Okay, so I'm not a high-powered dog trainer like some who responded, but I have done obedience with 2 shelties, and I've taught elementary school for 23 years, so I decided to put in my 2 cents anyway.
First, rewards are information. Whether it's a treat or a clicker, or an atta boy, they let the learner know they've done the right thing. The trick is finding the feedback that works for the individual. For my shelties, they lived and died by my approval, so we went with that. With my students, well, every kid is different. We have a school economy and we hand out fake money redeemable for various things as a tangible reward, because some need it. Some would do the right thing no matter what (not that they mind the money!). This is a long-winded way of saying, "do what works for your dog" whether it's goodies or praise.
Second, I have a rowdy, large group of 5th graders this year and guess what! If I want them to listen and respond, I speak softly. The minute I start talking loudly they totally tune me out. My shelties were tender-hearted pups, and yelling broke their hearts. The one time I yelled at my Jack he was so intimidated and confused he lifted his leg on me! Yep, happy, cheerful, and soft is the way to go.
Go watch dogs at obedience trials. You see some walking around with tails between their legs, obviously not enjoying themselves, then you see others wagging, looking happily at their handler every second, and obviously having the time of their lives. Which will yelling get you, hmm?
I will now officially get off my soapbox.
--Nikki
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Nov 6, 2012, 03:59 PM
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