Capturing EASE
Talk about easy. This is the time to relax and meditate. Make sure to take this book along so that you have something to read while you wait for your dog to offer a behavior you like. Once he does, mark the behavior with a click of your clicker or by saying “yes,” and then reward him with a tiny treat. After the first five to ten correct behaviors are marked and rewarded, your dog will start to under- stand what you want. Now things start to move at a quicker pace, and in no time at all the dog’s performance is improving in leaps and bounds before your very eyes.
EFFECTIVENESS
Capturing produces a highly reliable performance because your dog is required to work through problems on his own and therefore develops a clear understanding of the task. Over time, the reliability is enhanced, because capturing increases a dog’s attentiveness by teaching him to be a great problem- solver and to be addicted to playing the training game with you. This method is ideal for all family members to work with all types of dogs, especially rambunctious and unruly ones. In fact, the more rambunctious and inattentive the dog, the better the effect. A dog of this type greatly benefits from learning to focus in order to problem-solve.
Friendly training methods have been used for years to train dolphins, whales, and grizzly bears. After all, you can’t very well put a choke collar on a whale and jerk him around a tank to get him to do want you want. If we can train these animals with friendly methods, we can certainly train our pet dogs the same way!
EFFICIENCY
Capturing is like getting on a roller coaster. The start of the ride may move a bit slowly, but then it takes off at a lightning pace, and before you know it, you’re flying along.
ENJOYMENT
Everyone (dogs included) loves capturing. One of the most enjoyable things about this way of teaching is demonstrating it to others. Of all the techniques in dog training, this one has the highest feel-good factor, since you’ll feel an amazing connection with your dog. As your dog learns to pay attention to your body language and to read every nuance and intention of your movements, you’ll soon get the feeling that your dog is looking at you like you are his sun, moon, and stars!
Lure/Reward Training EASE
This method is easy to master, and almost everybody in the family can do it. All you have to do is keep your hand steady and move the lure slowly to entice the dog to assume different positions. You can even keep your other hand in your pocket or behind your back.
EFFECTIVENESS
This is one of the most effective training techniques because the sheer speed and enthusiasm of the dog’s responses make it possible to practice many responses in a single training session. It is easy to master and to progressively practice for better reliability. Just as you repeat physical exercises to build muscle, so will you need to build your dog’s learning muscles. Lure/reward training is an easy way to build reliability through rapid repetition.
EFFICIENCY
The use of the lure in training is almost magical. An untrained puppy or adult dog can be lured into a sit, down, or stand—in fact, into any body position — in no time at all. Lure/reward training is very fast. It is a good method for a large percentage of the things you want to teach your pet dog.
ENJOYMENT
Lure/reward-trained dogs have fun, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Training a dog who is having a good time is fun! Since this method is so easy, the entire family, including supervised children, can take part in the training game.
Physical Prompting EASE
Physical methods are difficult for many owners, especially children, to master. Many novice owners understandably become frustrated in their attempts to master apparently simple techniques, which actually require considerable precision and strength.
EFFECTIVENESS
Physical prompting techniques often give the appearance that the dog is better trained than he is. The dog may look good on leash, but this is often a result of being shut down. He may act as if he has never been trained when released. In fact, the more you physically prompt a dog during early training, the harder it will be to achieve off-leash reliability later on.
EFFICIENCY
Physical prompting is deceptive because initially it appears that the dog is learning quickly. And he may be. He may quickly learn to sit when you pull up on the collar or push down on the rump, for example. However, it is not until the dog is off leash in the park that you learn you have barely started training. If your ultimate goal is verbal and distance control, physical prompting methods will at least double your training time because you will find that your dog responds only when on leash, when you can push and pull him about.
ENJOYMENT
Physical prompting is generally not very enjoyable for the dog. Who likes being pushed and pulled? If your dog doesn’t enjoy training, it is much less likely that you will.