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.

Punishment Training

Combining punishment with  positive reinforcement is advantageous when using  compulsion as a method for dog training. For this application the leash correction is used more as a reminder and less as punishment. The correction helps the dog understand the commanded exercise is not optional and must be obeyed. This is used for a dog that has demonstrated the ability to perform a commanded exercise and clearly understands the task through previous positive reinforcement training; but, sometimes becomes distracted and requires a simple reminder to stay focused on the work.

Control of the dog

Compulsion training is an effective tool if used appropriately for control of the dog. Most  high drive dogs require some compulsion for control of their working drives while training through high-stimulation situations. As an example, the protection phase of the Schutzhund sport is an exercise that causes the dog to become highly stimulated; but, at the same time, the dog must still remain controlled.

For ease of management, while training through high-stimulation exercises, a dog's ability to control drive has to be developed by the handler. For example, the dog is given a basic command that has been demonstrated previously during a low-stimulation exercise; such as, the "sit". Then the dog is given an opportunity to perform the command. However, chances are great, the dog will show resistance to obedience. The dog's desire to interact with the high-stimulus is much greater than the dog's desire to exhibit obedience and control.

The dog must be taught that he gets what he wants (to interact with the stimulus; i.e. "helper") by showing obedience and control. When and if a command is not obeyed,  obedience and control through leash corrections, adjusted according to the dog's pain tolerance level, are applied. Once obedience and control is demonstrated, the dog is rewarded through a release. The dog is free to engage the helper. Through this process, the dog learns that freedom to engage the helper is earned by obeying the handler and showing control.

It's important to remind handlers, regardless of which drive the dog is working through; i.e., prey drive or aggression, the actual release of the dog (allowing the dog to go forward to engage the helper) is a rewarding experience; therefore the process of engagement is a "reward". Since the Schutzhund dog is restrained during training, he is never allowed to react and engage upon impulse. He is only released, to engage the helper, when he has shown the correct behavior (obedience and control), regardless of drive and whether or not corrections are used to gain control.

Consider this: If you are using a high amount of compulsion for control, you may need to take a few steps back, to be sure the dog is absolutely clear on the desired task. Additionally, dogs should be allowed to develop problem solving skills for greater reliability and ease of control. Simply stated, if the dog is given a command and he does not obey, a correction is not always necessary or appropriate. Often, through the handlers patience, the dog simply needs to be allowed to figure the exercise out for himself. Dogs need to learn and understand the simple concept of "Life Rewards", which translates into, "After you complete the task...you will be released". Dogs that practice "cause & effect" on a regular basis are easier to teach and control. Additionally, some dogs have a natural ability for capping drive (controlling drive), which will make them easier to train and control.

Force Training

There is another component to compulsion that we call force training. This is when a dog is forced to work through continuous pinch collar or e-collar corrections. Basically the dog learns how to escape uncomfortable corrections through trial and error.  A command is given, then a non-stop correction is applied, until  the task is completed.  Eventually the dog learns which behaviors to offer in order to stop the collar corrections. The dog will complete the exercise on command, because an uncomfortable pattern has been imprinted.

Studies have shown that real working dogs do not require force training to be motivated and have a stronger work ethic without it. They tend to be more productive and show higher success rates when allowed to work freely. Even so, Force Training will remain a common practice in the K-9 sport world, as long as handlers believe it will help them reach their goals.  Unfortunately, a dog trained through force is not working through genetic working traits. He or she has simply been prodded to perform the task. 

If a dog is sought after for natural, working instincts; it is recommended to determine which training methods have been used when choosing a dog.  Otherwise, an accurate assessment of working drives are difficult to make, by simply observing the dog during canine trials. When force has been the method of choice, it may simply be a method that the handler prefers to use. Or possibly, the handler does not know or realize, other alternatives for motivating a dog are available. Never the less, with all the information available regarding positive reinforcement; training through force is often used when the dog lacks natural desire, speed, or focus for the work.

Further more, the force method is often used as an attempt to prove a dog's stress tolerance through pressure training. However, it proves nothing about the working quality of the dog. It simply works because the dog can not escape. Force is used on all types of dogs, regardless of pain threshold (sensitivity or hardness) and should be adjusted accordingly when used. But beware, when this method is applied, there is a risk that the dog will retaliate. It can happen during training, during trial or even during the dog's everyday life. It is impossible to predict how any dog will perceive force training.

Think about this: Forced training only teaches the dog to do exactly as the handler commands. It works well as long as the dog's duties and environment remain unchanged. The downside is - "Forced Training" does not  allow the dog the necessary freedom to learn through problem solving. As a result, normal problem solving skills are never acquired, or they may become impaired. Problems arise when the dog is challenged through unfamiliar changes in the working routine and/or working environment. At best, training issues show up when the handler least expects it; often creeping into other areas of the dog's working routine. At worst, the dog shuts down (stops working) all together; leaving the handler perplexed, with a dog that is unwilling to work, train or trial.

Pressure Training

There is an enormous amount of pressure on trial day, especially off the club field and at the competition level. In the Schutzhund dog sport we need to know that the dog can work through various types of stress. There are a variety of ways to make this determination, however compulsion is often the method of choice.

There is a  belief that compulsion enables a handler to determine a dog's level of stress tolerance. It is used as another training component  to attempt to evaluate the dog's working temperament. Unfortunately it is often used incorrectly and unfairly which becomes abuse. Over time it breaks down even the hardest of dogs, much like a slow erosion. 

Always remember: You, as the dog's handler, are able to do more damage to your dog's psyche than a stranger is capable of.  Harsh pressure from a handler proves nothing. You must always consider that before you decide to hold your own dog's "feet to the fire".  The repercussions can be severe and may be irreversible. Do not forget, you and your dog are on the same team. We have seen all too often, good dogs become uncommitted and cowardly due to unnecessary pressure from the handler. 

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. Remember, success will come when you take the time to be fair and understand the dog.

German Shepherd k9 Copyright