27/10/2022
How to train a new behavior? Let us count the ways - here are four.
(It helps to use a marker, such as a clicker or a word, after first teaching that the marker and food go together. And, of course, you can replace 'dog' with cat, bird, rat, rabbit, reptile, fish, child or spouse :)).
1. Wait for the dog to spontaneously perform the behavior, mark and reward (hence the cartoon!).
2. Prompt the behavior with a lure, such as food. When it is performed, feed. Slowly decrease use of the lure after a short period, replacing it with a verbal or visual signal, still followed by marking and feeding.
3. Do something unpleasant to the dog, such as a pinch, choke, shock or threat. When the dog begins to perform the desirable behavior, stop the pinch, choke, shock or threat.
4. Punish the "opposite" behavior. This is a little harder to illustrate, but imagine punishing a dog who jumps up, because you want her to sit instead.
The first two options use positive reinforcement and result in a dog who enjoys the interaction and learns the behavior. The third option uses negative reinforcement which, for many dogs, results in stress and fear. Ditto for option 4, which uses (positive) punishment.
Any of these can be effective in teaching a behavior, and any can produce a performance worthy of ribbons and titles. But look at the dog closely. Is she bright, willing and perhaps a little goofy? Is he rigid and just going through the motions? This is interesting to do, for example, at a performance competition such as an obedience trial. By observing his/her attitude and body language, as well as interactions with the handler, you can usually deduce which training methods have been used.