Corrections, as we discussed here are an absolutely necessary part of dog training and being able to create a healthy and loving living environment for your dog. But what is a GOOD correction? What are the best ways to let your dog know what you really want from them?
#1 Only give Corrections when the behaviour is bullet proof
Any new behaviour taught to a dog needs consistent repetition and slow, incremental steps of focus in order for the dog to master the behaviour. During this process you need to be sure to give consistent clear expectations and practice over and over again. How long this process will take really depends on the dog and their interest and ability in learning, and your ability as a trainer to make your expectations understood. While the dog is learning, it should be rewarded every time it performs the behaviour and any unwanted behaviours ignored so that the dog learns to associate the word with the behaviour.
When the dog is able to repeat the behaviour without exception, hesitation or explanation through 4 or 5 separate training sessions, it’s fair to say that the dog now knows the command. At this point if the dog doesn’t follow through on the command it is fair to issue a correction. If you do this too soon you will make the dog uncertain and insecure, as they don’t understand what you actually want from them but if you NEVER correct the dog it will learn that your command (and your leadership) doesn’t mean anything as there are no consequences to non-compliance. We want to reward learning and we correct non-compliance when learning has been completed.
#2 Corrections Are Not Punishment
What’s the difference? A correction is a clear communication that the dog isn’t doing what you asked them to do or is doing something you never wanted them to do (like barking etc). It is NOT yelling, screaming, hitting or just generally you losing your temper. Training dogs can at times be frustrating if you aren’t clear on how dogs learn, think and behave and if you don’t learn to manage your frustrations you will lash out at your dog, disturbing your relationship with it and creating fear and insecurity around their decision making capabilities.
The hallmarks of a good correction is:
- Clarity – the dog knows why they are being corrected
- Redirection – the dog is reminded what they should have been doing
- Consistency – the handler is consistent in their demands and the dog is able to predict what is expected of them
#3 Specific Tools for Specific Behaviours
One of the best ways to give clear corrections is to use the appropriate tool at the right time. As humans we typically want to express ourselves through words or sounds but dogs best understand body language and body contact to interpret messages. Overusing words or especially speaking to the dog in long drawn out sentences (“Oh come on buddy, WHAT ARE YOU DOING! That’s not sit, come on you know how to do sit”) is very confusing for the dog and again creates insecurity and unsureness about what is expected from them. While it’s easy to forget, dogs don’t actually speak or understand any one language and an onslaught of words is the equivalent of the teacher in Peanuts.
The right tools will give the dog physical awareness of what you are actually after in a short clear to understand correction, that when handed out in the right moment is a clear direction of what you want.
#4 Best Tool for On Leash Training/Behaviours
When teaching your dog how to heel, not pull on leash, sit while on leash etc the best tools to use are Nightingale and Prong collars. While these collars have tough sounding names, when used correctly they do no damage and are just a quick communication tool to indicate to the dog when they are not doing what’s being asked. We are currently testing a variety of these tools and will come back with a clear list shortly
#5 Best Tool for Off Leash Training/Behaviours
One of the hardest things to teach until technology launched us into the 21st century has always been off leash behaviours – once a dog realizes that your powers fade at a distance, it takes very slow, very consistent repetition and tricks to ensure fool proof compliance. However with the advent of e-collars that’s all changed. E-collars require careful practice and understanding of the concepts and how dogs will respond to it, but again if used correctly these tools are INVALUABLE in giving your dog off leash freedom.
There is a comprehensive list of options here and one of many videos on the topic how to train with e-collars here.
Final Thoughts
Punishing your dog is hopefully for us the last thing we want to do – punishment is an expression of our own aggression, our frustrations or our inability to communicate appropriately. If you have struggled with this in the past, don’t be ashamed of it, but definitely seek to better your relationship with your dog. By learning patience, calmness and fairness your punishments will turn into appropriate corrections that will better your dog’s life and those that interact with it.