I have learned a lot about dog training methods and philosophies. What confounds me is that so many trainers get very angry and venomous with those that have different ideas than they have. Two people with vast differences in experience and beliefs about dog training, Dr. Ian Dunbar is a practitioner of “the clicker method and Cesar Millan who trains using what could be described as “pack theory.” If you have heard of either of these dog trainers or their methods, let me know what you think.

Both are passionate about their beliefs and both are successful. The problem as I see it is that

"Positive motivation", as it's discussed today using a clicker to mark a wanted behavior and food to reinforce the behavior, can be a valuable tool in training. The problem is that it is not taught properly by its practitioners. Those that use this method of training, in most cases, lack a broad base of training knowledge of dog specific behavior and practical experience. When using treats to bribe a dog to perform is only as valuable if the dog values the treat more than any distraction it encounters. Bribery in an aggressive dog more often than not is worthless to the dog if he enjoys the act of being aggressive more than treat.

There is a lot of talk about what is the best training method. Even more heated and angry discussion about trainers who don't follow the new doctrines about "positive motivation" training. The term "positive motivation" as it relates to dog training has been commandeered by those who believe that bribery and clickers are the answer to all dogs and their training.

"Positive motivation", as it relates to dog training, is a requirement to teach a dog any new behavior. In my experience I have seen very harsh methods referred to as "force training" used with varying results. A dog that tends to be on the timid or soft side in personality can be ruined and become so fearful that they can't deal with anything. On a strong willed dog it can put a handle on their behavior but with sometimes unpredictable results. "Force training" for any purpose should never be used.