There has to be more ways to train an animal then there are recipes for pasta. Some methods are extremely precise and thoroughly scientific.
Others base their method on ideas of pack ‘leadership’ based on pseudoscience or popular TV programmes.
I have tried many in an attempt to know the best way. Yet at the end of the day if we do not have, at least, a basic understanding of goodwill and kindness then it does not matter how great your training techniques are, if you lack compassion, where is the progress?
Some trainers attempt to encompass a more compassionate and socially aware approach to their work.
When I work with pet owners, I slow everything down. I am looking for the pause that enables the owners to feel the “aha” moment with their pet. I call this pause the zen pause, sometimes it stops the thought, ” I must control this animal ” to (maybe) understanding how the animal is feeling. I am not talking about what you think the animal feels or what you feel, rather, I am referring to how an animal is attempting to understand what you, the owner ( or trainer) are doing and what you want from them.
When I worked as a young trainer in the Marine Parks of Europe. I trained dolphins and sea lions for shows. I felt under constant pressure to achieve a goal. As though by gaining fast results even at the risk of compromising the feelings of the marine mammal ( or any other animal I have trained with, ) was the only way.
So, yes, of course we can train using force. Yes, of course we can train adopting an attitude of ‘ I am the boss.’
But anyone can do that. Imagine pausing long enough to find that moment of quiet where the world becomes still.
Suddenly you find yourself just being with the animals, because you do not have to do ( anything ), rather, just be. Being rather than doing will help your dog and you have clearer communication. It will provide the necessary pause for the dog to learn what you are trying to teach it.
Take your time when training, be clear, have momentum without being hurried. Enjoy your dog now.
