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Expert Insights: Training Humanely
You always suspected there was a better way to train your pets. Yanking on their necks, choking, shocking, forcing, or hitting them has never felt good to you. You don’t want your pet to be afraid of you; you simply want him/her to do what you ask.
Good news! You’re right! Reward-based training is a scientifically proven method for teaching your dog, cat, bird, horse, etc. to do as you ask. Pat Miller, one of my mentors and a nationally recognized author and trainer, says that every living creature will repeat behaviors that are rewarding and avoid behaviors that are not.1
It’s really quite simple. You are teaching your pet that when he/she does something you ask him/her to do, the consequences are very rewarding.
Be careful not to confuse reward-based training with simply showing your pet a treat so he/she will perform. Humane training methods teach pets that their behavior has consequences: If you do it right, you get something really cool. If you don’t do it right, you don’t get anything! Our pets get excited about this kind of training. They can make choices—and now they know the right ones, too!
Here’s an example: Let’s say you want your cat to come to you when you call her. Say, “Tabbie! Come!” in a happy voice and make noises or wiggle your fingers on the ground to get her attention. She will likely come to you out of curiosity, if for no other reason. When she gets to you, give her several very yummy treats you were hiding behind your back, all the while telling her what a wonderfully, brilliant feline she is. If you repeat this technique many, many times, Tabbie will start to learn that coming when you say, “Come!” means she will get something she really likes.
Additionally, using humane, reward-based training methods has a profound effect on the relationship you have with your pet. You now have a relationship based on love, trust, and respect, rather than fear or intimidation. Wouldn’t you rather your pet want to do as you ask? Wouldn’t you rather have a trusting relationship with him/her?
Find a trainer who uses humane methods or read some of the many books available on positive, humane training. In a later blog, I’ll tell you about clicker training—the most advanced method of reward-based training you can use.
1Miller, Pat. The Power of Positive Dog Training. (New York: Howell Book House, 2001) xiii.
Written by Tracey Schowalter, Pet Training Consultant, Puppy Adept, Inc. Tracey has been training dogs and their people for nearly 10 years and can be reached at info@puppyadept.com. For more information, visit www.puppyadept.com.
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