Does this mean repositioning the dog, and start again? Or giving a tug to his collar, or something very specific?
HI @Sarge Brown I'm afraid you will need to include the context or the paragraph in which it appears. On its own, I don't know whether it's a reference to instrumental conditioning or something else.
I am looking for a new trainer as my current one is very pro-neutering. So, while interviewing a trainer by phone (he was recommended by Sarge’s breeder and lives a little over 100 miles away) I asked him to describe his methods. He said he used positive means and “makes corrections as needed” I have since found an article here on this site describing various training methods. So, I think this trainer is combining positive reinforcement until he thinks that isn’t working then using some kind of negative method to make the point. Unfortunately he and I were unable to continue our conversation due to cell issues. I do intend to drive down and observe him before committing Sarge to his methods for the next 8 weeks (and both of us to a 200 mile round trip each week for the next 8 weeks).
Hi @Sarge Brown Force free trainers use negative punishment, (such as transitioning to intermittent reinforcement or withdrawing the dog from some activity it likes, when it misbehaves) and in the latter example they do offer a correction to a dog. A balanced trainer will use positive reinforcement in the acquisition phase, but may depending on the dog, use positive punishment in the fluency stage, say, in terms of lead corrections. And balanced trainers can use negative reinforcement. You will have to ask or observe the trainer to determine what parts of instrumental conditioning the trainer employs. By all means visit him and watch. But if he only works a new skill, then you may not observe any positive punishment. So I would ask him how he teaches recall and retrieving, two exercises in which the use and the types of corrections clearly surface. And depending on your ethical position (can you work with someone who uses techniques you don't accept?), tell him you are not willing to use positive punishment and negative reinforcement. It may turn out he is in fact a balanced trainer. But if he is willing to accept your ethical position, and train you accordingly, he may turn out to be an excellent trainer and you learn a great deal from him.
One alternative is to do an on-line course with the Fenzi academy. https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/ I believe that depending on the course you have to film you and your dog, submit it to your teacher, and the instructor steers you on how to improve the exercise. Jo Laurens https://dogworks.org.uk/about/ does retrieve, and recall on-line.
Thank you Michael, for the very informative answer. I have appointments with the trainer above, with a certified behaviorist/trainer and one with a Veternarian Behaviorist, of which there is only one in our state. I have talked with my own vet and she recommended I have Sarge evaluated by the Veterinarian Behaviorist as she believes I may see more dog aggression in the next few months as he finishes maturing. But she felt it was very important to continue training, walks, and other enrichment activities so long as I believe I can keep Sarge and other dogs safe. I am very encouraged by LAT results so far, as Sarge hasn’t shown any aggressive interest in other dogs since our two bad experiences. I am also changing up our walking routine to include “heel”, “sit” loose leash, about turn, etc. rather than the leisurely sniffing along for a spot that appeals to poop. He is checking in regularly with me and seems to be having fun. Thank you again for your suggestions and information.
Thanks @Sarge Brown for the update. You have a lot of individuals evaluating your dog. I think it's important that they at least see each other reports so that they can come up with a coordinated plan. I like the training you're doing. Keep up the LAT training. Make sure you intersperse the obedience training with fun things. Excellent heeling could be rewarded with a game. As a reward for attentive heeling, one of my students spontaneously got down on the grass and played with her dog for 30 seconds. Keep us informed please.
