Show Notes
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If you've ever had someone twist your training philosophy into something it's not, you've likely run into a Straw Man argument. In this episode, I'm breaking down ten of the most common ones aimed at positive reinforcement-based dog training, why they're not valid, and what you can do to create genuine conversations with people who hold a different view of dog training than you, all while staying centered and calm.
In this episode, you'll hear:
• What Straw Man arguments are and why they show up in dog training conversations. • Why these arguments misrepresent decades of science and practical application. • Ten common Straw Man claims made about positive reinforcement-based training and my response to each one - Straw Man Argument #1 - "Reinforcement trainers are just cookie pushers" - Straw Man Argument #2 - "Positive training won't work with high-drive dogs" - Straw Man Argument #3 - "Reinforcement takes too long, punishment is faster" - Straw Man Argument #4 - "Dogs need leaders, not more cookies" - Straw Man Argument #5 - "Dogs need punishment to learn what's wrong" - Straw Man Argument #6 - "Training only works if the dog can see the cookie" - Straw Man Argument #7 - "Positive trainers care more about the dog's emotion than outcomes" - Straw Man Argument #8 - "Your dog will never recall reliably without correction" - Straw Man Argument #9 - "A head halter is just another punishment tool" - Straw Man Argument #10 - "Positive trainers avoid punishment because they don't understand it" • How to stay centered, respond constructively, and keep conversations productive.
Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 146: Balanced Dog Training: Does It Really Exist? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/146/ 2. YouTube Playlist: Reinforcement, Permissions and Transfer of Value - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1IUj_4P54q2PIuLNtnXjFO 3. Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ 4. Podcast Episode 245: Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide to Antecedent Arrangements - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/245/ 5. Podcast Episode 182: The Game Within The Game: How To Multiply Your Dog's Reinforcements - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/182/ 6. Podcast Episode 302: The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isn't Coming When Called And How To Fix It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/302/ 7. Podcast Episode 40: Using A Head Halter On A Dog, Why My Approach Is So Different - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/40/ 8. Podcast Episode 304: Let's Talk About E-Collars: Why Dog Trainers Are So Divided - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/304/ 9. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/dvAyGtpv2Mw
More from Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett
Visit us at shapedbydog.com What if most dogs never become great decision-makers because decision-making is one of the most overlooked skills in dog training? In this episode, I introduce the philosophy behind my This Or That games and share why the choices dogs rehearse every day become the ones they rely on when it matters most. You'll discover what creates a "decision deficit" and how giving dogs opportunities to make choices builds the confidence, understanding, and reliability we all want in real life. 🎉 If you've been thinking about training with us, now's a wonderful time to get started. Save 35% to 85% on many of our online programs through midnight PT on July 16. Explore the Joy of Training Celebration here.
Visit us at shapedbydog.com