Modern Training Philosophy?

Doug Grant · Jun 5, 2007

Nine Basic Principles For Successful Handling:

1: Every dog is an individual.
2: Never lie to a dog.
3: Whenever possible, use a positive instead of a negative approach.
4: Never finish a training session with a failure.
5: Stress the fundamentals.
6: Teach only one thing at a time.
7: Don't be afraid to experiment.
8: Balance correction with praise.
9: There is nothing quite so valuable as a day off.

Sound like some great new training philosophy? No, this was written by Martha Covington (Martha Covington Thorne) in her book 'Handling Your Dog For Show, Obedience and Field Trials', published by Doubleday in August of 1979. Yes, that's right, 1979! I first met Martha at a Montreal Gun Dog Club trial in the early 60's; I think her 9 points are very valid today.
...Bopper

Aussie · Jun 6, 2007

Did I used to lie to my dogs in training. Yes, golly gosh.

US experts who have visited downunder, have added (besides all the other training errors), in training DO NOT LIE TO YOUR DOG. One example being on blinds, it is better to call the dog back to the spot, of miscast, than to reward the dog by a retrieve on a incorrect cast.

Now about teaching casting, I reckon, one cast at a time is best. Whatever works. I like to keep it simple as possible for a dog, of course without exercises being boring.

Now, how can I continue to hopefully fix a few of my older dogs problems?

Punishment, whether positive or negative, causes the behaviour to be less likely.

Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, causes the behaviour to be more likely.

paul young · Jun 6, 2007

well, there's certainly nothing in the original post that will get you in trouble......

it all depends on how you look at dogs. to me it makes sense.

as has been said, these are general guidelines, not specifics.-paul

Aussie · Jun 7, 2007

paul young said:
well, there's certainly nothing in the original post that will get you in trouble......

Um........yes, it is a bit...........cook bookie. :lol:

I have caught up with the latest Retrievers Online magazines, marrying up with another favourite book.

Not for my second, that I am going or having ignored well proven methods, it is good to keep up with latest behaviour studies.

Its all good, if it helps a dog learn.

Modern Training Philosophy?

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