There are many kinds of tools used in the dog training industry. Some date back to the inception of certain breeds (I’m thinking of the spiked collars worn by livestock guardian dogs to protect their neck from predators) and some are recent inventions birthed by ongoing scientific study. Tools cater to a variety of tastes and techniques with varying levels of success. Dog training is an art that one can study throughout their life but never perfect. There is always something new to discover, some study or article that changes how we think about man’s best friend. Unlike a painter who needs brushes to work, or a pianist that needs a piano to practice, you don’t need fancy equipment to participate in dog training. You can, in fact, train to a high level with tools that cost less than $20 (and some are free!). Here are the top three tools I recommend using with your dog that can not only save you money but give you results.
1. THE CLICKER
WHAT IS A CLICKER?
Coined initially by the renowned animal trainer Karen Pryor, the clicker is a small tool that produces a distinct ‘click’ sound when the button is pressed. It started off as a training tool for dolphins and whales but when Karen Pryor transitioned to dogs, she brought her clicker with her. The results that can be brought about by this simple object were immediately noticeablem and its popularity skyrocketed. Today, most trainers heavily utilize the clicker as a primary tool for dog training.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The clicker is very simple to use, requiring only the quick press of a thumb or other finger. The clicker functions on two planes of conditioning, classical and operant. ‘Classical’ refers to the idea of cause and effect. Ever heard of Pavlov’s Dogs? That experiment is the baseline for this type of conditioning. The ‘click’ sound of the clicker followed by a treat teaches the dog that the ‘click’ means something great is coming. This type of conditioning works with punishment, too. A dog can quickly learn that a ride in the car means a trip to the vet or that the water running signals the ever-dreaded bath. There are also broader applications. Think of how the school bell signals that it’s time for class and how a red light tells you to stop. We, just like other animals, form associations between objects and action every day. The other type of conditioning, Operant Conditioning, is a little more complicated. ‘Operant Conditioning’ is comprised of four quadrants: Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Positive Punishment, and Negative Punishment (I’ll avoid an in-depth explanation and save it for a future blog). The clicker is used in the Positive Reinforcement (R+) category, meaning that a certain behavior increases in response to a consequence that is seen as good. If a dog gets a treat for sitting, the dog will most likely continue to sit in the future because it has been reinforced by the treat into sitting. A child who receives a $20 bill for each 'A' he earns in school will try to earn an 'A' in future classes to continue getting paid.
WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT?
What’s not to love about the clicker? It’s easy to use and fits in the palm of the smallest hands. It’s affordable (you can buy a clicker for less than $12 on Amazon) and portable. Best of all, it produces such a unique noise that your dog will be able to easily distinguish it. Some effort and practice on the timing of the ‘click’ may be needed at first but it’s not as time consuming as trying to put on a prong collar or a fancy no-pull harness. Plus, it’s a lot of fun for the both of you!
2. A LEASH
WHAT IS THE RIGHT TYPE OF LEASH?
Leash selection is an overwhelming process. A whole isle in PetSmart is dedicated to leashes of every length, size, material, and color. It’s too bad that they can’t be ranked in quality. A good leash is necessary for training and for general quality of life. It’s important to take your dog into account when selecting a leash. Too small, and your headstrong puppy may just break it. Too course of a material and you’ll soon find yourself with some nice rope burns. And please discard the retractable leash (I hate these things and I could write a separate blog just about them. In fact, I might just do that someday). In the end, the right type of leash depends on who is at both ends. It must be long and strong enough to keep your dog from breaking it on the first try while feeling comfortable enough for you to handle. Experiment with a few in the store, and you’re sure to find one that fits your style.
HOW NOT TO USE THE LEASH:
There are trainers out there who have changed the meaning of the leash. Under their tutelage, what was simply an instrument to keep your dog from wandering off became a tool for punishment. Trainers like these use the leash to deliver leash pops as corrections for ‘wrong behavior’. Some extreme cases have documented trainers using a leash to hang a dog by its neck. Obvious abuse aside, these are not reasons to use a leash. Used correctly, a leash allows your dog the freedom it might otherwise be denied while also maintaining control should you need to use it, and you’re following the leash laws that applicable to most public spaces.
WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT?
A good leash is irreplaceable. A leashed dog can be taken to public venues without worrying about them sprinting off. A short leash can be used to keep your dog close to you while a long line can be used for outdoor adventures and hikes without using an e-collar or taking a gamble on an unreliable recall. You can also use the leash for training skills that require distance (such as long-duration stays).
3. YOU
You read that right. One of the most important tools that you can use is…you! I would argue that it is the most important. You, the owner/handler/pet parent, etc., are a real motivation for dogs. Sure, your dog may work treats or praise or toys with a professional trainer, but they value those things more when they come from you. Training is a great way to bond with your dog, and a bond is what having a pet is all about.
WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT?
People spend thousands each year to make sure their dogs have the best food, the softest beds, the most chewable and tantalizing toys and while these are all great, most dogs really only want one thing above all else: attention from their owners. You could ship your dog off to a trainer two states away for eight weeks and it will come back knowing how to sit and come on cue. But in doing so, we’ve removed a key component of a dog’s life. And where’s the fun in being absent for the training process? After all, the journey is sometimes more important than the destination.
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