{"id":10197,"date":"2022-03-22T17:45:35","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T17:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvn.tv-multi-theme.com.216-70-96-51.jvv2-rfnp.accessdomain.com\/?p=10197"},"modified":"2022-05-13T19:58:12","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T19:58:12","slug":"trends-in-dog-training-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/behavior\/trends-in-dog-training-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Trends in Dog Training Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dog training can make remarkably fascinating television\u2014typically, the more dramatic, the better. From the National Geographic channel to Netflix to YouTube, everywhere we turn, a variety of programs describe how to train the family dog. The methods portrayed in these programs may be outdated and based on effectiveness, which is not the only consideration when attempting to modify canine behavior. Ask yourself not only whether those techniques are evidence- and science-based but also whether they are humane and in the best interest of the dogs and clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A dog\u2019s emotional side effects of outdated behavior modification techniques can go against the oath we take as veterinary technicians (<\/span>navta.net\/veterinary-technician-oath<\/span><\/a>) that we will \u201cdedicate ourselves to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health.\u201d The information presented on television or online may provide quick <\/span>fixes but does not necessarily lead to long-term behavior changes. Understanding the source of your training recommendations is crucial to optimal patient care.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best source for behavior and training suggestions is the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB, dacvb.org<\/span><\/a><\/span>). These board-certified veterinarians advance the behavioral health of animals through clinical practice, research, and science-based education. Their recommendations are based on up-to-date research, demonstrating that these techniques can help effect behavior change for the patient, improve the overall welfare of the patient, and strengthen the human-animal bond.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with most fields in veterinary medicine, behavior and training methods are evolving. New research findings enlighten us and some older findings still hold true. This article describes the journey from some of the foundational principles on which training is based, to some that need to be followed with caution, and some that are debunked myths. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of the science, not the hype, behind the various training philosophies. It should help you critically assess the techniques you see in the media and understand why board-certified veterinary behaviorists recommend methods rarely seen on these programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop aboard as we travel through the controversial topic of behavior \u201ctrain\u201ding!<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan Your Route: Types of Learning<\/h2>\n

Every living being is constantly learning through interaction with the environment. Before journeying through trends in training programs, it is essential to understand 2 types of associative learning: operant conditioning and classical (Pavlovian) conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Operant Conditioning<\/h3>\n

Operant conditioning<\/i> is defined as learning in which a behavior is affected by its consequence.1<\/sup> First described in 1938 by B.F. Skinner, this type of learning occurs when an animal associates performing a specific behavior with some sort of benefit or disadvantage. Skinner\u2019s basic theories have withstood the test of time and are still a foundational principle of modern behavioral sciences.2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Operant conditioning is trial-and-error learning. When a behavior is followed by something desirable (reinforcement), the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Conversely, when the behavior is followed by something the animal fears or dislikes (punishment), the behavior is more likely to weaken.1<\/sup> Strengthening or increasing the likelihood of a behavior is reinforcement <\/i>of the behavior; weakening or decreasing the likelihood of a behavior is punishment<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

With regard to operant conditioning, the terms \u201cpositive\u201d and \u201cnegative\u201d are placed in front of the words \u201creinforcement\u201d and \u201cpunishment.\u201d In this context, positive does not mean good and negative does not mean bad; instead, we should think of them in more mathematical terms, such as adding something to the situation (positive) and taking something away (negative).1<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Some people, even veterinary professionals and trainers, misuse these words in a training context.1<\/sup> However, we need to recognize the difference and use them correctly. <\/span>TABLE 1<\/span><\/strong> shows how the 4 terms can be mixed to describe different processes and outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Classical Conditioning<\/h3>\n

The other type of learning, which occurs along with operant conditioning, is classical conditioning. This type of conditioning is also called Pavlovian conditioning, named after Ivan Pavlov, who in 1897 determined that stimuli can be associated with physiologic states, including emotions. A previously neutral person, place, or object can evoke a strong emotional response if closely associated with that emotion in the past. This conditioning explains why many canine patients start showing the body language of panting, whining, or avoidance when in veterinary clinic parking lots. The dog may strongly associate the smells, sights, and sounds with its last visit, when it was probably scared and experienced pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leave the Station: An Unruly Passenger<\/h2>\n

Now that we have completed the foundation part of our journey, we will travel on to trends in dog training. We will use the example of Gator, a dog who displays aggression when guarding a coveted item. The trainer\u2019s method has been used over time, but is it the best method? Does current research support another approach?<\/span><\/p>\n

Gator is a 3-year-old castrated male, mixed-breed dog. He started to display aggressive behavior (hard staring, growling, and air snapping at family members) while resting and chewing on high-value items, such as rawhides and Kong toys. The trainer coached the owner to put an electronic collar on Gator and to have family members apply a shock or vibration when he exhibited any of the aggressive behaviors. The owner reported that the behavior improved after this technique was applied.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Stay on Track: Pros and Cons of Punishment and Aversive Training<\/h2>\n

The trainer\u2019s suggestion for Gator was positive punishment. Punishment is used to weaken or decrease a behavior. Training through positive punishment can change behavior quickly and is, therefore, often considered by many to be an easy training method. But not so fast! Positive punishment adds an aversive stimulus after a behavior, potentially leading to pain or fear, which can have serious adverse effects, typically when applied improperly and overused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the most common tools used to deliver positive punishment\/aversive stimuli include collars that deliver an electric shock to the neck (which the trainer chose for Gator), put pressure on the airway (choke collars), or create pain with metal or plastic prongs. In addition to psychological distress, these tools can cause physical harm (e.g., severe ulcerations, damage to the neck\/trachea, increased intraocular <\/span>pressure, upper airway obstruction, nerve damage).3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Positive punishment can absolutely change behavior, but it poses a significant amount of risk to the dog and is difficult to apply properly. It is too easy to apply punishment that is largely based on the emotional reaction of the person and, therefore, is overly harsh, poorly timed, or inconsistent. We will review the criteria for effective positive punishment (the pros) but will focus mainly on the reasons why this technique is not recommended (the cons).<\/span><\/p>\n

Criteria for Effective Positive Punishment<\/h3>\n

The best-practice criteria for positive punishment3<\/sup> are difficult to meet, thus rendering positive punishment unrealistic for most dog owners and leading to poor welfare for the dog.<\/span><\/p>\n