Dog Psychology Corner - Learning Theory

Why are some dog owners successful while others fail even while using the exact same devices, methods and techniques ? I clearly show that there is a minimum 30-40 percent failure rate happening within these weak and permissive systems of training.  It is sad but true.  When you think about treat trainers, clickers and ideas about “learning” think about the four styles of parenting.  How is parental influence established ?  What happens when you attempt to influence your kids behavior using candy bars and new cars ?  Do your kids respect you as a parent ?  They will in fact go through the motions to get what they want even while they are becoming selfish, self focused and narcissistic.  The parents become objectified and perceived as a means to an end.  The same exact thing is happening within the dog training world.  Dogs can go through the motions while still holding onto power and influence via the lead role.  Many dog trainers are aggressively marketing these ideas while ignoring the reasons why so many dogs and owners are falling through the cracks.  When these ideas break down dogs and owners are being blamed instead of what these ideas represent as they align with nature.  It is no coincidence why approx 4 million dogs are being destroyed in North America every year.   Many trainers are not qualifying the type of influence happening within their learning based models.  When behavior issues fail to diminish than role change has not happened at the level needed.  It is that simple. 
While many trainers would want you to believe that dominance is some big bad evil monster or that training will break your dog’s spirit and drive this simply is not true.  In fact many trainers don’t understand what dominance even represents as it aligns with the connection dogs share with us via nature and the pack relationship.  It is no different than parental influence.  As a parent establishes influence does this impact and influence the child’s decision making ?  The answer is yes.  With dogs it is no different.  While these ideas have become very popular the amount of conflict and behavior problems have only increased between dogs and their owners.  Those who are invested in these ideas continue to argue, debate and defend even while medicating and giving up on dogs which could otherwise be saved.   This system of training helps lift the curtain on the very special connection dogs share with us.  It moves dogs and owners beyond limited results and failure.  It offers hope for everyone.