Collar training vs positive training

[Suki Wingy]

I DO usually use pinch collars. They don't really hurt when used correctly.
Of course one form of training is never going to work on every single dog, they are each individuals and you may need to alter your training for each animal. The mark of a good trainer is understanding this and being ale to cater to each individual.

[ToBeEvergreen]

Some dogs are sensitive to punishment techniques. Some breeds cannot handle it that well, and may become fearful or aggressive from it.

Positive training, I have found it to have no negative side effects. Food is a VERY strong motivator in some dogs, so it makes an excellent training tool. Although I've yet to try it with Cass, I have also heard that clicker training works well with some dogs. It's becoming more popular to use positive reinforcement, as although it may take a little longer to set in, it seems effective.

Treat= good. Good= repeat that behavior. Or "click"= repeat good behavior. Those connections stick around in the dog's head and are very easy for her to grasp. The dog will do more things that gain a positive reward, because they want more good. I personally will only ever use positive reinforcement methods for my dogs. They've worked fine so far. Knowing a dog's body language and why they do certain things helps a lot. Instead of working against their nature, working with them may be beneficial for training. For example, body language around other dogs. Chances are, your dog will not like every dog she meets. Signs of nervousness or anger can be caught, and the dogs steered away from each other in order to avoid an altercation, rather than this: Dog growls, you hit dog. Dog now associates the strange dog with "hit", and further distaste for other dogs may be harbored. In my opinion, collars only reinforce pain or even discomfort as a control method, but not always a solution, getting down to the root of the problems.

[snakemama]

I use a combination of shock collar training and treat luring. I do a lot of work with Sit Means Sit dog training, where the shock collar is used NOT as a punishment but as a tool to help the dog focus. My first training session was spent with my trainer holding the collar in his hand the entire time and recieving the shocks to make sure I had timing and accuracy down. He said he usually does the first two or three sessions that way, but Jasper and I both learn fast.

It's a very effective way to train, and it means that Jasper has a TON more freedom than he otherwise would, since he can be a guest in people's homes and be mannerly. Before SMS, I couldn't bring him places. We've been through a LOT of training with positive only trainers, and things did improve some, but no matter how hard I worked with him, I couldnt' get certain aspects of his behavior under control.

Now, we get the nicest compliments on his wonderful behavior while we're out! Constantly!

Here's a nice video from a Sit Means Sit trainer! Does Honey look scared or stressed or upset?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DTaPe4t4nA

[Lady's Human]

Every dog is different, but I will NEVER use a choke collar.

If I tried it, Lady would pull regardless until she passed out. Sometimes they're just too hard headed. Besides, while I understand the theory involved with choke collars, it just rubs me completely the wrong way.

I wound up training Lady with a mix of positive reinforcement and punishment, and she went from a separation anxiety pup who hated being anywhere near kids to being at least able to tolerate children and a pup who's very secure with her place in the pack. She can handle being alone now, which is something that was a nightmare for the first year or so she was with us.

[IRescue452]

I trained Autumn at the local dog club 12 years ago. They used training/choke collars and positive treat luring. I don't remember ever actually pulling the the collar tight to correct her, but it was used for a quick attention getter. The class would have been just as effective with a nylon collar. It was all positive training though except maybe when you had to use a firm voice for the "leave it" command. That was it. No abuse and very little negativity. Everybody I know says Autumn is one of the most well-trained dogs they've met.

[Asiel]

I used both but my preferred one is the prong. Most classes that I see today have the elderly put their dogs on a prong because dogs won't usually pull when using them , it's like power steering and so much easier for older folks who usually end up being dragged when using choke collars. Choke collars can hurt the dog if not used properly so you do have to learn how to use it before trying it.
Honestly I think Nilif is my best training device yet and requires no collar. Whatever works for the dog I say keep using it. All dogs are different so different methods for different dogs.

[K9soul]

I like positive training and clicker training in particular. http://www.clickertraining.com/

It's pretty much the opposite philosophy from the Sit Means Sit. I just would not feel comfortable with a "stimulant" based training personally.

Just as a contrast to the other video, here is one with examples of dogs doing tricks trained via clicker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQpIojDLGwQ