Use positive reinforcement to train your dog, not leashes or collars

Many trainers have preferences when it comes to collars and leashes for training a family dog. Some prefer the use of punitive collars like choke chains or prong/pinch collars, while others prefer harnesses or no-pull collars like the Gentle Leader. As for myself, I abhor them all. My preference is to work with and train a dog without a leash or collar of any kind.

I view leashes and collars as a crutch for the dog owner. Leashes prevent dogs from moving away from their people, no matter how bored or disgusted they are with them. A leash can pull the dog in the direction an owner wants him to go, or hold him back when the dog wants to move forward. Punitive collars can subdue an unruly dog, which can give the owner a false sense of control.

The real means to a well-behaved dog is based on the relationship you have with him. Dogs are "What's in it for me?" creatures. They behave logically, and only act in ways that benefit themselves. For example, if your dog's barking and jumping on the slider results in you opening the door, then that behavior works for the dog, and it will continue. If, on the other hand, barking and jumping at the door is ignored, the dog will choose another behavior. If the door opens while he is quiet and standing or sitting near the door, he will repeat this behavior in order to go out.

The secret to having an attentive, well-mannered dog often lies in knowing what items and activities the dog thinks are important, and doling out those things when you approve of the dog's behavior. If your dog figures that everything that is important to him comes from and is controlled by you, you will have your dog's utmost attention and willingness to please. Many dog owners mistakenly believe that the only reinforcement they have available is treats, but taking a look through the eyes of the dog yields much more information as to the bounty of resources available for us to harness.

Throwing a ball, opening a door, petting, access to your lap, putting on the leash, letting in or out of the crate, a game of tug, getting into or out of the car, a belly rub, a chance to run, letting into or out of the house, going to play with another dog, etc., are just a few things that can be used as reinforcement for something we want. The object is to define all things your dog enjoys, and then make sure they are offered by you only when your dog behaves in an appropriate way.

So although dogs in my classes are all on leashes, we basically ignore them as training tools, and focus instead on rewarding behavior in a variety of ways. The result is a dog that values his owner, is attentive and focused on providing behavior the owner wants, and reaps the variety of rewards that come his way for compliance.

Write to Lisa Moore in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto CA 95352. (c) 2010, The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.). Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.