| I agree that proper leash corrections are not abuse; I use them myself. I just wouldn't rule out that clicker (or other motivational) methods can be used to train dogs to work reliably around distractions. We use corrections with dogs because it works, it works quickly, and because we can.
But there are many animal trainers out there working with animals that you can't correct as easily (for example, marine animals, birds, reptiles, cats) and requiring them to work in highly distracting environments, like movie sets. I think motivational training methods take longer, but can work to produce animals who perform reliably in a variety of situations.
I'm still researching the limits of clicker training for myself. I'd love to be able to train previously-abused dogs without having to give leash corrections. We see a lot of dogs at the local shelter who have to have ingrown collars surgically removed. I'm hoping that clicker training might be a good alternative method for these dogs.
That said, I agree many c/t people are "rabid." I think that often stems from having never used any other training methods. I hate it when people look at me like I'm a monster when I give my dog a leash correction in public.
Like Working Dogz said, balance is the key. Knowing as many different methods as possible makes for the best trainers.  |