Tools of the Trade
When a dog "trainer" has limited knowledge, they train with limited "tools". For some it is food, while others use an e-collar.
Those tools aren't necessarily polar opposites, but they are perceived to be - and are often used as if they are by unskilled "trainers" who are only applying a "method" of training to every dog they encounter, in hopes it will work, or forcing them to work in the moment.
This is not actually training the unique dog with unique issues, drives, emotions, wants, and needs. It is gaining a behavior in the moment which has little lasting effect once the dog owner stops applying the method, which is usually the case. No food, no ecollar - no more listening. Nothing saved between the ears.
For the sake of recognizing that perception can be reality... you need to know there is so much that a true professional dog trainer brings to the table with regard to tools. A plumber, a carpenter, an auto mechanic doesn’t use just one tool. It is, however, those professionals we call on when we don’t have the right tool in our garage to resolve an issue.
What you can do is shift focus to CONFIDENCE BUILDING, COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG and SETTING BOUNDARIES! This is relationship building 101 - the dog is heralded as man's best friend, but too many are stuck in the idea of being a dog's master. Where is the regard for the dog in that scenario?
Rather than FORCING every dog to eat treats or FORCING every dog to comply with an e-collar, find what motivates your individual dog and use it in your training routines. You must explore the options. For some dogs it IS food. For some dogs it IS pressure. For others it can be a favorite toy. For some, it is all of those things. Use them!
"My dog is crazy for a ball!" Great, are you using that to help teach impulse control, or is it just your distraction tool when you want the dog to have something to do without you? What is your dog telling you when it brings you the ball? How about this, "I will do anything for this ball - let me show you how important it is to me!" Don't just tell the dog to go play with that ball on their own. USE IT to strengthen a behavior you desire! Require a longer sit, a longer place - building IMPULSE CONTROL with every exercise.
You both gain something in the process! You build trust and confidence with each other. This also makes for muscle memory - and your ask for a sit while on a walk, rather than jumping up on people, has more value! You have built hope for the reward! You have stored something between the ears.
The goal in training is to communicate more effectively, and Unleash Your Inner Dog! Dog training is a process that should be fun for both dog and human. Adding a special “tool” then becomes appropriate at the appropriate time to advance communication. Tools aren't bad, they are just varied - and not one size fits all. Let that sink in!
If you need training help our team is available for private sessions, immersive training, and group classes. www.whatsupdogfl.com