[Oagdu] your prefered method of training?

Fri Jul 22 12:22:04 UTC 2016

Hi all,
GDB is very much into positive reinforcement training and food rewards are used pretty heavily in the two week training class. The use of food rewards during the first week is pretty frequent (almost all curbs, etc.). During the second week of training, you can decrease the amount of food rewards, and customize your routine once you get back home. For instance, I typically only use food rewards when we are working on new routes. And it's important to mention that the food rewards are  actually just pieces of kibble taken from the dog's daily allotment of food. So, you really are not giving the dog extra calories. 
GDB has different techniques for correcting a behavior besides the typical leash correction.  For example, when a dog is just slightly distracted you can give a verbal, "hopp up" "no" or a time out. The time out is simply when you stop, bring the dog close to your thigh, and ignore the dog for about 10 seconds. You do not say anything or give any feedback.  By simply stopping and ignoring the dog, they realize that they have done something wrong, and usually will then be more focused. GDB still uses other correction methods, like leash corrections and high collar. I'd say that we try focus more on rewarding the positive than correcting the negative overall. I am happy with the training methods and I have had two wonderful guides so far. Mambo is a lot less distracted by people and other animals than Pascal was. That could be due to the stronger influence of positive reinforcement, but it could also be because that's just his personality and he's a more serious worker.  I rarely have to correct Mambo, so I've been very spoiled. 

Deanna 

-----Original Message-----
From: OAGDU [mailto:oagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of KathyZolo via OAGDU
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2016 4:19 PM
To: 'Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users List'
Cc: KathyZolo
Subject: Re: [Oagdu] your prefered method of training?

Hello Chantel, 

Although my school uses correction and praise for the most part, the last time I was in training, I learned some ways to position the collar to receive the benefit I wanted without a lot of jerking on the chain and so forth. By doing this, the dog was corrected, but most of the time, it was unnoticed. At home, when training a dog to do off leash recall out in the fenced-in back yard, I have used very small dog treats at first and then went to giving them less and less often. I can see advantages to both, but I especially don't want to have a dog that I am rewarding with food if I have one very near to their weight limit. 

Kathy and Ginger 

-----Original Message-----
From: OAGDU [mailto:oagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chantel Cuddemi via OAGDU
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2016 4:02 PM
To: Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users List <oagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Chantel Cuddemi <jawsgirl87 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Oagdu] your prefered method of training?

Hi all,

I thought I'd bring up a topic for us to discuss in a friendly manner. I would like to kno what your preferred method of training is. Is it positive reinforcement, or is it just corrections and praise.

I actually see the advantages of both positive reinforcement and correction and praise only.

I look forward to seeing what you all think!

Chantel, who hopes to get a poodle again someday!

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