Training method - this is a way of influencing a dog, the task of which is to develop in it the skills necessary for a trainer.
Exist following methods training: taste, mechanical, contrast, play, imitative and pushing method.
Taste-enhancing method. Operating principle this method is that the acquisition of the required skills in a dog is achieved with the help of food motivation. As a rule, it is used when training dogs with a predominant food reaction. The best results are achieved if classes using this method are carried out 3-4 hours after feeding. Rapid training and good contact between dog and trainer are positive side this method. However, not all skills can be developed using food motivation.
Mechanical method. To encourage the dog to correct actions mechanical influence is used on it. It can be either rewarding (stroking, patting the chest, etc.) or forced (pressing with a hand, jerking a leash, etc.). This method is used when training adult dogs with a stable nervous system. Skills gained through this method, are saved for a long time and ensure trouble-free execution of commands in any conditions. But some skills cannot be achieved using this method alone.
Contrast method. Today it is perhaps the main and most effective. Includes best sides previous methods. The principle of action is the correct combination and sequence of mechanical and food stimuli. As a result, the process of training and mastering skills is significantly accelerated. The dog is more willing to follow the trainer’s commands.
Game method. This takes advantage of the dog's innate need for play. In this case, the load on nervous system minimal. The method is auxiliary, i.e. used in combination with other methods. Mainly used when training puppies.
Imitative method. IN in this case The dog's natural desire to imitate the actions of other dogs is used. Used in combination with other methods.
Push method. Is auxiliary. Performing the necessary actions from the dog is achieved by applying pressure from the leash or hands that do not cause pain, discomfort. As a rule, it is used in the first stages of training.
Choosing a dog training technique due to its age, nervous system, breed characteristics, as well as individual qualities. However, the best results are achieved through the right combination of different methods.
Dog training is carried out various methods. A training method is understood as a set of methods and techniques by which the trained dog develops conditioned reflexes. When training dogs there are four classical methods training: mechanical, taste rewarding, contrasting and imitative.
Mechanical training method- a method in which the command is certainly reinforced by a sensitive painful effect (pressure, tugging on the leash, hitting with a rod). For example, the command “sit” is accompanied by hand pressure on the dog’s sacral area and a slight pull of the leash up and back. Many, but not all, reflexes can be developed using the mechanical method. This method cannot develop the skills of selecting objects by smell. In addition, mechanical influences often cause the dog to fear the trainer and become depressed. Therefore, the trainer must skillfully use the mechanical method, avoid frequent and prolonged painful effects, and take into account the individual characteristics of the dog’s behavior.
Taste-encouraging (Durovsky) method of training- a method in which the command is accompanied by the supply of treats and affection. For example, the command “come to me” is accompanied by showing the dog a treat, and when a dog will do, the trainer gives it to her. The taste reward method is used to develop general and special skills in dogs. Reinforcement is used regularly or occasionally (probable reinforcement). To support an already developed skill (behavior) at a certain level of reliability, you should stop regular reinforcements and switch to episodic, random reinforcements in an unpredictable order, but with a certain probability. With a probable reinforcement of 50%, some conditioned reflexes are developed faster than with 100% reinforcement, which is associated with emotional arousal, which reaches its maximum in this particular situation. Conditioned reflexes based on food reinforcement are developed relatively quickly and are retained well. In addition, the dog works actively, and its attachment to the trainer is strengthened. However, not all skills can be developed using this method, so the taste-based method is more often used in combination with the mechanical one.
Contrast training method- a method that combines coercion with affection and giving treats. For example, at the same time as giving the “sit” command, they apply pressure in the lumbar region and pull the leash up and back, and when the dog sits, give it a treat. The contrast method promotes clear, trouble-free operation of the dog in various conditions. In addition, thanks to taste reward, it helps to maintain and strengthen the dog’s attachment to the trainer. When a dog is exposed to mechanical and then food stimuli, two types of behavior are caused: the first is protective,
motivated by the desire to get rid of unpleasant pain, and therefore the dog takes a certain position, avoiding pressure; the second is aimed at expecting food satisfaction, stimulated by positive motivation (receiving a treat). Defensive behavior allows the trainer to get the dog to take the necessary actions (take the required position) against the background of negative emotions, and then reinforce the action with positive emotions with a treat. Such a contrasting emotional background contributes to the development of strong skills, since the basis of any behavior is experience (emotions). Without emotions, skills are not developed. Aggression as a defensive reaction of a dog can turn into a means of obtaining satisfaction and thus the animal can develop hyper-aggressiveness, for example, like pit bulls that are raised for “dog fighting”.
Imitative training method- a method based on the innate ability of animals to imitate. For example, it is enough for one dog to become excited, and other dogs begin to react to its barking. The imitative method is used in training dogs to overcome obstacles, grab onto a helper’s clothes, detain a runaway, bark on command and much more, as well as in the educational training of puppies.
A training method is a way of exposing a dog to certain stimuli in order to develop the necessary conditioned reflexes and bring them to skills. Depending on the type of stimulus and the method of its application, the following methods of dog training are distinguished: taste reward, mechanical, contrast, imitative and pushing.
Flavorful The method involves the use of food stimuli to develop conditioned reflexes. It arose in the process of habituation and domestication of wild animals. It was first used by the famous Russian artist and trainer V.L. Durov. I found his method wide application not only in circus art, but also in amateur training practice service dogs, especially mine detection, as well as for searching for drugs and contraband goods.
Dogs trained by this method have a high activity of search reactions. The essence of the method is that the dog is forced to perform the desired actions with a food stimulus (treat), and then it is rewarded for the correct response. The taste-reward training method gives good results when training dogs with a predominant food reaction, but can also be successfully used for dogs with other behavioral reactions. This method is most effective when dogs are half-starved or are trained 3-4 hours after feeding. Positive traits The taste reward method is that conditioned reflexes to food reinforcement are formed easily and quickly and are well preserved. Using this method, contact between the trainer and the dog is quickly established and maintained for a long time, which has important in training and use of dogs in service. Food stimuli keep the dog active during training and even at the end of training when the dog is tired.
The disadvantage of the taste-rewarding method is that not all conditioned reflexes, and especially complex skills, can be developed with the help of food. For example, the skills of detention and guarding cannot be developed using this method. In a state of satiety in a dog, conditioned reflexes are formed slowly or not at all. Skills developed with the help of food do not achieve complete reliability. In difficult conditions and with distracting stimuli, such skills do not appear or do not appear clearly enough. Stopping giving treats and switching to conditional rewards noticeably weakens the contact between the trainer and the dog, reducing its activity and clarity of actions.
Mechanical method consists in the use of mechanical stimuli in the form of forced and rewarding reinforcement. It was used in ancient times to tame wild animals and subjugate them to the will of man. Strong painful stimuli caused fear of humans and further obedience to him in animals. Such training in most cases turned into torture of animals and ended in various traumatic injuries, sometimes tragically for the trainer himself. In training dogs for mechanical stimuli, most general and special skills are developed. The mechanical influence of a stranger or an assistant on a dog, as a rule, causes an active defensive reaction in it, which is the basis for the development of most special skills: malice, detention, guarding a detainee, searching the area, working on the scent, and others. Light mechanical influences from the trainer on certain areas of the dog’s body, for example, stroking, patting in the chest, neck, shoulder area, have a calming and approving effect on the dog, which is used by the trainer as an incentive reinforcement.
Contrast method- the main method of training, combining all the positive aspects of mechanical and taste-based methods. Its essence lies in the fact that the action of a conditioned stimulus is reinforced by a mechanical stimulus, and when the dog performs the desired action or takes a certain pose, it is given a treat. For example, when producing conditioned reflex In response to the “Sit” command, the conditioned stimulus is first reinforced by pressing on the dog’s lumbar region (mechanical impact), and as soon as the dog sits down, it is given a treat. In this case, the pain and food stimuli used in their own way biological significance are opposite - contrasting. By repeating such combinations, skills are developed faster, and the dog clearly and energetically responds to the trainer’s signals. Skills are infallible. Another positive side of this method is that while developing skills, the dog’s activity does not decrease and contact with the trainer is not disrupted.
The disadvantage of the method is a possible collision of defensive and food reflexes, which leads to breakdowns and neuroses, i.e. undesirable consequences in training. Antagonistic stimuli are applied in a certain mode, taking into account individual characteristics dogs.
Imitative method based on the use innate reactions animals imitate the actions of another animal or person. It is auxiliary to other methods and is most often used in educational training of puppies and training of young dogs.
Dogs have highly developed imitative reflexes. It is enough for one dog to get excited, and others begin to react to its barking. By imitation, you can develop many conditioned reflexes: overcoming obstacles, grabbing a training suit, giving a voice, crawling, and even working on a scent, especially in pairs. The degree of imitation depends on the age and type of dog. Most conditioned reflexes in puppies and young dogs are developed through imitation of the mother and adult dogs. With the imitative method of training, conditioned reflexes are developed quickly in some dogs. However, it is impossible to develop any skills using this method.
Push method consists of inducing the dog to perform certain actions by creating forcing conditions with a complex of stimuli. Conditioned reflexes developed in this way are highly active, dynamic, but not fail-safe. The pushing method is recommended to be used in combination with other training methods, so it is considered auxiliary.
Knowing the positive and negative aspects of each method, the trainer must skillfully use them in relation to the characteristics of the dog’s behavior and the skill being developed. The same skill can be developed using different methods, but for each skill there is a specific technique and a specifically substantiated method for developing a conditioned reflex and forming the desired skill.
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All dog breeders, without exception, want to be proud of their well-mannered, obedient pets, subject to a glance or a half-word. But how to achieve this, using what methods to achieve the so ardently desired results?
How to understand a huge number proposed training methods, and not get confused after reading a sea of literature devoted to dog education? Let's try to figure it out and start with such basic concepts as socialization, upbringing, training and training a dog.
The process of raising a puppy begins from the moment it appears in the house, and in a broad sense it consists of instilling in the pet such basic concepts as “dos” and “nots.” The dog must know well what it is allowed and what it is forbidden to do, even when the owner is not around. This includes accustoming to a name, toilet training, rules of behavior in the house. Raising a puppy is closely intertwined with initial training, that is, teaching such simple commands as: “come to me,” “walk,” “sit,” “stand,” “ lie", "place". During the training process, the dog gets an idea of what needs to be done in response to a particular command from the trainer.
The first thing you should focus on is the socialization of the dog. Socialization refers to the process of developing a dog’s “personality,” which can be divided into three stages. During the first, the puppy begins to understand that it belongs to its own species and remembers what other creatures with which it will communicate look like. This is the main stage at which the dog’s attitude towards the owner is formed, as to an older fellow tribesman. During the second period, the dog acquires its own “I”. And the third, final period, when dogs begin to separate other creatures according to the principle of “friends” and “strangers”. And if for some reason the process of socialization of an animal is not completely completed, then in the end we have an animal with a disturbed psyche and unpredictable behavior.
The choice of training method depends on many factors, such as the age and temperament of the dog and its owner, the dog’s food interest, the need for play or affection. It is also necessary to pay attention to external stimuli, such as air temperature, noise level, and environment. Based on this, the optimal training method is selected; it can be one of the following, or a combination of two or more methods.
Each dog is individual, just like its owner, and accordingly, the training program must be selected, taking into account the characters of the pet and the trainer. For example: a phlegmatic person will not achieve good results using the game method. All methods, one way or another, are based on positive or negative reinforcement of behavior. And if difficulties arise when using one, then you need to try another.
Basic dog training methods
Mechanical method training involves the use of mechanical stimuli, this can be a jerk on the leash, which is a negative reinforcement, or stroking or light pats as a positive reinforcement.
Food(taste reward) method is based on the fact that the dog is forced to perform the necessary movements with a treat (for example: placing food behind the head so that the dog sits down), then rewards are given for correctly performed actions.
Imitative method, the desired behavior is developed by imitating one dog in relation to the actions performed by another. Very often used to practice the “voice” command.
Game method- formation of play behavior, with a view to its subsequent use for teaching desired actions. For example, let's take a game with a fetch object.
Method pushing- the trainer encourages the dog to perform the actions we need with a complex of stimuli and gives the command and reinforcement in a timely manner. Conditioned reflexes trained using this method are highly active and dynamic.
Method for developing aggression- used to form defensive qualities, accompanied by the creation conflict situations. Based on the dog’s self-defense, or aggression based on an attack.
Most often used contrasting training method (combining mechanical and food), that is, the use of negative reinforcement, encouraging the dog to carry out the command as quickly as possible in order to avoid unpleasant influences and receive positive reinforcement in the form of treats, games or affection. During the training process, it is necessary to calculate the force of influence and the time period during which the dog will be able to correctly respond to positive or negative reinforcement.
Timely reinforcement shows the dog what the owner likes about its actions and what it doesn’t. Delayed reinforcement disorients the dog; it cannot understand for what actions it is being praised or scolded, which creates additional stress on the nervous system and slows down the consolidation of the desired skill. When difficulties arise in training, this is the first thing you need to pay attention to.
After the dog has well mastered all the commands given by the trainer, the improvement of the fixed skills begins, that is, bringing them to the ideal in terms of reliability, clarity and speed of execution. At this stage, the connection between the dog and the trainer moves to a new, one might say intuitive, level, all unnecessary movements accompanying the dog’s actions are eliminated, visual and voice commands are reduced to a minimum that is understandable only to the trainer and his pupil.
Initial training, basic rules
Not so long ago, in training, they adhered to an authoritarian style of education, using punishment as a measure of “correction” of the dog. I would like to believe that this approach is a thing of the past. Today there are more and more supporters of the so-called motivational training. However, we should not forget that although training methods change over time, the structure and principles of functioning of the dog’s psyche always remain the same.
Training a dog is like learning to talk to a person from another country .
Both need to learn to understand each other's language. We have three ways in which we communicate, body language, voice and touch.
Body language in the animal world is the most important way communications. The dog watches its owner's movements very carefully, so when you give a voice command, watch what visual signals you are sending to the dog. For example, the command “wait”, do not look into its eyes, try to freeze as much as possible so that the dog does not have a reason to approach you. And vice versa, when you want to call the dog, complement the command with exciting gestures, take a few extra steps back and with this you will, as it were, pull the dog towards you.
The dog quickly associates the sound of the word with the action. The command must be pronounced in a calm, clear voice, always in the same form. It will be difficult for her to understand you if you say different words, let’s say “sit”, “sit down”, “sit” implying the same action. Decide what sounds you will use to indicate commands and don't change them. Over time, dogs can remember a large number of commands; this mainly depends on the skill of the dog handler and the intellectual abilities of the animal. Pay attention to the tone and intonation of the voice. Dogs have keen hearing and are very sensitive to intonation. If you want to correct your dog's behavior, say the command in a low, sharp tone. But it’s useless to shout, she hears you perfectly and her reaction to commands depends only on you.
Any dog loves to be caressed and stroked, and these pleasant sensations are directly associated with praise. Do not forget to pet the dog during training to show that you are happy. If you need to get any certain actions from your dog, do not do it with force, do not push, pull, put it down, and so on. Mechanical impact will in most cases cause resistance and suppression. And if the use of forceful methods is sometimes justified when training adult dogs, then when training a puppy it is better not to use such methods. The dog must be rewarded for obedience. The reward can be praise, but at the beginning of training it is better to use both treats and praise. Don’t forget to cancel this command, for example with the word “walk”.
Games are a great way to pass time, great way will establish contact with the dog. But, be careful what behavior you stimulate during the game. The game should begin and end only on your initiative. A dog running around with a toy in its mouth will very soon realize that it is the mistress of the situation and can dictate its own rules. When you decide to end the game, give your dog the “give” command, take the toy away and put it out of reach. The dog must know that toys belong to the owner, and only he decides when he can play with them. You should not get carried away with games of tug, especially if the dog is large. Such games are difficult to control and the dog may learn to use his strength against you.
Basic Rules
1) When starting to train a dog, make sure that all conditions work for you and you have every chance of achieving success.
2) Do not try to train if the puppy is exhausted after active games or just ate. If you use treats as a reward when training, you will achieve much better results if the puppy is hungry. Choose a place for training that is as free as possible from extraneous irritants and distracting elements. As the puppy grows up, you can gradually increase the number of stimuli, but at first the puppy should concentrate only on you.
3) The first training lessons should last no more than a few minutes. A puppy can't concentrate for long periods of time, so you'll get better results if you keep the sessions short rather than dragging them out and making your puppy bored.
4) Make training lessons fun by interspersing exercises with games. The puppy should enjoy working with you.
5) Always end the training lesson on a positive note so that your puppy feels confident and happy. If he refuses to learn a new lesson, go back and give him something easy to do so that you have something to praise and reward him for.
6) Don't try to train if you're not in the mood or don't have enough time. Your mood will rub off on the puppy, and all you'll achieve is frayed nerves for both of you.
Frequency of promotion
Reward is the key to successful training. However, you cannot go to the extreme and give encouragement every time. When learning a new exercise, you need to encourage and reward your dog at every stage. But once the exercise is learned, the reward should only be given occasionally so that the dog gets the motivation and reward but has to work a little harder for it. A good analogy is teaching a child to read. At first you praise the child, even if he barely read the alphabet. As he masters reading skills, you begin to praise the first word he reads, then the first sentence, and finally the first book. The same can be said about training. Praise and encouragement are very important in the early stages, but just as it is strange to praise a fluently reading child for listing the letters of the alphabet, there is no need to reward your dog every time he sits on command. Always use rewards when training, but make sure that the dog works off his treat, and then he will appreciate it much more.
One of the pitfalls that ruin mutual understanding is incorrect timing. A person is able to associate an action with a reaction to it, separated by a long period of time. The child understands that he is being scolded for an action that he committed several hours ago. A dog is able to draw a parallel between events only if they are separated by a few seconds. There is no point in scolding a dog if it came to you on command only after sniffing everything around. She will simply think that she is being reprimanded for coming to you, and not for being late in following the command. The same approach should be followed when rewarding your dog. The treat should be given the second the dog complies with the command and not a second later. During training, try to see the world through the dog's eyes and time it based on the animal's ability to associate your reaction with its actions.
3. Basic training methods
Training methods are ways of exposing a dog to certain stimuli. It is customary to distinguish between four main methods of training: mechanical, taste-rewarding, contrasting and imitative.
Mechanical method. The mechanical method of training is that a mechanical stimulus is used as an unconditioned stimulus in various types, which causes a protective defensive reflex in the dog (see Fig. 100), for example, the landing reflex when you press your hand on the dog’s croup. Moreover, the “mechanical” stimulus not only causes an initial effect in the dog ( unconditioned reflex), but is used to reinforce a conditioned reflex. An example of this would be one of the ways to train a dog to carry objects. To practice this action, the trainer, having sat the dog, right hand brings a light object to its muzzle and, giving the appropriate command, exerts a certain influence on the dog physical impact. He lifts the dog by the collar. Under pressure from the collar (the action of a mechanical stimulus), the dog opens its mouth, into which the trainer quickly places an object and releases the collar. The trainer's right hand is under lower jaw dog, and when the dog tries to throw the object, the trainer delivers a light blow with his palm under the jaw. This blow, as a mechanical stimulus, is repeated in all cases when the dog tries to throw diarrhea out of the mouth, and it is an irritant that reinforces the action. Feature The mechanical method of training is that the dog performs passive actions under “coercion”.
Rice. 100. Scheme of analysis of a “mechanical” stimulus
The mechanical training method has the following positive aspects.
1. All actions developed in a dog using this method are firmly established and are performed flawlessly under normal conditions.
2. Using the mechanical training method, you can easily achieve trouble-free execution of practiced actions.
The negative aspects of the mechanical training method include:
1) Frequent use of this method in some dogs causes a depressed inhibitory state with the manifestation of a distrustful attitude towards their trainer: in dogs with a passive-defensive reaction in the form of fear and cowardice, and in angry dogs - in the form of a desire to bite their trainer;
2) the impossibility of practicing all the necessary actions using this method.
The mechanical method has great importance when training for some special services. Thus, training a dog for guard duty, as well as partly for search, guard, etc., is mainly based on the use of mechanical stimuli (movements of an assistant when teasing the dog, striking, etc.). In this case, the use of this method is designed to excite a defensive reaction in the dog in an active-defensive form.
Taste-enhancing method. The taste-reward training method consists in the fact that the stimulus that induces the dog to perform the desired action for the trainer is a food stimulus, and the giving of treats is used to reinforce the conditioned stimulus (command - gesture).
Using the taste-reward training method, many actions in a dog can be practiced and reinforced, for example, approaching the trainer, sitting, laying down, overcoming obstacles, etc.
The taste-based training method has a number of positive aspects:
1) rapid formation of most conditioned reflexes in a dog when using food reinforcement;
2) the dog’s great “interest” in performing all the actions developed in this way;
3) maintaining and strengthening the necessary contact between the trainer and the dog.
However, this method has disadvantages:
1) does not ensure trouble-free execution of techniques, especially in the presence of distracting stimuli;
2) in a state of satiety, the performance of an action may weaken or disappear;
3) the impossibility of working out all the necessary actions using this method.
Contrast method. The main and main method of training service dogs is contrast method. The essence of this method is a certain combination of mechanical and “incentive” effects in various forms (treats, stroking, the command “good”). In this case, mechanical stimuli are used to motivate the dog to perform desired actions, and “rewarding” stimuli are used to reinforce these actions. So, in order to accustom a dog to performing a landing using the contrast method, the trainer uses the following procedure for influencing the dog. Having a dog at his left leg, on short leash, in a standing position, the trainer gives the command “sit”, after which with his left hand he presses on the dog’s croup, pressing him down, and with his right hand he jerks the leash upward. As a result of such exposure of the dog to an unconditioned mechanical stimulus, the dog performs the action of landing. The trainer reinforces this action of sitting by giving treats and stroking, as a result of which the dog establishes a conditioned reflex to the command “sit”.
Analysis of this action shows that in this case the conditioned reflex was formed on the basis of a sequential combination of the conditioned sound stimulus of the command “sit” with the forced movement of the dog, accompanied by food reinforcement (muscular-muscular reflex of sitting). As a result of this combination, a certain conditional connection is formed; the action of a sound conditioned stimulus (the “sit” command) causes the dog to sit, and the latter is accompanied by the manifestation of a conditioned food reflex (the dog in the sitting position expects to receive a treat).
The contrast training method summarizes the positive aspects of the taste-based and mechanical methods, and therefore has a number of advantages.
These advantages are as follows:
1) in the rapid and persistent consolidation of conditioned reflexes to certain commands,
2) the dog has interest (conditioned food reflex), as a result of which the dog quickly and willingly performs all the actions worked out by this method;
3) in maintaining and strengthening contact between the trainer and the dog;
4) the ability to achieve failure-free execution by the dog of the practiced actions in complicated conditions (in the presence of distraction, etc.).
Practical training experience has shown that the contrast method speeds up training and ensures trouble-free operation of the dog in a variety of conditions. environment. This is the main value of the contrast method.
Imitative method. The imitative method of training is not of primary importance, but can be used as auxiliary method: when training a dog’s conditioned reflex to give a voice on the “voice” command, when practicing overcoming obstacles, and can be widely used when raising puppies.
