what method of training is bad for your dog?

Answer 1

Anything that involves hitting, slapping, rubbing a dog's nose in its mess, etc. As I've said before, violence just begets violence when you're training a dog. Consistency, immediate correction of bad behavior, and plenty of praise for obeying are the best techniques for most dogs.

I am not totally opposed to the use of electronic "shock" collars or pinch collars. They simulate the pinch that a mother dog uses to correct her pups, and they can be very effective.

BUT (and this is a major caveat), they must be used correctly, for the right reasons, and by someone who knows what they're doing. In all the years that I've trained dogs, I've run onto a couple of animals whose behaviors were potentially life-threatening (to themselves or their handlers) and had to be stopped immediately.

We're talking dogs who were out of control and strong enough to drag their handler into traffic, down a flight of stairs, or, in the case of search and rescue, right over a cliff. Standard methods weren't working with these dogs, and the most effective technique was some careful training with the pinch collar.

But for most dogs, any training method that avoids physical abuse and relies on consistant correction/praise is usually effective. It just depends on the trainer, the dog, and the situation.

Answer 2

You should use the method of training that works best for your dog. You should avoid any training that is abusive. Depending on what type of training you are seeking, you can usually find a local trainer that can help you out. Also there are group classes if you are looking for basic doggie 101.

Answer 3

Jansel is right. That is probably the best answer I have seen on Yahoo answers regarding training.

Different methods work best depending on the individual dog. One size does not fit all, no matter the method, and that is the problem with many trainers these days.

Answer 4

There really is no right or wrong. There are methods that are more effective under certain circumstances than others. Things to take into consideration when choosing the most effective method for you and your dog include: your personality, your dog's personality, your goals, your abilities as a trainer, and your experience as a trainer.
For example, if you are not happy with a particular method of training, for whatever reason, then it is unlikely you and your dog will do well with this method. Your dog will pick up on your reluctance and either share your dismay or take advantage of the situation to do as he pleases.

If your dog is the strong, take charge type, a method that does not deal with this trait will result in his walking away with the training sessions, getting very little done. Conversely, if your dog is very sensitive, there may be a variety of methods you can use so long as you are very careful about how you correct him. Or, a very submissive dog may need a particular method that emphasizes learning something new very thoroughly so that they may be as confident as possible when doing it. You have to observe your dog closely and figure out what his strengths and weakenesses are.

Your own abilities as a trainer come into play, as well. Some people have a natural sense of timing and an almost instinctive understanding of what their dog is thinking and how to react to it. Most people do not have this ability but can learn it to some degree over time. Others just do not. Recognizing your particular strengths and weaknesses will let you use each more effectively. Another ability some people seem to just have, others can develop, etc. is the ability to "read" a dog; that is correctly guess what the dog is thinking or feeling during training. This ability is valuable as it allows you to make appropriate adjustments on the fly to increase the effectiveness of your training.

Some methods are very effective but can be abused if the wrong person uses them. For example, the Koehler method of dog training worked very well on many dogs, in the hands of its originator. Koehler reportedly had an astute sense of timing and a keen awareness of how to present something fairly to a dog, but the "Koehler Method" as applied by others was so often abusive that today this method of training dogs is in disrepute.

Obviously, therefore, a good trainer is one who helps YOU figure out how to train your dog. A good trainer helps you learn to observe your dog for important clues to his behaviors and actions. A good trainer watches you and your dog work together and helps you learn where you are letting your dog down. A trainer's job, in short, is to teach you to become a trainer of your own dog. It is not a trainer's job to teach your dog. Typically, you only see your trainer for one hour a week. Training requires short, daily sessions. YOU are the one training your dog. (Sending a dog away to be trained is a separate consideration, with its own set of potential problems.) A good trainer has several methods under their belt and helps you figure out which ones work best with your dog.

Don't worry, there are some constants in dog training. Consistency and Fairness.

Answer 5

Hitting them. Especially if they just did what you want. For example, if you say "come" and the puppy runs in the street, through the flower bed, and then takes his own sweet time to come to you, and you swat him, he won't come next time.
Also, inconsistency. If you are trying to teach something, or to UN-teach something and you don't reward correct behavior EVERY TIME during the learning process, you are teaching that if they persist in the behavior you don't want, you will cave and they win. Example: Trick training. If you want the dog to wave, and you don't reward him for getting it right, he will get confused as to what you want, quit paying attention, and get bored. Or nuisance barking. If the non-stop barking doesn't bother dad and he lets the dog do it, mom will never be able to train the dog out of it.
So, the best way is to reward the behavior you want, ignore the behavior you don't, be firm, consistent and patient.
Good Luck

Answer 6

I provide a free ebook that explains all the different methods of training. It will be useful in answering your question and it's totally free. I also provide evaluation of different online providers.

http://www.dog-training-sites.com

Answer 7

negitive responses are bad... kicking it is worse... I prefer to give treats for good behaviors are ingore bad ones (including the dog) but for thick headed dogs a thong collar is a good threat. I have used it for three weeks on all my dogs, after that I put it on and don't use it and they behave cause they know it can hurt

Answer 8

Yelling at the dog, hitting the dog when it doesn't do what you tell it to do, jerking the dog on the leash. In general, abusing the dog to get it to mind.

Answer 9

It isn't the method that can be bad,,, it is the application of the method that can be bad.
And,,,,, it doesn't matter which method you are using.

Answer 10

Any type of training that doesn't use praise and/or treats as a reward. Any type of training that uses negitve reinforcement!