Top Tips Tuesday: Let's talk "aversive"

It's a huge debate in the dog training world . . .

Call me optimistic, but I want to believe that, in general, dog trainers want to do what is best for the dogs they train.  Which, ideally, translates to doing no harm.  If this is the case, why is there such an uproar about "aversive" training methods.  You may notice that I put quotations around the word aversive.  This is because there are so many training methods and equipment that are considered humane by some and aversive by others.  For example, many trainers classify things like shock collars and prong collars as aversive, while others argue that they are humane if used properly.  How, if we can not come up with a common understanding of what is humane and what is aversive, can we find common ground for discussion?

So . . . what makes a training method or technique "aversive"?

Personally, I define aversive training using a very broad brush stroke.  It is not just about inflicting pain or scaring the dog (although that is certainly aversive) . . . it is also about using any kind of interaction that is unpleasant to the dog.  The key words here are "unpleasant to the dog".  If your dog's body language indicates that they are not enjoying the interaction, then what you are doing can fall under the umbrella of "aversive" whether that is your intention or not.

For example, I have had clients that are very enthusiastic when they give their dog physical affection.  They ruffle the ears roughly, pound on the chest, or any number of other actions that could easily be overwhelming to a dog, depending on their nature.  Some of these clients have dogs that revel in this more "rough housing" kind of handling while others have dogs that want nothing to do with that kind of interaction.  These dogs, instead of responding as desired to a recall,  refuse to take those last few steps to bring them into reach of the handler.  Usually, the handler misses the fact that the dog is trying to please by coming closer while simultaneously trying to avoid the physical "mauling" that takes place when they get within arm's reach of their handler.

Let's say you treat train.  What would you say if I suggested that it is possible to be aversive when using treats for training?  Well, what if your dog hates the treats you are using!?  I have one dog that is crazy about ANY food . . . fruit, veggies, meat.  I honestly do not know of anything that she has turned her nose up on.  However, I have another girl who HATES carrots and most fruits.  How effective do you think my training would be if I decided to treat train her using carrot pieces.  Because she finds carrot unpleasant, using them as a reward when training would, in affect, be aversive!  However, not actually inhumane, since carrots are good for her, but they would have the effect of applying something unpleasant causing a behavior to be suppressed. No wonder the whole debate can be both confusing and filled with emotions!

Bottom line. . . be careful when using training methods that are unpleasant for your dog . . . studies show that the results you get may not be the ones you want!  For more information on potential results of aversive training click here.

Meet our Family! Josh Kendall

I thought it might be nice to introduce you to the amazing people that make up the Paws and Stripes family.  I am going to start with one of our dedicated Trainers, Josh Kendall.  Actually, Josh is more than just a Paws and Stripes Trainer, he is also a graduate of the program.  He is an excellent example of how the Paws and Stripes program can change a Veteran's life for the better. So, here is a bit about Josh . . .

1) What made you decide to become a Paws and Stripes Trainer?
The people.  When I went through the program, I experienced the people working at Paws and Stripes. I had a lot of challenges in my program and I had to get very good at dog handling and stay persistent.  Many times I called someone at Paws and Stripes saying that the program was too hard and I wanted to withdraw.  But, I didn't really want to quit, I just needed the encouragement to continue.  Everyone at Paws and Stripes was very supportive and when I graduated I wanted to give back to the program. So, when I was approached about the possibility of becoming a Trainer, I jumped at the chance.

2) What do you like most about working at Paws and Stripes?
Again, the people.  This is not what I would call a typical job.  The supervisors listen and everyone understands my disabilities.  That makes a big difference to me and makes it easier to come to work each day.

3) What do you find most challenging about working at Paws and Stripes?
I guess the hardest thing for me is to avoid taking work home and taking the Teams' struggles home with me.  I know it is not an easy program, but I also know what a difference graduating has made in my life so I want everyone to succeed.  It can be hard for me to see them struggling.

I do have trouble coming up with the words to provide clear instructions.  I know what I want to say and it is clear in my head, but it doesn't always come out that way when I speak-especially if I am working in front of a group.  It can be frustrating, but I am getting better and it helps to work with people who are patient and give me the space to work it out.

4) What are some of the benefits you experienced while going through the Paws and Stripes program?
Ha . . . let me count the ways!  There are a lot of them, but I will give you the "big" ones.
-I learned to talk about how I was doing instead of bottling things up until I blew.  Now, instead of pushing through and burning out, I have learned to pace myself and accept when I need to give myself a break.
-It opened up communication with my family and friends.  Now, they have a better understanding of what I deal with on a daily basis.  They have all commented on how much I have changed since I got Gromit and went through the program.
-I go out in public now.  That is something I hardly ever did . . . and ONLY when absolutely necessary.
-I have been employed with Paws and Stripes for almost 2 years.  This is the longest I have managed to keep a job since I separated from the Marines.
-I have developed a deep appreciation for dogs.  Before entering the program, I was not a big dog lover.  In fact, I was so uncomfortable around them, I thought Gromit was going to eat my face while I was sleeping!

5)  What are your short term goals?
I want to keep training for Paws and Stripes, of course.  But I am also preparing to that the CPDT-KA exam (a national certification for dog trainers) to add to my ABCDT certification.  After that, I will probably pursue the CPDT-KSA certification.

6) Do you have any message for the people out there?
Live in the present, not the past.  Plan for the future, don't worry about it
!

Top Tips Tuesday: National Train Your Dog Month

Wow!  Such a busy week!  It has been so crazy at the office that I almost didn't manage to post today.  Better late than never!

January 2015 is the fifth annual National Train Your Dog Month. According to APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers), they developed the campaign to shed light on the benefits and enjoyment of training and socializing one's dogs. In honor of this amazing idea, I want to give everyone some hints that I keep in mind when dog training. 

1) Keep in mind that training is more than introducing a behavior or skill. 

"Teaching" (associating a behavior or action with a cue) is just the first step!  Once the dog knows what a cue means, it is important to continually reinforce this "teaching" by practicing the skill in different locations and scenarios. If you want your dog to respond to a cue with consistency, you need to provide many opportunities to reinforce what you taught them.  This, too, should be considered training; NOT just the 6 class puppy or basic training you attend right after getting your dog. Training is a daily activity that is part of your daily interaction with your dog.

2) Don't train when you are in a hurry or frustrated.

It can be hard, in our fast paced lives, to slow down and relax. Spending time training your dog is a wonderful way to give yourself permission to take a break (after all, you are working on improving your dog)!  On top of giving yourself a break from the daily chaos and irritations, slowing down and relaxing makes you more fun to be around which means your dog will be more inclined to WANT to engage with you and respond to the cues you give.  Rule of thumb: don't do it if you are trying to rush out the door or are upset about something (including the fact that your dog is not getting it - frequently descibed by the handlers as their dog being "stubborn" or "mad").

3) Keep training "sessions" short.

Out of necessity, when you work with a trainer, you frequently have one hour (or more) training sessions.  But when you are working with your dog without a trainer, it is best to work with your dog in spurts throughout the day instead of big chucks of time at once. Believe it or not, this is much easier than having to find a full hour all at once everyday. Instead break it up. Ask you dog for skills when you are engaging with them anyway. For example, reinforce the sit by asking for it before releasing to eat, putting on the leash, going out the door to potty, getting in or out of the car, etc. Make it a game by seeing how many opportunities you can find to reinforce a skill.  Create a competition between family members and be creative with the prizes (like the winner gets to have someone else do a hated household task for them such as doing the dishes, cleaning up after the dog in the yard, taking out the trash, etc.)

4) Take advantages of the resources out there. 

There are wonderful resources available from reputable trainers online. As long as you are an informed consumer, you can get some great information.  National organizations like APDT and individual trainers like Pat Miller of Peaceable Paws put all kinds of tips, webinars, and instruction online free of charge.  Just make sure that the training methods and philosophies being promoted serve to strengthen your dog's bond with and trust in you. For example, APDT has some great stuff available this month at http://trainyourdogmonth.com/tips/