OkcPets Magazine July 2022

July / August 2022 • OKC Pets 9 Bark to School Training Can Benefit Your Dog by Travis Brorsen, pet expert, training and TV host W hen you are looking for training for your dog, it’s important that you are well informed about the different types of training methods. Choose the Right Training Method First, you need to know there is more than one type of training method. Second, make sure it’s a style of training that you are comfortable with. There are many styles of training and combinations to choose from. For simplicity, I will cover the three most popular styles.  Balanced training: Balanced dog train- ing is a method that combines reward-based training and aversive consequences. For instance, a balanced trainer might recom- mend using a food reward to teach the “sit” behavior. But if your dog is jumping on people, the trainer could recommend shak- ing a can of pennies or even using a spray bottle to deter your dog from jumping. This method can give you the imme- diate results you are looking for but has been shown to cause some dogs to become reactive over time. It has also caused dogs to become fearful of the object as opposed to learning that the behavior itself is the reason for the consequence. Electric collar training: Electric collar training, or e-collar training, is the use of a collar combined with a device that provides an electric pulse to your dog by remote con- trol. That type of training has been around for years and can produce results if done correctly. However, research shows that if it is done incorrectly, even one time, you can break the trust you have with your dog. Electric collars are also used to commu- nicate with your dog from long distances and to correct unwanted behaviors quickly. The setback, however, is that many dogs can become confused by the stimulation, why it’s happening, and what is causing it. Many dog owners say, “My dog is a completely different dog when the collar is on.” So does that mean that without the collar, the dog behaves poorly? Not necessarily, but it does happen. The electric collar can also be a difficult tool to teach children to use correctly. (Note: OKC Pets Magazine does not recom- mend electric collars.) Positive reinforcement: This is the method that most veterinarians recommend and is the most popular in the modern training world. This method is based on the idea of rewarding the behaviors you want your dog to repeat and ignoring the behaviors you want to eliminate. This meth- od takes time, patience, and persistence. Repetition and consistency are key for this method to work. Another benefit of this style is the rela- tionship-building aspect. During the train- ing process, your dog learns to associate you with good things, teaching him to trust and respect you based on love, not fear. Which Training Program Is Right for You Training companies are all different. Some might offer only private training, and others offer multiple services. I want to cover the pros and cons of each so you can choose one that fits your family’s needs. Group classes: Group classes are great for training the pup parent. Most group classes cover a wide range of topics and offer in-person demonstrations by the instructor. The drawback to group classes is that you might not get much one-on-one attention. You also might not get to address specific issues you are dealing with. However, that option tends to be the most budget friendly. If you have a good instructor, it can be a great way to get a better understanding of how to raise your pup. Private one-on-one sessions: Private sessions give you the opportunity to address specific issues that you might have with your pup. It also offers an opportunity to have a trainer visit your home and help you with the best location for your dog crate, how to navigate the environment with your pup, and how to set rules and boundaries specific to your home. That is typically more of an investment than group classes, but if you are looking for a more customized program, this could be a good fit. Board-and-train programs: This service is designed to set the groundwork for you. The beginning stages of training can be exhausting. Enrolling in a boarding program with a method of training that fits your family could be a good way to get off on the right foot, or should I say, paw! The most important thing to remember with a program such as this is that if the facility or trainer isn’t willing to spend time with you at the end of the program, don’t waste your time. But if part of the training is sharing with you what your pup has learned and how you can continue the training at home, this could be a home run!  Be aware that successful board-and-train programs that last less than two weeks rarely provide long-lasting results. A two- week program should be the minimum you would want to enroll your dog in. The best advice I can give you is this: Don’t be afraid to call around, ask ques- tions, and speak with the trainers. Some companies might not want to give you pric- ing right out of the gate because learning more about your needs is crucial to helping you choose the right training program. Don’t let this deter you from going through the process. Choosing the right trainer is about the trainer’s experience and hearing about other pup parents’ experiences. As much as I hate to say it, you typically get what you pay for in this industry!