Dog Trainer

Dog trainer are professionals who work with dogs to bridge the gap between dog & man, teaching them various behaviors, commands, and skills. They can be called both “dog trainers” and “behaviorists,” but there is a distinction between the two roles:

Dog Trainer vs Dog Behaviourist

1. Dog Trainers: Dog trainers mainly focus on teaching dogs basic obedience commands and specific skills, which are the ABCD of dog training. They use various positive reinforcement techniques, rewards, and repetition to help dogs learn and respond to commands like sit, stay, come, heel, etc.
   They may also work on correcting unwanted behaviors, but their main focus is on teaching the dog how to behave appropriately in all environments & circumstances that may arise in the dog’s daily life.
2. Dog Behaviorists: Dog behaviorists, on the other hand, are experts in animal behavior and psychology. They will take into count the dog’s life & experiences since birth , understanding the reason behind the said behavior. Then implementing training & management systems accordingly to help the family modify & manage the behavior.

What do Dog Trainers do

1. Obedience Home Obedience Training: Teaching dogs basic commands like sit, stay, come, lie down, which are the ABCD of dog training.
2. Leash Training: Loose leash walking is one of the most important commands for a pet dog, which also makes sure the dog is not being reactive.
3. Socialisation: Introducing dogs to different environments, dogs, people, traffic & surfaces to build confidence, making sure the dog follows all obedience commands in & around these circumstances.
4. Agility Training: Training dogs to navigate obstacle courses, promoting physical fitness and mental stimulation.
5. Housebreaking: Training the family to manage the dog & teach it toilet manners, making sure the dogs is also safe in the house.
6. Trick Training: Teaching fun and entertaining tricks to keep the dog mentally engaged.
7. Behaviour Modification: Addressing correcting & managing unwanted behaviours like jumping, chewing, barking excessively, etc.

Types of Dog Trainer

There are various types of dog training systems, each employing different methods and philosophies. Some of the common dog training systems include:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Using rewards (treats, praise, toys) to encourage desired behaviors, while ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors.
2. Clicker Training: A form of positive reinforcement where a clicker is used to mark the desired behavior, followed by a reward.
3. Classical Conditioning: Associating positive experiences with specific stimuli to change the dog’s emotional response to them.
4. Operant Conditioning: Using rewards and punishments to increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
5. Dominance-Based Training: Based on outdated ideas of pack hierarchy, using firm and assertive techniques to establish dominance over the dog.
6. Relationship-Based Training: Focusing on building a strong bond with the dog and understanding their needs and motivations.
7. Science-Based Training: Utilising evidence-based methods, relying on the principles of learning theory and animal behavior.

It’s essential to choose a training system that aligns with your values and goals and prioritises the well- being of your furry friend.

Many modern trainers lean towards positive reinforcement and science-based methods as they are generally considered more effective and humane.