We are going to a highly rated training class with our 7 month old Terrier puppy. Our trainer is ( like most we talked to) 1000% positive reinforcement ONLY method. She claims that EVERY behavior can be worked via positive method ONLY, no use of ANY bop on the nose, harsh words, absolutely no buzz or ( horrors) shock collars.......strictly clicker and rewards....
We have seen great results with the reward ( food) and clicker for some basic commands and behaviors YET...our Terrier has an uncanny ability to know when we are " disarmed" or have no rewards. She knows 100% when we have a treat in our pockets, in the training pouch or even on the counter top. IF we try damn near anything other than the basic SIT, DOWN or sometimes STAY without a treat she just ignores us. The trainer say ALL can be worked via positive etc yet it would appear that it will take a bit more to get past the need for rewards.
We have friends who have Terriers and EVERY single one of them says that it will take the " old discredited" style of discipline to get a Terrier under control . NOT abuse but they ALL recommend a shock collar that they also say is hardly ever used. They ALL say that the bop on the nose and a stern NO is mandatory no matter what the trainers say. My guys say the collar set at BUZZ only is the most you will need , after a couple of low setting shocks to get their attention. They tell me that it only takes a few weeks of BUZZZ collar and then they sit on the shelf for years only occasionally needed as reminders as the dog ages.
What say this august board. We are totally new to dog stuff and need advice. Is the 100% positive reinforcement only the same as the NEVER spank a kid culture ?
We have seen great results with the reward ( food) and clicker for some basic commands and behaviors YET...our Terrier has an uncanny ability to know when we are " disarmed" or have no rewards. She knows 100% when we have a treat in our pockets, in the training pouch or even on the counter top. IF we try damn near anything other than the basic SIT, DOWN or sometimes STAY without a treat she just ignores us. The trainer say ALL can be worked via positive etc yet it would appear that it will take a bit more to get past the need for rewards.
We have friends who have Terriers and EVERY single one of them says that it will take the " old discredited" style of discipline to get a Terrier under control . NOT abuse but they ALL recommend a shock collar that they also say is hardly ever used. They ALL say that the bop on the nose and a stern NO is mandatory no matter what the trainers say. My guys say the collar set at BUZZ only is the most you will need , after a couple of low setting shocks to get their attention. They tell me that it only takes a few weeks of BUZZZ collar and then they sit on the shelf for years only occasionally needed as reminders as the dog ages.
What say this august board. We are totally new to dog stuff and need advice. Is the 100% positive reinforcement only the same as the NEVER spank a kid culture ?