As a trainer, I hate using the term “correction”. It brings so many negative connotations with it that most times I find it just easier to avoid it altogether. I dislike the term because when you use it, it is a lose lose scenario. Whether you fall into the camp that dogs need corrections for training or you are a totally positive reinforcement clicker trainer, the first and only thing most people think about is the leash jerk. Again it is a lose lose situation. As a trainer if I mention “correction” to the first group, they tend to use only the leash jerk in their tool box of training techniques while ignoring other forms of correction. If I talk to the later group, they condemn and shout out things like “heavy handedness” and “coercive training” because they too immediately think correction=leash jerk.
Let me be frank, I see NOTHING wrong with a leash jerk. If used correctly and paired with an appropriate stimulus to elicit a response, it can be a very valid and effective tool in your training repertoire. Notice I said, “when used correctly..”. The problem with it is that many do not use it correctly and/or over use it. When used correctly it is not used to cause pain, it not used to cut off air, and is used to merely get the attention of your dog. When used correctly, it is more of an interruption then a correction. Which is why I try to use the term “interruption” as much as possible when dealing with students as it is a better representation of the action I wish to convey to them.
So what other forms of correction/interruption are there?
- A simple sound or command to get attention
- Clicking your fingers, tapping your leg, clapping your hands
- Using a squeaker or whistle
- Using your dog’s name
- A simple touch, a poke a nudge
- Stamping your foot
- A leash redirection
- A “no” or similar command
You get the point? There are more...feel free to add to the list.
All these are corrections in one form or another as their purpose is to end the dog’s current behavior or thought process. All are used to interrupt a dog’s thought process and when paired with immediate praise for switching the attention back to the owner, can be very very effective throughout the training process. Unfortunately most of these are very underutilized tools. This really is a shame because if you ever witness a great handler working a strange dog, I guarantee that handler is using all of those things and pairing them immediately with proper praise, thus getting instant results. These results for the dog’s owners look like magic but really is just basic psychology and proper communication at it’s finest.
Next time you are working with your dog, be cognizant of what forms of “correction” you give your dog. Try to focus more on the ones listed as opposed to the leash correction. When training a new skill, set yourself up for success and work it in a lower distraction environment and use high value rewards to mark the behavior. Slowly work these new skills into higher and higher distraction environments. If you do this, you will be amazed how little you will need to rely on your leash to encourage proper behavior.
Try it out...it works like a charm!