User:Mccassell/sandbox

Clicker Training
Clicker dog training is a positive; reward based training method which relies on co-operation, consistency, repetition and positive reinforcement. Clicker training is free from any violence or harsh corrections. Quite simply clicker dog training is the most humane and effective way we know how to shape any new behavior in our dogs and extinguish any existing behavior problems. The clicker is a plastic toy like device with a metal strip that makes a quick, clear, consistent and distinctive sound when pressed. For our purpose it serves to accurately "mark" the behavior that we are shaping in our dogs and provides them with precise feedback. At the core of the clicker dog training principle is this proven belief - reinforced or rewarded behavior in a dog is more likely to be repeated, and behaviors that are not reinforced will become less likely to occur again. While clicker training is most commonly associated with dog training it can also be used when training other animals such as; marine animals, small animals, horses, and birds.

Operant Conditioning
Basically this takes advantage of the fact that dogs learn by the immediate consequence of their actions. What this means is that if we provide and control these consequences we will in fact be controlling our dog's behavior. This feedback or consequence can take the form of the following five outcomes: Positive Reinforcement is when we add something to strengthen or increase the occurrence of a behavior. Negative Reinforcement is when we take something away to strengthen or increase the occurrence of a behavior. Positive Punishment is when we add something to weaken or decrease the occurrence of a behavior. Negative Punishment is when we take something away to weaken or decrease the occurrence of a behavior. Extinction is when we no longer reinforce a behavior so it goes away.

Classical Conditioning
When we combine the effectiveness of operant conditioning with the power of classical conditioning clicker dog training is the brilliant result. Classical conditioning is the pairing of two unrelated stimuli so that an association is formed between the two. In clicker dog training the sound of the clicker becomes associated with receiving a reward.

Behavioral Training
Behavioral training is any type of training that teaches dogs to behave well around both people and other animals. It may include some basic commands, but the goal is to make them good citizens as dogs. Some of this training may deal with behavioral problems like excessive barking, chewing, or housebreaking. This is a very basic type of training that is appropriate for younger dogs that are just getting started.

Obedience Training
Obedience training is focused on making dogs obedient to their owners through the use of commands like sit, stay, lie down, etc. It is slightly more advanced than the behavioral training, but it will usually include some training to resolve any behavioral problems before they start. This type of training is also appropriate for younger dogs as well.

Agility Training
Agility training is for dogs that will participate in dog sports, like obstacle courses, racing, or jumping. This is definitely a more advanced type of training which already assumes that the dog understands basic commands. The handler is not allowed to touch or reward the dog during the competition, so there will have to be a strong connection between the owner and the dog through voice and physical gestures. Although it is true that any dog can learn these skills, certain breeds are more suited to these tasks than others.

Vocational Training
Dogs are capable of learning a wide variety of skills just like people. There are dogs that learn how to herd, hunt, do search and rescue work, assist the disabled, or even work with law enforcement. These skills are actually like vocational training for dogs because it will mean that they will have a career helping people in some way. In these programs, dogs learn very specific techniques to hone their senses and communicate with people, but the programs are also rigorous and time-consuming. Any type of vocational training for dogs would assume that they have a solid foundation in terms of their basic skills. Also, some of these programs are suited for specific breeds as well.