Quote:
Originally Posted by Carol Burke  Positive reinforcement is a great way to train, however, once a dog knows an exercise or a behavior that is unacceptable and chooses to not comply I feel a correction is in order. |
While I do agree with this, I disagree at the same time. As trainers it is our responsibility to make the commands we give crystal clear and to proof them in all environments. All too often I see someone offer a command that the dog has learned at home, but hasn't learned around other dogs, on different footing, whatever. Realizing that sit means sit weather it is from a down, from a stand, from a distance, whatever takes training to a different level.
I mention this because before I correct my dog, I look long good and hard at how I trained an exercise, and why the dog may not be doing what I've asked. Yes, the dog may just be blowing you off, but often the lines of communication were broken along the way, and there was a miscommunication. In this instance, correcting the dog adds to the stress, ends up confusing, and in some dogs, cascades the behavior.
Working at utility with my eldest rottie, I chose to use NRM's (Non reward markers) "oops" was ours. I really feel at that level, if a dog is not listening, he is either a confused, you are not making the work enjoyable, or you never taught the exercise completely.
I hope I've been clear. Again, yes, I feel there is a place for corrections. But ask yourself, have I truly taught my dog what I am asking him to do, and what can I do to make him succeed?