THE
FOCUS
It is important to not overwhelm the young
dog when introducing it to obedience training, for you risk hampering the dog's psychological development. Damage at these early stages can keep the
animal from reaching its full potential as an adult. The trainer should always introduce the behavior with a strong sense of motivation where the dog accepts
and enjoys the alpha direction provided by the trainer [in the dog's interaction with its environment].This should be accomplished indirectly and without
conflict... direct confrontation will bring out aggression and nonconformity in a strong or socially aggressive dog,
and submissiveness, timidity in a weaker, or softer dog. These are two extremes of the possible outcomes that training with conflict creates, however, there can be a variety of manifestations in social dysfunction.
In my opinion the worst part of direct negative training is that it perpetuate and increases the use of indiscriminant compulsion in a never ending cycle of a self-defeating dead end. The dog will eventually meet defeat. This obviously hampers the animals ability to learn how to properly interact within its pack, within its environment, and therefore perform the task required of it, whether it be police work, sports or just a good family companion. However, when the dog is worked
properly, with a strong
motivational foundation, the young dog develops confidence in its pack leader who can
than properly and carefully constructs a base behavior/relationship where the dog
can channel its drives and instincts in a constructive manner. The most salient of these is
to understand the focus. The focus, as I use it here is best understood as total
commitment from the young dog to the pack leader, and developing a willingness to
work, an acceptance to learn behavior with a “sympathetic” positioning through
play-prey within the pack structure. This, I think is key.
Comments and positions on training theory are welcomed and
encouraged.
