How do you know if your trainer uses reward or other methods?
Dog training websites are a minefield, just as insta reels or facebook posts. All the jargon, dogs in videos in the distance, and not much information on the process, just the before and after.
It can be super confusing to owners as many promise guarantees and quick results.
Warning= there is no such thing as quick when it comes to changing behaviours and emotions.
There are new terms being used all the time, or a change in meaning behind existing terms.
Rewards can be food or play, but then trainers who use aversives also use rewards. Balanced training may sound good, but what does it REALLY mean? Well, different things to different readers.
There is an article in Psychology Today that describes a study into dog training websites, and the terminology used. And there were some common themes on wording and methods used.
It found that words used such as balanced, pack leader, be the boss, e-collar, be their master, and control were more commonly used for trainers who used aversive methods some or all of the time.
Words such as welfare, emotion, reward and science were used by ethical reward trainers. And these trainers were more likely to have certifications and accreditations on their website.
Some terms are ambiguous – ‘tools’ by aversive trainers refer to physical equipment such as shock/electronic collars, prong collars and choke leads. ‘Tools’ used by reward trainers refer to skills and knowledge for the owner to choose from.
Punishment in learning theory terms is used to describe the reduction of the behaviour happening, however aversive/balanced trainers often use this term as physical corrections – lead jerks (whether on a regular or more often slip/choke/prong collars) or shouting NO at your dog.
So how can you navigate this minefield?
First, what are your ethics? Do you want to be correcting your dog all the time, or use equipment that could be painful or uncomfortable? Do you want to be calm and encouraging to your dog, be their coach? Or more a strict parent? What are you prepared to do/use on your dog – not be pushed into something you are not?
Dig around about the trainer and ask them questions. They may have lots of facebook recommendations but are these mostly friends of them promoting them? They may be popular, but what methods do they use? Lots of followers does not mean they are good.
Ask about how they learnt about dogs, and how mammals learn. If they only say ‘I grew up with dogs in the house’ then I would err on the side of caution. Loving dogs is not knowing how to teach them. Grill them on their education journey, how they keep up to date, their affiliations, what exact equipment do they use, how do they react to dogs when dogs won’t or can’t do something, and any reputable trainer will be more than happy to show and prove to you their certifications. They spent enough money, time and sweat on them, they are proud! And dog trainers actually teach humans – we teach you how to train your dog.
Dog trainers are like teachers. Having a school full of teachers who all ‘had a kid in the house growing up’ does not make them skilled. You would only send your child to be educated by someone qualified in different learning styles, understanding the child and being able to adapt to get the best out of them. It’s a regulated industry.
Dog training is behind on this regulation, but you should apply the same principle. Would you let someone who is obsessed by Holby City then operate on you? No!
If they think reward training is a gimmick, doesn’t work or words to that effect, then go back to doing more research – personally I would run a mile! If they tell you that it was your fault, make you fell judged and guilty, run away. If they say that you must use a shock collar otherwise your dog may be put down, then run again.
Of course, you may feel that using pain, intimidation and fear on your dog is acceptable, then go and work with a balanced trainer. You are not my type of client. But if you are looking to be a coach and guide to your dog, then a reward trainer can get amazing results and keep your relationship with your dog stronger than ever.
If reading all these websites is confusing and time consuming, then you can find a list of accredited trainers easily by going to the ABTC website. Clinical Behaviourists (who deal with aggression and strong emotional issues) are listed on both the APBC and ABTC website – look for the CAB next to their name.
And me, well I’m proud to be on the ABTC website, a member of PACTdogs and a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer. I’m listed on all these organisations – not just paying for the privilege but each year I have to prove my worth and ethics, being up to date with scientific studies as well as practical skills.
And here is the link to the article that sparked this post!