Training Methods

Reward-Based Aversive-Free Training

All training and behaviour modification offered by Cowichan Canine is based on the latest published science in learning theory and its practical applications. Science has concluded that the use of aversives is not conducive to long-term, reliable  results. Indeed, the fall-out from such training can be severe even when only mild aversives are used. Therefore, we do not use pain, fear and other intimidation techniques, such as domination or alpha rolls, or any implements that inflict these, such as choke chains, pinch collars, electric shock collars, leash jerks, etc.
See: Corrections (PDF) and also Training Methods & Principles.

Instead, we use reward-based training. We set up the training situation so as to make both owner and dog successful – we start each dog & handler team at the level where they are successful and build from there, in small enough steps that we get continued success.

This way, we build up a strong "reinforcement history", which in turn leads to very high reliability of behaviour. We can then quickly wean the rewards and we are left with a very willing dog and a highly reliable behaviour – IF the student has followed the instructions and done the homework! 🙂

Changing Emotional Responses

Fear, aggression, anxiety, frustration and other "reactive" behaviours are changed using classical counter-conditioning (see also this video), followed by operant counter-conditioning in the form of positive reinforcement training (also see below). We then finish off using the BAT protocol.

Rewards are not bribes!

Rewards are given AFTER the learner (the dog) has performed the behaviour we want. It's more like wages or a salary: work first, then pay.

This is one of the important differences between correctly applied Positive Reinforcement training and simple lure-reward training, or ‘training with treats’.

Positive Reinforcement Training

This method of training has been used to train many thousands of animals for the US National Defense since the second world war and cold war era. It is commonly used to train dolphins for shows as well as the US Navy Marine Mammal Program. Zoo keepers use it to train animals for housekeeping and medical procedures. It is used for guide dogs and other service dogs, and increasing numbers of police departments around the world are turning away from force-based training to positive reinforcement and clicker training in order to achieve higher reliability of behaviour.

With humans, its application is known as TAGteach. TAG stands for Teaching with Acoustical Guidance and it has applications in fields as varied as performance sports and teaching life skills to special needs children.

Clicker Training

In animal training, positive reinforcement training commonly uses a reward marker known as a "clicker". Hence, it is known as “clicker training”. This name can be a little misleading, as the training has more to do with the science behind it than with the little plastic noise maker.

The purpose of the clicker is to mark the behaviour that we reward, thus making it easier for the dog to understand what it is that earns him the reward. The sound of the click also “bridges” the time between the behaviour and the delivery of the treat and thus takes a lot of the stress out of the training.

The use of a clicker in our classes is recommended, but not compulsory. Personally, I often use a ‘mouth click’, like what people use when they want to encourage a horse to move. A verbal marker, like “Yes!” or “Good Dog!” will work, too, although words are commonly not as effective as markers as other more distinct noises are.

The significance of Clicker Training does not lie in the clicker itself, but in the correct application of the science of the Law of Effect and Operant Conditioning, more specifically Positive Reinforcement.

Consequently, just because somebody uses a clicker, this does not mean that they use ‘Clicker Training’.

Clicker Training is not about the little noise maker – it is all about the correct application of the science behind aversive-free training and behaviour modification.

Muzzle

We do not use muzzles as a matter of routine, but only when a dog needs a muzzle because of past severe bite history. We then use a muzzle for safety.

We will not put a muzzle on the dog until the dog has first learned to love to wear the muzzle, and we have fitted it for safety and comfort. We then use it only as extra insurance, NOT in order to put the dog in a situation that we would not otherwise put him or her into.

For our muzzle training protocol, see: Muzzle training (PDF)