Science-Base Dog Training
Dogs and all other animals generally function under the "what can I gain from this" or "how can I avoid this" principle. A pet owner's job is to make sense of what these objectives are from the dog's perspective. In essence, dog training is really about communication, yet most people don't know dogs have sophisticated verbal and highly complex non-verbal language.
Dog language is understood from the perspective of behaviour. Each species use behaviour to exchange information; therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise when science confirms dogs understand our physical and emotional states. As science discovers just how much dogs can exchange with us, it becomes our responsibility to make sure we understand them in turn.
Dog training is not about dominance; it's not about punishment; it's not about stuffing dogs with cookies or food. Dog training is about communicating an idea and reaching an agreement. My father used to say, "Dogs are like children, if you want them to do something, you better make sure you ask clearly." Dogs do, indeed understand human requests when asked clearly. As mentioned above, science-based dog training incorporates the latest information.
Science-Base Horse Training
As mentioned above, all animals, humans included, spend their lives trying to gain or avoid something; horses are not exempt from these principles. What is new is our perception, understanding, and training philosophies regarding horse training. In many instances, Horse training is still accomplished through negative reinforcement and positive punishment.
Horse training at the Dogue Shop is accomplished through communication, reinforcement, social learning, and rewards such as food, social contact, or allogrooming. We never force the animal to do something it doesn't want. Conversely, we focus our horse training approach on what the animal wants. If an animal is uncomfortable, we train the horse to relax and trust; if the horse is fearful, we focus on building his confidence via simple exercises; if the horse is foot reactive, we concentrate on peaceful touches and eventually foot offers through desensitization.
The Dogue Shop staff strongly believes horse training will experience the same shift dog training underwent in the 1990s and 2000s. Thus, we are happy to say, we train horses with positive, scientifically sound, methods. You can visit the Dogue Shop's YouTube account for a visual of how we train.
Science-Base Wolf Training
Wolves are not dogs. Although this might seem like an obvious statement, wolves are often treated like dogs, while dogs are treated like wolves. Such inadequately raised and trained wolves will demonstrate undesirable behaviour and are often highly aggressive. Trainers can only achieve adequate wolf training through science-based techniques.
Social-cognitive learning theory (SCT) is also on the rise and adds new dimensions to training and behaviour modification. It is unrealistic to push a wolf's back into a sit behaviour, nor is it recommended to place an electric shock collar on wild canids. Yet, to the peril of their lives, some people try to treat wolves in such a manner.
Wolves should be trained based on the scientific learning theory, only. The theory states that behaviours are affected by two possible outcomes: increased or decreased likelihood of a behaviour occurring again. Two added options motivate the outcome: avoid or gain.
With an adequate training plan and knowledge, training wolves to display desirable behaviour is possible. That said, wild and domestic animals act very differently; therefore, they should be treated as such.
Science-Base Rat Training
