have the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat complex behaviour issues and that they adhere to ethical standards of practice.

These standards are set out by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) to promote the well-being of animals by behaviour change and training. Based on these standards, private organisations such as the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) are registered with the council. Members of these animal behaviour organisations have a vast range of skills, knowledge and experience that is unmatched throughout the industry. This is important because the industry is full of would-be trainers who use outdated, ineffective and even harmful methods. It’s important to ensure that your dog receives quality care and training in order to help them adapt to the world around them.

Our very own Antonella Marsicano is one such practitioner and would be delighted to assist with any behavioural issues that you might be experiencing with your beloved doggy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, positive reinforcement is a highly effective and humane method of dog training that focuses on rewarding desirable behaviour instead of punishing undesirable behaviour.

By using positive reinforcement, dog owners can help their furry friends learn good behaviour while avoiding fear, anxiety, and aggression that can result from punishment-based methods. Positive reinforcement also promotes good mental health for dogs, reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing overall well-being.

In the end, positive reinforcement is the gold standard for dog training. By using this method, dog owners can enjoy a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with their furry companions for years to come.

Given that positive reinforcement is the future of dog training, one should always invest in dog behaviourists that incorporate this technique into their standard practice. Animal Wellbeing Centre offers such training; we’re only a phone call away!

FAQs

Do all dogs respond to positive reinforcement?

The short answer is yes. Positive reinforcement is a scientific term that applies to all living beings - including us, humans. Positive punishment, on the other hand, involves delivering an unpleasant experience to eliminate a behaviour. It's important to ensure that the methods you employ for dog training are healthy and non-harmful.

Which dog training services can I trust in London?

Amongst many dog training services in London, the Animal Wellbeing Centre has your dog’s best interests at heart.

For more information, contact us here!

What is the difference between positive reinforcement and correction in dog training?

Correction means punishing your dog when he does something bad, while positive reinforcement rewards good behaviour. Positive reinforcement is generally a kinder training method that leads to happier dogs since correction can lead to anxiety, fear and separation anxiety.

Antonella Marsicano