Many of us grew up with the dominance theories for training dogs. That was all there was and it was all about controlling the animal to behave. For some reason while taking care of the duck today (of all animals), I began to take in account the impact these practices would have had on my dogs if I had continued it. Like many, I started using the same techniques with my first dog and carried them on to Silver. It was when I got Brut, my problematic dog when I began searching for something different and was introduced to clicker training and the entire theory of positive reinforcement. For some reason, it struck me suddenly how these evolving theories have changed everything I do with my dogs. From the way I think, to the way I react and I found myself being washed over with gratitude. Not only did I believe and understand them, but they coincided with my own beliefs and love for animals. They gave me the freedom to explore further the emotional bonding to have a deeper relationship and a level of equality and a sense of well being with my dogs. Something I always found conflicting with the "old school" ways.
While I use a wide variety of techniques and training skills, they are based on positive reinforcement to some degree or another. I have even adapted some of those "old school" techniques for use with positive reinforcement under special circumstances and have had great results.
I have found that it isn't just a theory or an idea, but more of a way of life that not only pertains to my dogs, but myself as well. It is more than just giving your dog a treat when they do a good or the right thing, but a sense of respect, communication, and bonding between two living beings. It isn't just a set time that they have your undivided attention, but how we learn to respond to each other throughout the day that adds quality to both of our lives. Being able to co-exist in a harmony and balance that I think many would agree was lacking some before if we look at how far dog training and theories have come.
I would personally like to thank the founders and believers who made those astonishing breakthroughs, that continue to challenge our lives today to have a better relationship with our dogs and to be the fantastic owners that our dogs are worthy of. They simply deserve it!
Does anyone else feel this way about the changes that have happen to dog theories for the better? Or do you think we still have a ways to go?
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