Many have been mentioned, here are 10 training method, I my forgetting anything?, my GSD has teach me to adapt and try different approach to get a result and to not get stuck on one approach.
1. Positive Reinforcement
This is used for house training, teaching tricks, or any behavior you want to reinforce.
2. Classical Conditioning (positive associations)
Used for things like creating positive associations with certain situations (e.g., the sound of keys could signal a walk).
3. Behavioral Adjustment Training
Focusing on giving the dog more control over their environment by rewarding them for making the right choices to cope with fear, aggression, anxiety.
Exemple: If a dog is fearful of other dogs, expose the dog to a calm, controlled situation where they can observe other dogs from a distance and reward them for calm behavior.
4. Desensitization/Exposure
Gradually exposing a dog to a trigger that causes fear or aggression at a low intensity and pairing it with something positive to change the emotional response.
5. Operant Conditioning (Positive & Negative Reinforcement, Positive & Negative Punishment)
Learning happens based on consequences—either reinforcing behaviors you want or discouraging unwanted behaviors. This includes both positive reinforcement and using punishments or corrections.
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding a dog for sitting politely (giving a treat).
- Negative Reinforcement: Releasing pressure from the leash when the dog stops pulling.
- Positive Punishment: Using a firm "no" or an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., a quick leash correction) to stop unwanted behavior.
- Negative Punishment: Removing attention (e.g., ignoring a dog that is jumping up) until the behavior stops.
6. Model-Rival Training
A form of observational learning where the dog watches another dog or person perform a task, and then tries to do the same to earn a reward.
7. Clicker Training
Uses a click sound to mark the exact moment the dog performs the desired behavior, followed by a reward.
8. Alpha (Dominance) Theory
The trainer may use techniques like making the dog wait for permission to eat or sit before they’re allowed to go out, believing that this reinforces human authority.
9. Incremental steps
Break the task into smaller steps and reinforce each one to build toward the final goal.
10. Redirection
The goal is to interrupt a behavior, redirect the dog’s focus, and guide them to a behavior that is more desirable.
Unlike corrections that focus on stopping undesirable behavior, redirection teaches alternative, positive behaviors.
For some reason, even living in town, a hot air balloon would come over every week or two. When the pilot would pull the burner on, the dog would go nuts. Like fighting a dragon. Cairns are very smart. But they also think they are the biggest dog on the block.
