Building
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Compulsion dog training combined with positive reinforcement
Punishment Dog Training - Pros and Cons
Punishment Dog Training - Pros and Cons
Compulsion Inquiry:We recently received an inquiry about the use of compulsion in our training program, so we decided to address it on our training page. This covers some of the most common reasons for using compulsion.
Question: "I want to get into Schutzhund someday in the (hopefully) near future. However, I do not agree with the "traditional" style of training them with choke chains and pinch collars; I would like to do everything via clicker training. Please tell me this is possible and your dogs are completely Clicker Trained and not aversive or compulsion trained!"
The Importance of Balanced Training
Answer: Thank you for your question. Although we do see more benefits to training through positive reinforcement, we can not claim that we are "clicker" or positive reinforcement training purists. Training results will vary and should be adjusted depending on the dog. All to often, training methods are simply based on what the handler prefers to use or what seems to be most popular for a particular sport. Since all dogs are different, we have found that training should be adjusted, according to what works best for the dog. The handler and dog team will achieve a higher level of reliability and success during training and trials when the training is consistent for the dog, fair for the dog, and easy for the dog to understand.
Why Compulsion Fails
Compulsion training is used in a variety of ways to motivate the dog. The most common use is for the handler to correct the dog through uncomfortable or painful collar corrections immediately after the dog has offered or performed an incorrect behavior. Compulsion may also be used as a form of motivation (force) for the dog. The handler will simply apply continuous collar corrections that are uncomfortable or painful until the dog offers or performs the correct behaviors, at which time, the correction is released. The release or absence of a correction is an indicator, to the dog, that he has demonstrated the correct behavior.
Compulsion training may certainly work well for teaching exercises to a dog. However, applying compulsion to a dog must be timed precisely right and the level of the correction must be adjusted according to what the dog can physically and mentally handle. In addition, compulsion must be combined with clear feedback from the handler, in order for the dog to understand exactly what the handler wants and which behavior caused a correction. Errors are easy to make when training a dog and although the dog may seem to handle compulsion well, with or without errors, it is easily misunderstood by the dog.
For a dog to show a high level of success, while performing complex exercises, a higher level learning process is recommended for teaching the dog. Compulsion used as a sole or primary training method does not typically offer the dog enough information or feed back during training. Studies show that dogs become more reliable when taught through the same basic training principals used to teach humans skilled abilities. Dogs tend to learn best when motivated to perform a task through positive reinforcement. In addition, tasks must be clearly defined for the dog, the dog must receive feed back from the handler and the dog must be given adequate time to train repeatedly to enable the dog to accomplish tasks accurately. the handler and dog team will show a higher level of success, when the training is consistently fair for the dog; through the use of basic training principals that include balanced training methods.
Get More Out of Rewards and Punishment
Timing is everything when teaching a dog and is even more important when training through compulsion. If compulsion is intended to be clear for the dog, the same training principal used during "clicker training" is recommended. The dog must have an absolute understanding of which unwanted behavior caused the handler to give a correction. This is insured when the handler marks the "unwanted" behavior with a "negative marker"; i.e., verbal cue (signal) prior to a correction.
Combining Compulsion training methods with Positive Reinforcement methods offers the greatest training advantage. Through "clicker training" the handler will actually gain a better feel for timing. The handler learns to immediately "mark correct behaviors" with a cue, before rewarding the dog. As a result, the dog will learn exactly which behavior performed, earned the reward. In addition, the handler will usually gain better timing when and if compulsion training is used.
Getting the Most Out of Compulsion
Compulsion is most effective when incorporated into a training program that uses a high rate of positive
reinforcement. It is simply used as a tool for giving feedback to a dog that is able to demonstrate a strong desire for performing commanded tasks. But, sometimes shows an incorrect behavior and requires a reminder to stay on task. If the dog requires regular use of compulsion, then there may be an issue with the training or the dog. The training is either misunderstood by the dog or the dog may lack genetic working drives, necessary for the job. Compulsion will be most useful, once the dog has been taught how to perform an exercise through positive reinforcement and is able to demonstrate complete understanding of how to perform a specific task.
The Ultimate Control
Answer: Thank you for your question. Although we do see more benefits to training through positive reinforcement, we can not claim that we are "clicker" or positive reinforcement training purists. Training results will vary and should be adjusted depending on the dog. All to often, training methods are simply based on what the handler prefers to use or what seems to be most popular for a particular sport. Since all dogs are different, we have found that training should be adjusted, according to what works best for the dog. The handler and dog team will achieve a higher level of reliability and success during training and trials when the training is consistent for the dog, fair for the dog, and easy for the dog to understand.
Why Compulsion Fails
Compulsion training is used in a variety of ways to motivate the dog. The most common use is for the handler to correct the dog through uncomfortable or painful collar corrections immediately after the dog has offered or performed an incorrect behavior. Compulsion may also be used as a form of motivation (force) for the dog. The handler will simply apply continuous collar corrections that are uncomfortable or painful until the dog offers or performs the correct behaviors, at which time, the correction is released. The release or absence of a correction is an indicator, to the dog, that he has demonstrated the correct behavior.
Compulsion training may certainly work well for teaching exercises to a dog. However, applying compulsion to a dog must be timed precisely right and the level of the correction must be adjusted according to what the dog can physically and mentally handle. In addition, compulsion must be combined with clear feedback from the handler, in order for the dog to understand exactly what the handler wants and which behavior caused a correction. Errors are easy to make when training a dog and although the dog may seem to handle compulsion well, with or without errors, it is easily misunderstood by the dog.
For a dog to show a high level of success, while performing complex exercises, a higher level learning process is recommended for teaching the dog. Compulsion used as a sole or primary training method does not typically offer the dog enough information or feed back during training. Studies show that dogs become more reliable when taught through the same basic training principals used to teach humans skilled abilities. Dogs tend to learn best when motivated to perform a task through positive reinforcement. In addition, tasks must be clearly defined for the dog, the dog must receive feed back from the handler and the dog must be given adequate time to train repeatedly to enable the dog to accomplish tasks accurately. the handler and dog team will show a higher level of success, when the training is consistently fair for the dog; through the use of basic training principals that include balanced training methods.
Get More Out of Rewards and Punishment
Timing is everything when teaching a dog and is even more important when training through compulsion. If compulsion is intended to be clear for the dog, the same training principal used during "clicker training" is recommended. The dog must have an absolute understanding of which unwanted behavior caused the handler to give a correction. This is insured when the handler marks the "unwanted" behavior with a "negative marker"; i.e., verbal cue (signal) prior to a correction.
Combining Compulsion training methods with Positive Reinforcement methods offers the greatest training advantage. Through "clicker training" the handler will actually gain a better feel for timing. The handler learns to immediately "mark correct behaviors" with a cue, before rewarding the dog. As a result, the dog will learn exactly which behavior performed, earned the reward. In addition, the handler will usually gain better timing when and if compulsion training is used.
Getting the Most Out of Compulsion
Compulsion is most effective when incorporated into a training program that uses a high rate of positive
reinforcement. It is simply used as a tool for giving feedback to a dog that is able to demonstrate a strong desire for performing commanded tasks. But, sometimes shows an incorrect behavior and requires a reminder to stay on task. If the dog requires regular use of compulsion, then there may be an issue with the training or the dog. The training is either misunderstood by the dog or the dog may lack genetic working drives, necessary for the job. Compulsion will be most useful, once the dog has been taught how to perform an exercise through positive reinforcement and is able to demonstrate complete understanding of how to perform a specific task. The Ultimate Control
Dog sports, such as Schutzhund and Ring Sport are about the ultimate control of a qualified dog. The dog and handler must be able to demonstrate this under pressure on trial day. It is truly an art to find the right balance while training for the sport. It is best to have a strategy to reach your goal and remember, success will come when you take time to be fair and understand the dog.
With that said, if you are planning on titling a dog through club field trials, you may be able to title a dog through exclusive use of positive reinforcement...even during phase C, the protection phase. Just keep in mind that success will depend on the dog's level of drive, willingness to work and your ability as a handler. After all, anything is possible! As training methods evolve and as competitive obedience requires a "happier" picture over all, it is becoming easier to find Schutzhund clubs that train using balanced methods.
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Compulsion is applied to dog training in a variety of ways. The most common uses are for punishment, control, force training and pressuring the dog. To read more about these train techniques click on the links below.
Compulsion is applied to dog training in a variety of ways. The most common uses are for punishment, control, force training and pressuring the dog. To read more about these train techniques click on the links below.
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Punishment through Compulsion Control through Compulsion Force Training Pressuring the Dog |
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