One of the most important, and most debated, topics on the subject of dog training is: positive reinforcement vs. correction.

There is a wide spectrum of dog training philosophies, ranging from exclusive positive reinforcement training at one end, and harsh, militant, abusive methods at the other.

As with most topics of debate, any party at an extreme end is lacking a balanced perspective. Neither extremes produce consistent and widespread desirable results, because they are fundamentally incomplete.

To answer the question: “What is the most effective, natural way to train a dog?” we must, simply, ask the dogs!

How do dogs reward and correct? How does a dog pack maintain harmony and balance among its members? How do dogs understand leadership and dominance?

The fact is: dogs correct each other…daily. Corrections, themselves are not abusive or “mean”, they are a healthy and necessary part of communication that accomplishes a crucial element in any relationship: boundaries!

The idea that any form of correction is wrong and abusive is absolutely absurd. A person who adopts this philosophy is likely uncomfortable establishing boundaries in their own life and therefore does not make a good leader. Ask anyone who works in mental health: Boundaries are healthy!

In fact, boundaries are necessary.

Try raising a human child without ever communicating to that child, “don’t do that” or “wrong choice”, or “pay attention”. The result: a child who is out of control, disrespectful, possibly violent, and always upset.

The same is true for dogs.

On the other side of the spectrum; motivating dogs to comply out of fear and blind submission is not desirable, effective, or morally acceptable. A person who is unfairly and excessively harsh is also a poor leader and should not be in a position to teach anything: child, dog, bird, ant, anything.

Someone with a personal need to scare another creature into compliance or submission is also fundamentally insecure and is also not a good leader.

The most effective and ethical way to communicate with a dog is one of balance, and lines up with how dogs communicate with each other, naturally. The easiest language for any animal to understand is their native language. For dogs, that includes appropriate, and timely praise, as well as consistent and fair correction - all occurring with a foundation of leadership, and mutual respect.

When interviewing a potential trainer for you and your dog, ask them what their philosophy is regarding positive reinforcement and correction. Look for someone who falls somewhere along the middle of spectrum and who you feel comfortable with. Ask for references of past clients who they have worked with on similar issues.

Dogs vary individually, just like people. Every human-dog combination is unique and has different needs and preferences. A good trainer should be able to adjust to the dog, rather than force every dog to fit into one method or style of training.

Listening is the most important part of communication. If someone is unwilling to be flexible, and is attached to, or defensive about, their one style; they cannot possibly be a good listener or secure leader.

A good teacher is a good listener. Working with a dog requires constant self-evaluation. If a dog is not understanding an expectation after several repetitions, a trainer must ask him or herself: “What am I doing that is not working?” or “What is missing from this equation?” An effective trainer will quickly recognize how they need to adjust what they do, for each individual dog-human team to learn with minimal stress and maximum success.

Dogs (and people) need to be clear about what is expected of them and then have their environment respond consistently to the established expectations. There are times when our pets need us to be firm, but never without the presence of love and compassion.

Respect is a two-way street…no exceptions.

I don’t know how many times I’ve said in the past several years, “Walking through the woods with my dogs off leash is one of my favorite things to do.”It is.

There is something so simple, and right, about footsteps in a forest with dogs galloping around you - the feeling of walking together as a unit, a pack, a family.

I am beginning to think it isn’t just because I love my dogs, that I love this experience. I am beginning to think it is genetic wiring.

Dogs have been living with people for potentially over 100,000 years. If the two species have been living together, day in and day out, for SO LONG, wouldn’t it make sense that we are evolving together as animals?

Dogs seem to be getting smarter and smarter and in some cases, almost human-like with the way they relate socially to the world. As we pull dogs closer to humanity, I think dogs are pulling us closer to them.

Consider this: Dogs have measurable, positive psychological and physiological effects on people when they are with them.

There are many positive physiological effects that people benefit from, when with a dog. To generalize: People are more relaxed in the presence of a dog.

I believe this is genetic wiring. When dogs first started transforming from wolves, their roles with us quickly developed into these basic jobs: alerting us to the presence of a threat: cougar in the neighborhood, hunting partner: making our hunts easier and more fruitful, and herding: helping us manage large flocks of livestock.

Dogs have made things easier for us. Imagine being in the wilderness among dangerous predators. Wouldn’t the presence of a dog that barks when he senses a threat, allow you to relax and not feel like you have to be so vigilant? Are you a woman who lives alone and finds comfort in having a dog with you to alert you/deter any potential threat when you feel vulnerable? This phenomenon has been happening for tens, and tens, of thousands of years.

Yup, we are wired to live with dogs. I think our reptilian brains think that our survival depends on it!