The training process is divided into 3 major process as follows :-
a) Behavior Consultation
This is where I analyze and identify the behavioral problems not only in dogs but also the owners. Some times the dogs behave in such a way because of the lack of knowledge of dogs owners and have been conditioned negatively.
b) Canine Behavior Reconditioning
Identifying negative behavior in dogs and addressing the issue. New and positive behaviors are then introduced and reinforced. At this point of time is also where I identify the dogs other positive drives. I then develop this behavior.
c) Obedience Training
Dogs cannot be instructed to we want them to do until they have learnt to obey commands. This is where I shape and name behavior, which are the "commands". The above three are discussed in further detail in the relevant sections. The whole reconditioning, shaping and training process takes about 6 weeks and while this is being done, I start teaching the owners on how to handle their dogs and impart canine psychology for the owners understanding. As much as training is important for a well behaved dog, so is correct handling and understanding of the dog. This consultation that I provide my client is done at my office at the above address. Clients are encouraged to come and get involved in the training process as I am able to pick out flaws and mistakes in the handling process that might lead to a dogs’ relapse and misbehaving.At my centre, I do not only train the dogs but I also impart the finding of the particular dog to the owner, so that the owner is well educated regarding their dog and that they are well equipped in handling their dog (please refer Dog Handling Course). To rephrase Karen Pyror, Why abuse when you can reward? As she states in her book, “Don’t shoot the Dog”, I watch for behaviors that I like then I reinforce them by rewards. In this training method, I first would have to analyze the behavior of the dog. This is a very crucial part of my training, as this is the foundation of character rehabilitation. Any unwanted character or behavior of the dog is weeded out, and then the new behavior is conditioned. I don’t punish the dogs when they are wrong, I reward them when they are right using positive reinforcement techniques thus there is NO need for punishment. This encourages the cue for right behavior. The training time is shorter and less stressful for the dog and an excitement within them is created whenever it is time for them to be conditioned. Modern reinforcement training is “anything that, occurring in conjunction with an act, tends to increase the probability that act will occur again” which is based not on belief but on behavioral science.
Reinforcement is an event that occurs when:
(a) during or upon completion of a behavior and
(b) the likelihood of that behavior occurring in future which in turn can be conditioned as permanent behavior.
Understanding this is important to the training process as it is the core and the key to training without punishment.