-
Owners Play 2 Training Games to Find the Money – Opinions?
Hi All!
I would love anyone’s advice on a plan I have developed to hopefully change the minds of dog owners who prefer aversive methods to train their dogs. If it seems weird or offensive, I apologize in advance since I know some of you reading this may use aversive methods at times. It is intended for the owner to play the role of their dog during this “game” of “Hot and Cold” and to physically and emotionally feel the differences between positive reinforcement and aversive methods. I am also using marker words in a foreign language not to give a human any advantage over what a dog will go through learning for the first time. The owner has no idea what is expected of this game, he only knows to approach the trainer, therefore the exercise could last a while. Here it goes:
Method 1- Force Free Positive Reinforcement
1. An Easter egg (with a $20 bill hidden inside) has been hidden in a secret spot outside in the yard and the dog owner is now the “dog.” Have quarters (money coins) on hand to “treat” the owner. Say nothing to the owner as he approaches you, the trainer. If the owner happens to move toward the egg, mark “Gut” (German for good!) and give him a quarter. If he moves away from the egg, say nothing. Keep rewarding any behavior moving towards the egg with the same marker word “gut” and a quarter reward (while ignoring movement away from the egg) until he finally finds the egg. Once he finds the egg, praise like no other (yes probably in German)! The owner or “dog” should feel pretty good about himself – it was fun, interactive and he thinks you, the trainer, may be the best thing since sliced bread because he received some pretty amazing rewards!
Method 2 – Positive Punishment (Aversive Method)
1. An Easter Egg (with a $20 bill hidden inside) has also been hidden in secret spot in the yard. Enlist the help of another person to be the “aversive” pinch collar. Have this person walk beside the dog owner following every step the owner makes. When the owner approaches you, the trainer, say nothing. If he walks away from the hidden egg, have the aversive person pinch his arm and say nothing. If he walks toward the egg, say “gut” or say nothing – as many real dog owners will do, meaning the dog may only get the correction and nothing positive. (The trainer could dole out the quarters for going toward the egg, but will the reward be as emotionally gratifying?) Keep doing this, pinching every time the owner goes away from the egg until he finds eventually finds the egg. Praise and reward for finding the egg. I wonder how the owner/dog feels with $20 and a red arm.
Now ask – which method would you choose? Learn with trust and delight? Or learn with fear and pain?
Again – I wonder if a dog owner or client would get upset playing this out? Would the exercise be effective? If there is a better way, I am all ears!
Thank you for your comments!
-
4 Replies
-
Would love to know how to approach this one. When I have encountered a prong collar on a dog that is requesting training , the immediate response from the owner – BECAUSE IT WORKS . They appear so defensive . I currently am seeing an owner with 2 dogs- a goldendoodle (Jinger) and a wired haired pointing griffon. (Cece) The husband is resistant as the wired haired dog is “MY DOG” AND the goldendoodle is HER DOG. Yes, you guessed it the dog with the prong collar was Cece. They agreed on a freedom no pull harness. Then I got a message, Well he doesn’t like it! I did write a respon.se that I would not treat a dog with a prong collar and they agreed to continue with both dogs. Oh yes, now the husband has to go for shoulder surgery due a fall walking the dog. He is so closed minded and continues to wrap the leash around his wrist and hand multiple times. Today, the wife reported he has the beginning Alzheimer’s and had a bad day and she doesn’t know what to do. 2. The second dog I saw today was in our dog park and body slamming my dog multiple e times in the face and in the rear end. The owner had to try and catch the dog. There was no collar on the dog. (despite rules that dog needs to have a collar on at all times) As I turned around, the owner picked up the leash and there attached was the prong collar. ” Oh tell me if its bothering your dog. Well, she left quickly afterward ! So what’s the advice on how to approach those clients in a nice way?
-
Yes convincing seems futile at best. I certainly don’t have the answers that is why I threw the plan out, although it may be a little forward. I guess sometimes we have to agree to disagree but it breaks my heart for the dogs. Another step is to have the research/studies and distribute to read.
-
-
@jcongdon I’ve definitely played the first game you mentioned with clients. Usually during a first night of class, with no dogs. I used do it to get some empathy and buy in. It does take awhile. Anymore, I pivoted to just telling the story of “two bosses” – one who rewards with bonuses and fun extras at work, anytime an employee shows initiative or movement toward success, and the other who looks for reasons to penalize the employee, by fines & restrictions. It takes about 1 minute to tell the story and a lot less for the class to decide which boss they’d rather work for. Then I say… take a look at your dog… which kind of “boss” would you rather be? I’ve never had anyone say they wanted to be the “other” boss. We do a lot of talking about relationship during class, as well. And about how learning should be fun.
For the clients who are struggling because of long history training “the other way” or when in situations like @denny brought up, I don’t refuse to work with them, but rather, try to move them in little steps, toward a different strategy. With a man who has Alzheimers and has fallen, I might offer to do a board & train, to see if I can get them further along so that the dog doesn’t provide so many challenges.
Having dogs should be fun. If it’s not fun, let’s help the client figure out why, and see if we can provide strategies that work for the whole family.
-
Good advice. Thanks!
-
Log in to reply.