Ever scroll through dog training tips online and wonder why they all seem to contradict each other?
It might be because dog training has changed a LOT over the years.
As someone who’s been in the dog training world since the ’70s—I’ve seen firsthand how the shift to more humane, science-based methods has not only changed the way we train but also deepened the bond we share with our furry companions. But unless you know about the most up-to-date training methods, you might be pretty confused.
That’s why in this episode, I’m taking you on a journey back in time to explore how dog training has transformed over the decades. And with the rise of social media, information (and misinformation) spreads fast. I’ll guide you through what to watch out for and how to sift through the noise to pick the right training method for your dog.
Tune in to learn more about:
- The historical evolution of dog training methods
- The shift from dominance-based techniques to positive reinforcement
- My personal experiences and insights on humane training
- How media and social media have influenced dog training practices
- Future trends: online training, urban challenges, and canine mental health
- BONUS: How to prepare your dog for Halloween
Let’s dive in and take a walk through the fascinating history—and exciting future—of dog training.
Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners!
If you have questions about today’s episode, or if there’s a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram at mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review – I’d love to hear what’s been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time!
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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:
Staci Lemke 00:00:00 So I was working with some new clients the other day. Lovely couple and a super cute doodle puppy. And like many of my clients, they’ve had dogs before, but it’s been many years since they’ve had a puppy. As I was working with the puppy, getting him to offer me sits in exchange for tasty treats. They commented on how different my training was from the training they’d taken their other dog two years ago. Back then it was all choke chains and jerking the dogs around by the leash. Praise was used, but food rewards were few, if any at all. And this got me thinking about how dog training has changed over the years. Now I started training dogs in the mid 70s, not professionally, but with my family’s dogs. So I remember the chain collars and the leash pops anytime the dog didn’t do what you wanted. The way that I train now as a professional is completely different from the way I started all those years ago. So in this episode of the Well-mannered Mutt podcast, I invite you to join me as I take you on a short Historical journey through the evolution of modern dog training.
Staci Lemke 00:01:08 Hello and welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt podcast. I’m your host, certified professional dog trainer, and registered veterinary technician, Staci Lemke. Join me as I discuss all things dog, from canine wellbeing to basic training to modifying problem behaviors. Whether you’re a first time puppy parent or have had dogs your whole life. This podcast will help you have a better relationship with your best friend. My passion is to help you have the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. Now let’s dive into today’s episode. Dogs were domesticated over 15,000 years ago, likely beginning with wolves scavenging near human encampments. Early training, if there was any, would have been very basic and would have focused on survival tasks, this would have been a mutually beneficial or symbiotic relationship. Wolves provided protection and helped with hunting, while humans offered food and safety. As wolves began living closer to humans, those with less aggressive temperaments were more likely to thrive in this environment. Over generations, this selective pressure favored animals with traits that made them more suitable companions, less aggressive, more social, and more responsive to human cues.
Staci Lemke 00:02:32 These traits naturally made it easier to shape their behavior. Once dogs were domesticated, their roles expanded beyond hunting and guarding. Dogs were trained to herd livestock, pull sleds, and perform other tasks that supported human settlements. Early training methods would have been based on imitation, so young dogs learning by observing the older and more experienced dogs on observation. Humans using verbal cues, hand signals or body language to direct the dogs and repetition. So constant practice dogs learned through close interactions with humans. As the roles of dogs expanded, so did the complexity of the training. Over time, humans developed more refined training techniques to ensure that dogs could perform more and more specialized tasks proficiently, and this laid the foundation for modern dog training methods. In the early 20th century, dog training methods were largely influenced by the idea of dominance, which was based on the belief that dogs needed to be controlled through a strict hierarchy. This concept stemmed from early observations of wolf pack behaviors, where the perceived alphas would dominate the others, often by force.
Staci Lemke 00:03:50 Trainers believed that humans had to assume the alpha role and be dominant over their dogs. Thankfully, dominance theory has now been debunked as a result of dominance theory, dogs were trained through methods that emphasized punishment or physical corrections to discourage unwanted behaviors. Tools such as choke chains or prong collars were common, and commands were enforced through physical force. Obedience was the primary goal. Training became formalized with the rise of military and police dogs. These dogs were trained for strict discipline and control. Commands were short, sharp, and reinforced through leash and collar pressure. One of the first influencers on modern dog training was William Koehler, a well-known American dog trainer best recognized for his contributions to obedience training. He developed one of the first standardized obedience system, the Koehler Method, and published his book, The Koehler Method of Dog Training in 1962. He originally trained dogs for the military in World War Two and then for TV and movies. While he significantly influenced dog training. Today his methods are not considered necessary, humane, or appropriate.
Staci Lemke 00:05:04 Hitting dogs, hanging dogs by the leash, pushing and pulling them into positions like sit and down until they learn to avoid punishments with compliance. By the mid-twentieth century, an American psychologist, behaviorist, and social philosopher, B.F. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning. The key idea was that behaviors are more likely to be repeated if they are followed by positive outcomes, so rewards and they are less likely to occur if followed by negative outcomes. So. Punishments. There are four main types of consequences in operant conditioning positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. Now I’m not going to go into a long explanation of each of these. The important thing to remember is that positive means we are adding something, and negative means we are removing something. And think of it more as addition and subtraction rather than good versus bad. Reinforcement means the behavior will happen more often, and punishment means a behavior will happen less often. Though B.F. Skinner’s theory was introduced in the 1930s and applied to animal training in the 1940s and 50s.
Staci Lemke 00:06:19 It didn’t become popular in mainstream dog training until the 1980s. In the 1980s, dog training saw significant shifts in both philosophy and techniques, with a growing emphasis on more humane and scientifically grounded approaches. Trainers were increasingly using rewards like toys, treats, and praise to encourage desired behaviors rather than using force or punishment to correct undesired behaviors. There was a growing recognition that harsh training methods could cause fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. Trainers like Karen Pryor and Ian Dunbar helped popularize more gentle, positive methods, shifting away from dominance based training. Karen Pryor is best known for introducing clicker training, a method that originated from marine mammal training. Clicker training uses a distinct sound, a click to mark desired behaviors followed by a reward. This method reinforces desired behaviors without the use of force or punishment. Ian Dunbar pioneered the importance of early socialization for puppies. He stressed the need for young puppies to be exposed to a variety of experiences people and other dogs before the age of 16 weeks, which helps prevent fear and aggression later in life.
Staci Lemke 00:07:41 He also emphasized positive reward based training. In the late 20th century, researchers such as Doctor Brian Hare began to study how dogs think and learn. Doctor Hare is a prominent researcher in the field of canine cognition and psychology. His work has greatly contributed to the understanding of how dogs think, learn, and interact with humans. His research highlights how dogs are naturally inclined to work with humans rather than against them. This insight reinforces the value of reward based training, as it supports the dog’s natural desire to please, understand and work with humans. Dogs appear to have a special sensitivity to human emotions and social signals. They are particularly skilled at interpreting human gestures such as pointing, eye movements, and body language, which makes them exceptionally easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques. A greater understanding of canine psychology and behavior led to the development of force free training methods. These methods emphasize the importance of building a trusting relationship between the dog and the trainer, rather than using fear or physical control. Force free trainers rely exclusively on positive reinforcement and do not use any form of punishment, correction or physical manipulation.
Staci Lemke 00:09:05 The focus is on creating a cooperative relationship where the dog willingly chooses to perform behaviors in exchange for rewards. The goal of force free training is to minimize any negative experiences for the dog, and to focus on building trust through positive reinforcement. The idea of 100% force free dog training is a topic of debate in the dog training world. While the philosophy behind force free training is to avoid the use of any physical punishment, intimidation, or coercion. Some trainers and experts argue that it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to be completely force free in every situation. Because of this, I tend to refer to myself more as a positive reinforcement dog trainer than a force free trainer. Along with all the great progress in dog training that came about in the late 20th century, the media has played a significant role in shaping dog training practices and public perceptions of how dogs should be trained. Shows like The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan and It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stilwell have had a massive impact on dog training.
Staci Lemke 00:10:11 Unfortunately, not always in a good way. Then there’s social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok make dog training knowledge accessible to everyone. Countless trainers, behaviorists and dog owners share videos and tips online. However, social media can also spread misinformation with inexperienced individuals posting unverified advice or outdated techniques. Short form content like reels and videos can oversimplify the training process, making it seem quicker or easier than it really is, leading to false expectations of both dogs and dog trainers. So what does the future hold for dog training? Well, for one thing, there’s online training brought about during the 2020 pandemic. The internet now abounds with digital courses on every aspect of dog training, from raising a puppy to treating aggression and reactivity to tricks and dog sports. Online training can be self-study or it can be interactive through conferencing software. Online dog training offers convenience, flexibility, and is usually fairly cost effective, and I think it’s only going to get more popular. Also, there’s an emphasis on mental health for dogs. Just as human mental health is becoming a priority, the emotional well-being of dogs is gaining more attention.
Staci Lemke 00:11:34 Training methods can incorporate stress reduction techniques, mindfulness, and play based training to ensure that dogs are not just obedient, but also happy and emotionally balanced. There’s training for urban and modern lifestyles. As more people live in cities and dogs increasingly become part of these environments, training will adapt to urban life challenges. This may include teaching dogs to navigate public transport or staying calm in crowded areas, or managing separation anxiety when pet owners have busy work schedules and finally, there’s increased collaboration with other disciplines. Dog training could increasingly intersect with veterinary science, psychology, and animal welfare to create holistic approaches to training. Collaboration between trainers, behaviorists, and even nutritionists might become more common, offering a holistic approach to dogs health and behavior. The evolution of dog training has come a long way, reflecting changes in human understanding of animal behavior, psychology, and communication. Dog training has been shaped by changes in human society, advances in behavioral science, and shifts in how we understand the bond between humans and dogs. The changes reflect the broader shift in society toward more humane, scientifically grounded methods that prioritize the well-being and cooperation of both dogs and humans.
Staci Lemke 00:13:03 So you just got a new puppy. You’re excited to take them on their first adventures and start socializing, but maybe you’ve heard some conflicting information about vaccinations and you’re not sure what’s correct. It’s a common misconception that you have to wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated to start socializing. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. If you’d like to learn more about how to safely socialize your puppy before vaccines are finished without risking your puppy’s health, then check out my online course. But my puppy is not fully vaccinated. Head over to manors for mutts. Com Backslash Socialization to learn more. Welcome to Trainer’s Choice. This is where I share with you my favorite toys, treats and activities for you and your dogs to enjoy. Halloween is my favorite time of the year. I love the decorations, the costumes, and the trick or treaters, but Halloween can be a frightening time for our dogs. Dogs don’t understand the scary decorations, people dressing up and why so many visitors are suddenly knocking on the door. So in this episode of Trainers Choice, I’m going to offer up some tips to help you prepare your dog for Halloween.
Staci Lemke 00:14:24 Let’s first talk about the costumes. People dressed in strange looking attire can be really scary to your dog. Your dog doesn’t know that real people are under that scary exterior. If you want your dog to feel safe or on odd looking costumes, start desensitizing your dog to them. Now start with something simple like a hat, a wig, or a fake beard. Show your dog the item before you put it on. Put it on in front of your dog. Add in some movement, pair each step with tasty treats and only move to the next step when your dog is comfortable. Once your dog is comfortable with you in a costume, try playing a game with a favorite toy. What about costumes for your dog? First, realize that most dogs don’t really want to dress up, so if you want your dog to wear a costume, then start getting them used to it slowly. First, just show them the costume, maybe lay it on the floor, sprinkle some treats around it and onto it. Once your dog is comfortable with that, you can pick up the costume and let your dog check it out.
Staci Lemke 00:15:26 Then gradually touch them with the costume or lay it over them all while appearing the costume with tasty treats. Only put costumes on your dog once. They are totally comfortable with it, and never force your dog to wear a costume if they aren’t comfortable. Your dog should have a say in whether they wear a costume or not. If your dog hates it, don’t do it. Decorations can also be very scary for dogs. They’re big, make strange noises, and even move around in weird ways. Again, you can desensitize your dog to Halloween decorations by allowing your dog to see them at a distance where your dog feels safe. Pair the side of the decorations with tasty treats or a game with a favorite toy. Only move closer when your dog is comfortable. You can also desensitize your dog to scary Halloween noises in a similar way. Play the sounds at a very low volume while doing something that your dog enjoys. Halloween also brings trick or treaters, and that means lots of door knocking. The best way to prevent problems at the door is to set up a safe place for your dog to go.
Staci Lemke 00:16:30 When trick or treaters arrive. This keeps your dog from jumping on kids or running out the door. This should be a safe place away from the door that your dog can relax in. Practice. Getting your dog comfortable in their safe space ahead of time. If you don’t already have a place like this. Have a frozen stuffed food toy ready to go. You can play soft music, white noise, or run a box fan to help drown out the knocks. To help you prepare your dog for Halloween. I have prepared a free downloadable e-book for you. You can get a copy of all the tips I’ve mentioned here, plus more in my free e-book. Prepare Your Dog for Halloween. The link for the download will be in the show notes so you can start prepping your dog for Halloween now. Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this little trip down memory lane with me, and I encourage you to look up some of the people I mentioned in this episode. If you’d like more information on how dog training has been shaped over the years.
Staci Lemke 00:17:32 If you’re a behavior geek like me, you’ll find it interesting. See you next time! Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt. If you have questions about today’s episode, or if there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. You can also find any links and resources mentioned in the show over at mannersformutts.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to iTunes and leave us a review. I’d love to hear what’s been helpful for you and your canine friends. See you next time!
