Training Methods

Abstract

There are more books about the training of dogs than the training of any other species. This suggests that there is great interest in the subject and that there are many trainers who believe their advice is valuable. Most modern textbooks relate to the dog as a companion rather than a working animal. Indeed, there are few books dealing with the training of dogs that work with sheep or cattle. Most books recommend positive reinforcement as the most important training technique. Inadequate training and a lack of control are a major causes of dogs been abandoned, neglected and of public disquiet about canine behaviour. The misuse of punishment and training tools such as electric training collars has a negative effect on the welfare of dogs and may result in fearful, timid dogs that are stressed even by the presence of their owner or handler. However, there is not enough known about the physiological responses to different methods of training and whether training dogs for sports such as agility is stressful.