Positively Politically Correct

Everyone's enjoying my blogs so much, I might as well shake the trees a little bit...
So the hot marketing term these days is "Positive" training.  It sounds so pleasant, doesn't it? -  A wonderful world of unicorns and rainbows and dog treats where no one ever says the word "NO" and doggies get to choose to be good and obedient just because they love us sooooooo much.
   But before we poke the bear, lets briefly discuss the term "POSITIVE."
   I am a HUGE advocate for positive training. You'll rarely see me without a pouch of  smelly meat on my hip.   However, the unlearned dog community has twisted the term "Positive" to mean "Nothing Negative."  When in fact, the term "positive" actually means "ADD."  Simply put- if the dog does something desirable, we add a treat or toy or some form of praise. That's the part everyone enjoys.  However,  if he does something undesirable we either add a correction or subtract a reward.
   So, in hunting for a good trainer, don't be duped by someone's claim to be "positive."  I don't know of any trainers that are foolish enough to not be positive when the dog does what it's asked.  At the same time, one of the most harsh trainers I have observed claims "positive based training" - which is accurate because this trainer does give (add) rewards for good behavior.  The same trainer gives (adds) grave consequences for disobedience.
This blog is boring so far, isn't it???  So sorry, but this is a topic that really grates my cheese.
    There are also trainers that claim to be 100% Positive and Force Free.  In other words, they only use methods that allow the dog the choice to do what he is told.  There are also big discrepancies in many of those claims as well, but I don't want to go on and on about that.
 I choose to use the term "Balance" in training.  Why? Because I believe the world is full of YES and NO.
Did the dog sit when I told him to?  YES!  Reward! Reward! Reward!!!!
Is the dog allowed to run into the road?  NO!  And if he disobeys me, there will be consequences- Natural consequences such as death or serious injury, or perhaps a form of correction that I choose to administer.
Did the dog come when I called?  YES!  Reward! Reward! Reward!
Is it OK for the dog to bite my friends when they come in my house?  NO!  Consequence- being deemed a vicious dog and euthanized, or perhaps a form of correction that I choose to administer.
    I could go on and on with examples of YES and NO.  However, I won't because you get the idea.
   It boils down to this... your dog is not going to CHOOSE to obey you 100% of the time just because you have a treat, or you hug him, or he loves you.  There will be times when you don't have a treat to bribe him, or a toy to distract or redirect him, or the squirrel scampering up the neighbor's tree is just way more fun than you.  If you are not going to instill a very clear matter of fact communication of Yes and No, you have to be 100% on your game 100% of the time.
  If you choose to never teach your dog that there is consequence for disobeying, then you must take all responsibility for his behavior 100% of the time.  Fence your yard.  Be sure there is never a hole in the fence.  Be sure your leash never breaks.  Be sure your collar never slips.  Be sure no one holds the front door open too long.  Be sure the gate is never left open.
  Because when he runs out- and he will- and you yell "NOOOOOO!" as the UPS truck barrels down the street towards him- he will not have any clue what you are saying.
   And that is just for running into the street.  Imagine all the other theoretical consequences that can happen if he chooses to not obey in other scenarios.
   So, how do we correct a dog, fairly communicating that his behavior is undesirable without being a complete jerk?  That totally depends on the dog.  Some dogs are sensitive and want to please and a simple firm voice is enough to stop him from misbehaving.  Others need a physical correction.
    Eliminate any trace of anger or frustration in your corrections because they take away your ability to be fair.  All you have to do is communicate that the dog's behavior is undesirable.  Do it as softly as possible and as firm as necessary.  Your correction should change the behavior- not the dog.  If he pauses and returns to the bad behavior, you've not corrected- you've just interrupted.  Up your game.  If he hides under the bed from you afterwards- you've wayyyyyyy over done it.  Calm down.
    I see far too many clients who are afraid to correct their dog (or child) in public for fear of what people around them will think.  However, if you give an effective and fair correction and the dog responds, poo poo-ers will see that you are a good dog owner.
   We need to spend much more time worrying about the well being and safety of our dogs and much less time trying to be politically correct.
*** Now if you're disappointed that this blog wasn't charming and witty- my apologies, but let me  end by telling you that one of my dogs just loudly passed gas and then looked at her tail as if a rude stranger was under there.