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Originally Posted by Gerald
This all gives me some new ideas and things to try with Rocky. I guess what I am trying to learn more about is the positive training theory and philosophy and how to implement those in everyday situations.
So what would the traditional methods be? I'd like to know so I could understand the contrast between them.
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Depends on how you define "traditional"!
If I were to describe the "traditional" methods I learned and used when I was twelve, this would be different than the more "adversive" and/or forced based training that can sometimes be referred to as "traditional".
These "other" methods were originally designed for guard, military, and police work, and should not be used by the average dog owner with their pet, unless you go into advanced obedience work and are shown the correct way to use them by someone who really knows what they are doing AND who is not a "brute" by nature.
Based on the methods I learned when I was young, this type of training uses lots of praise, a verbal correction, and leash work. I never was big on leash "pops" myself, more like just enough movement of the leash to get your point across. Generally treats were not used for obedience work, back then.
Keep in mind, the techniques I use today have been modified from this training method, and begin with an understanding of canine psychology, communication, and establishment of the leadership position through the action and reaction sequence.
What I probably would have done when I was twelve, would be have the dog on the leash, and if they pulled, I would have said "no", and given enough of a tug on the leash, to get the dog to stop pulling and pay attention, and then praise them for compliance. I was taught not to use steady pressure, as it encourages what Kit described with that reeeally big word.
Well, that's what a traditional method I used along time ago, would be like.