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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Training Methods FAQs
What training methods does Helen Taylor Dog Training & Behaviour
use?
We use exclusively reward-based, or positive dog training methods.
Unlike old-fashioned dog-training methods, which rely on the use
of pain, fear and force to achieve results, reward-based training
rewards the right behaviour and ensures the wrong behaviour is made
non-rewarding (rather than punishing the wrong behaviour). Punishment
- whether physical or verbal - is not necessary, tends to inhibit
desirable as well as undesirable behaviours and is therefore not
reliably effective. All methods that use pain, anxiety or fear can
damage the bond between dog and owner, and can often lead to aggression
and other serious behavioural problems. See also Why
punishment and negative methods don't work.
What is "reward-based" training and how does this
method work?
The term "reward-based" means using reward to train and
to encourage behaivours the owner wants. However, true reward-based
behaviourists and trainers not only use the concept of reward (ie
positive - often referred to as +ve) to train and modify behaviour
in dogs and other animals but, more significantly, do not employ
anything that is unpleasant (to the dog) or anything that uses fear
or pain to achieve it's effect or stop a behaviour. All trainers
and behaviourists use negatives, but reputable, professional behaviourists
(ie those that are properly trained and recognised by professional
organisations) would use the concept of removal or denial of reward,
rather than the addition of something unpleasant. Why we
do things this way is covered thoroughly in Why
punishment and negative methods don't work. There are countless
examples of the difference between using "removal of reward"
and the use of something negative, of which jumping up is only one.
Many dogs learn that jumping up is a way of gaining attention (although
there can be other reasons for the behaviour which would also have
to be identified and eliminated if training is to be successful,
but that's another matter). If the dog succeeds in getting near
your face when he jumps, then he is rewarded for his actions, even
if you ignore him. If he also gets some eye contact and verbal or
physical contact from his owner (even if just to push him off or
tell him to get down), he has received even more reward! However
if he learns that consistently, every time he jumps up, the very
thing he wants (attention, and to get close to your face) disappears,
but an alternative behaviour (for example sitting) results gaining
attention, then he will learn in time that jumping is counter-productive
and that sitting is much more rewarding.
What's wrong with choke chains?
Choke chains can cause serious neck injuries and significant pain.
Anything which causes pain or discomfort can damage the bond between
dog and owner and can cause other problems, such as negative associations
with whatever the dog is looking at or thinking and the pain of
the jerk to the neck. Moreover, choke chains often do not even stop
a dog from pulling!
What's wrong with telling my dog off when he does the wrong
thing - isn't that how he will learn what I want him to do?
See Why punishment doesn't work for
a full answer to this question!
Should I attend classes or have individual training?
Training classes are the often a good place to start if owners
want all-round training, or need help with several training issues
such as getting their dog to come back (recall), general obedience
commands (Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It) or if their dog would benefit
from the additional socialisation that a class provides. Sometimes
a very nervous or aggressive dog does better in class if their problems
have been tackled in an individual session prior to the class start
date. Some clients opt to have one-to-one sessions if they are unable
to attend class for any reason, or while they are waiting for their
class to start. One-to-one sessions may be more applicable if owners
want help with one or two specific problems such as jumping up or
recall, attention-seeking behaviour, chewing, while the rest of
the dog's obedience training is good. Individual sessions may also
be more appropriate if the bad behaviour is only seen in certain
situations - eg barking at the postman, anti-social behaviour around
other dogs,
What is the difference between a one-to-one and a behavioural
consultation?
One-to-one training sessions are for training problems, while behavioural
consultations are for behavioural problems. Examples of training
problems that can be tackled with a straightforward individual session
would include jumping up, running off on walks, poor recall, dogs
that won't come back when playing with other dogs, barking, rough
or inappropriate play with other dogs, walking to heel, learning
to walk on the lead without pulling, mild aggression towards other
dogs (eg bark or growling at other dogs without any other aggression
being shown). Examples of behavioural problems that require a behavioural
consultation would include aggression towards people, most cases
of aggression towards other dogs
Classes FAQ
Can I come along and watch before deciding to join?
Absolutely. Please contact me in advance to ensure a class is actually
running on the night you wish to attend and for me to give you further
details. But please do not bring your dog to the session!
Where and when are your classes held?
Currently casses are held in the Portman Hall in Shillingstone.
Monday evenings are the regular training night, with occasional
Monday afternoon classes scheduled - usually in the summer.
What happens at a class?
Classes are a composed of a mixture of stand-up teaching and demonstrating
while the class listens, practical exercises to put into practice
what has just been discussed and, in puppy classes only, controlled
free play sessions.
How many dogs are in the class?
In puppy class, a typical class size is 8-10, maximum 12. In Juniors,
a typical class is 8, with an occasional 9th if two people have
booked on the same day.
Do I have to book?
Yes! classes are prebooking only with strict limits on numbers
to ensure a qualilty class is delivered. Classes are delivered in
blocks of six week courses.
Can I bring my children to class?
Well-behaved children of any age are warmly welcomed, can add to
the fun and are a valuable addition to puppy classes. Children under
16 cannot legally be held responsible for a dog so must always be
accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. If any of your
children are under 6 please bring a second adult so that one can
manage the children while the other works with the dog. All attending
children must be capable of sitting quietly for periods of up to
10 minutes at a time (interspersed with practical sessions that
they can join in with) and must not cause a disruption to teaching
or a nuisance to other attendees at any time. During the practical
sessions children are free to join in with the training of their
own dog, but must stay with their own family at all times. Children
that are too young to or do not wish to join in may play quietly
(for instance colouring or playing portable computer games with
the sound turned off). Parents of children MUST at all times ensure
that their children follow standard good practice around unfamiliar
dogs - children must under no circumstances run or scream, or
approach other owners' dogs without the owner's permission.
My dog is not good with other dogs/strangers, can he still attend?
That depends. As a qualified behaviourist, we have plenty of experience
of dealing with aggressive dogs. However, please contact us before
booking so that we are aware of your dog's problems and can advise
whether a class is suitable or appropriate and whether any precautions
need to be taken. In many cases a one-to-one session or behavioural
consultation may be required prior to attending the class. This
ensures a safe environment for all, and also ensure that you, your
dog and the other attendees all get the maximum benefit from attending
the class.
How much are classes?
Prices start at £70 for the six week course.
Do I have to use a clicker?
Of course not! If you have never used a clicker, I always encourage
people to give it a go. Clickers can be an amazing tool and many
people become converts - admitely sometimes after an awkward couple
of weeks! A clicker is basically a tool to help get your timing
more accurate so that your dog knows more precisely which behaviour
is being rewarded. Also, some research has suggested that the sound
is processed by the part of the brain that deals with instinctive
behaviour, rather than "thinking". Things processed through
this part of the brain are often associated with particularly rapid
learning.
Individual Training FAQ
I have an appointment, is there anything special I need to do
in advance, or on the day?
You will be sent preconsultation guidelines for your behavioural
consultation or one to one session ahead of time so you know what
to expect.
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