The Science of Dog Training Explained Quickly

[nasasn200]

How do you teach your dog to drop anything in his mouth (i.e. dirty napkins on the street, twigs, bags etc)? I saw the "let go" frisbe video but it doesn't seem to apply to "drop it". Thanks.

[mdquik]

Zak, whats up. Just wanted to share w/ you how I've trained my beagle Bella. I started out w/ clicker training and it worked well however I didn't like the idea of giving treat after treat so after she would perform several tricks then I would either reward w/ praise or a treat. eventually I took away the clicker and just worked on he tricks with verbal commands and so far so good. I just to use a combination of what dog trainers tell me to do and find out what works best for her.

[doctorwho4289]

I personally feel dog training is a science. you have to understand the dog and the way it learns, to be able to get the best results and for the dog to have the most fun. I feel, although I am totally into competitions and agility training, and I would reccomend it, that the most important thing is enjoyment for you and your dog.

[TheMoonLightOwl]

soo many words....sigh...

[Elfsarefun]

I think your right every dog is different there is no one set way to train them. One dog might get a trick in 5 minutes another dog might get it in 5 days. One dog might be able to do 100 tricks and another dog of the same breed might not be able to do one trick. I love your videos zak thanks for making them

[paulabie1]

Yes dog training is scientific (unless your initials are CM). Dog training is based on evidence-based learning principles. Stating that science seeks to remove the human element is a complete oversimplification! I understand where you're coming from, as a lot of dog trainers work from a behaviorist perspective and focus only on stimuli and responses, overlooking the human element. But thats just one perspective, so this is more of an issue in dog training methods rather than science overall.

[amusicalmonk]

Dog training is a science of emotion. If you cannot apply your natural emotions to connect honestly and genuinely with your dog, you are doing something wrong and unnatural. It is a living being, not a computer to be programmed.

[BonMaitreBonChien]

Bonjour Zak,

You have a good philosophy and I think that every dog experts have to share their experiences with others. That way we can see different methods and approaches. As a dog trainer, my mission is help the people too develop a relationship with their dogs...I don't really work on the dog himself. As you said, the best one to train the dog is his owner. But majority of people don't know how to interact with them and thats why professional are there for them.

[aubreyfig]

I would just like to let you know, you are probably one of the most knowledgable trainers. The way you connect to your dogs is so inspiring. You can tell by just watching a few minutes of you interacting with your pets, that you have such a deep connection. I am completely in love with the way you train. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. Thank you so much for posting these videos and helping so many people train their dogs the proper way.

[Ixxithedog]

I learned really fast that it did not work in one way only. I had read alot and thought I was prepared, and ONE click later, my dog had gone hiding. She is extremely afraid of the clicker. So what did I do? What I shouldve done from the start. Teach tricks as a unit and team and not as "master and dog". I am the teacher yes, but I would rather see it as a guide if you know what I mean. Guide into the right behavior. Also, in sweden we all train our dogs ourselves. :) No dogtrainercenters!

[alyssaburrington]

Zak, what you're saying is that whatever works with your dog long-term is acceptable in dog training (if it's a humane approach). So my question is, what is your problem with cesar millan's methods? His dogs are well trained, happy and balanced. What more could you want?

[tocov]

@alyssaburrington

Obviously because dogs are getting hurt. Both mentally and physically.

[SoccerSoccer6]

I believe that dog training is a science, but I dont believe that you need to remove the "human" element you speak of when you apply scientific theory. I just think that the way those trainers who call it "scientific" are shortsided as to what science actually enncompasses.

[michaelkitselaar]

I understand what you are saying with what you think with your opinion on the scientific process, but where I think you may be getting caught up is seeing it as a basic formula, i.e. if you do A and B you will get C. where as I believe dog training is more of a scientific algorithm where based on the responces will change the method you use, Although as there are so many different variables it does make it hard to detail a scientific method.

[xslf]

Actually, IMO there isn't *enough* science in dog training. In medicine we now have EBM- Evidence Based Medicine, which (among others) tracks which techniques work best in which situation, so doctors can choose the more effective treatment. There is still art there, and individuals are still different, but it cuts down on the guesswork.

I wish there was something like that for dog training. When it's better to lure a sit or to capture it? Give me the data so I can max results!

[Portubed]

Positive reinforcement, the slow and more humane way!

[jeenacolin]

Well, my opnion on that: Dog trianing is an art based on science. You need to study a LOT of the science to be a good dog trainer, but is the art aspet that makes you a GREAT dog trainer. But when dealing with an owner that knows little about dog training, is best to treat the trianing was science, giving very specific instructions that telling the owner to rely on felling. That doesn't mean the training shoub be cold, frolic is highly encouraged, but it should be mechanical

[MsZoraZ]

Love your videos, Zak! Thanks for your opinions.

If I train my dogs using your methods, should I call myself a "Zak George" trainer, or a "Revolutionary" trainer, hmm?

[MsZoraZ]

(con't)...but I personally have found vets to be very ignorant when it comes to scientific aspects affecting behavior, such as diet and nutrition. Vets tend to "go by the book" and regurgitate facts they learned in school, while trainers have more actual experience. Victoria Stilwell is an excellent example of a trainer who takes science into account while using "organic" dog training, she is very engaging with a dog while taking other variables into consideration.

[MsZoraZ]

Ironically, science has been finding that a dog's mind is very similar to that of a two to three year old child, and that the most effective way to teach a dog is by interacting with your dog as if he or she were a young child, rather than using "technical" methods.

The only thing I have ever strongly disagreed with Zak is his pet peeve - when dog parents ask trainers questions that would be more suitable for a vet to answer, such as what food to give a dog....

[MsZoraZ]

Dog training shouldn't be completely science-based, but all trainers should realize that dog behavior is influenced by science. How you teach your own dog shouldn't be based on a generalized study, but on what you find as an individual what works best for your particular dog.

Teaching a dog basic obedience and tricks shouldn't need the involvement of science. But in more complex cases, such as aggression, fear, etc. in a dog; science is almost always a huge factor.

[kaygosf]

dog trainers know what they are doing. it's transferring the information on HOW AND WHY the training works that is key.

dog trainers can train dogs to "get it", but can we teach owners so they "get it"?

imo, transferring our knowledge in dog training to dog owners is the future of dog training.

obviously you feel the same way.

hope you don't mind me plugging in but i'm going to make some videos on reading dog behavior for dog owners.

spreading info is important imo.

great work zak!

[wefPurdue]

I'm sure it works well to a certain extent but like you said, its not about what you learn on the surface, its those life long lessons that you take with you because of the personal connection you make with each student, or puppy. Great video!

[wefPurdue]

Hey Zak; I am a teacher and do have 30 students in my class and yes, each one of them learns differently. It would be unrealistic for me to expect that each of my students can learn the same way with one specific "formula." I think this speaks volumes when transferring this school of thought to dog training. If dogs have different personalities, like people, why would someone expect each of them to learn the same way?

[zakgeorge21]

@wefPurdue Well said. Thanks for your input! I love working with teachers and their dogs for this reason by the way! They "get it".

[yangt90]

Wait so you'd be happy if a dog trainer is out of business? Aren't you a dog trainer Zak? You're getting paid to be one. So you're telling yourself that you should stop being a dog trainer. Is that correct?

[MissB2TheLynn]

@yangt90 He's talking about dog training facilities that you drop your dog off to for someone else to train. He said he RECOMMENDS trainers that come to your home and help YOU train your dog.

[staroftheocean97]

You know what Zak George should do. He should sell T-shirts that HE has signed and put paint on his dogs feet and make a paw print on the shirt then write there names by each of their paw prints. I would totally wear that shirt all the time. Sell them on Ebay. Just a idea. Thumbs up if you like my idea. By the way Zak how is Bree? I havent seen her in a video for a while :( Hope to see her soon :D

[trian36]

this guy should be president.

[zakgeorge21]

@trian36 I know, right?

[staroftheocean97]

5 dislikes ? what! Thats crazy. Who could NOT like this video ? Im I right :P

[zakgeorge21]

@staroftheocean97 'Cause they be hatin'. Nah, people may well have super legitimate reasons for not liking the video. That's cool. I'm glad they took the time to listen.

[staroftheocean97]

@zakgeorge21 Who could hate you? Your awesome. Wow this is a big moment for me right now this is the first time you've actually talked to me. Sorry im a nerd, but a HUGE fan of you. Thanks for replying to my comment :)

[bandicoot2ps1]

@zakgeorge21 Smart rational people on Youtube who can take criticism ? Now I'm really worried about December 21.

[DzinEye]

There surely must be a PART of any training (dog, human or other) that could be classified as science. But physiology, brain chemistry and a multitude of other variable factors make it impossible to be a pure science.

[maryjo313]

It seems your argument isn't so much against dog training as a science, but how people structure their reward system within it. You like praise and affection, but that works for your dogs. My dogs are VERY food motivated. Yeah, praise is okay, but if I want them to put forth max effort in a training session, I darn well better bring food into the picture. However, learning the science of reward systems and paring them, I'm able to make praise more motivating to my dogs than it was naturally.

[zakgeorge21]

@maryjo313 Actually to clarify, I believe emotion and praise is good. BUT I do not believe we should reward with affection. Why? Our dogs should never have to "earn" affection. With obedience, I use their currency in the beginning and phase it out. With tricks I continue "paying" them with their currency as tricks are ALWAYS optional.

[maryjo313]

I may not agree with people dropping their dogs off for someone else to train, but I sure wouldn't like to see such places go out of business. Why? Because there are a lot of people that simply don't have the time or ability to train their dogs, especially with problem behaviors, and those dogs would otherwise end up in a pound and worse, be put to sleep. Maybe not the ideal situation but I'd still rather see a dog stay in their home than otherwise.

[zakgeorge21]

@maryjo313 Well, knowing what I know, I can say that if someone doesn't have the time, dropping them off to be "trained" would just be throwing money away. One of the most important factors when teaching a dog is consistency. Any good that a trainer would have done would vanish instantly without consistency.

[maryjo313]

@zakgeorge21 - Of course consistency is important, which is why any good trainer that provides these kinds of services will then follow up with the owner and teach them how to maintain the behavior. It's really not any different than service dogs that are trained by experts, and then their handler receives training in how to properly reward and maintain the behavior. It's just a smaller set of behaviors and less time involved.

[diaml]

Of course, there is science behind it - dog-friendly training is based on "learning theory" - basically the science of how dogs learn. But, it doesn't have to stop there. The trainer doesn't have to act like an emotionless robot - loosen up and have fun with your dog! If you're smiling and having fun, so will your dog!

[maryjo313]

@diaml - well stated! Yeah, I'm confused by this whole topic, since any reward-based system is very scientific. I guess I don't understand what "emotion" is defined as. Certainly I use praise with my dog which in scientific terms, is a positive reinforcer since it makes my dog more likely to do the behavior again. Knowing how these things relate back to learning theory just helps me use them more effectively. So I'm just not sure I follow how science and emotion are mutually exclusive.

[patryric]

It's not a science, it's an "art".

[smalth]

its not science .. its parenting ^_^

[CanineSportsFanatic]

I don't believe there is a precise formula or "science" that leads to success. I love clicker training because it targets the correct behavior with positive reinforcement. I do believe in the connection and love the accompanies training. Training is a game that kicks off as soon as that dog gets home. It's a process that is constantly developed as you learn more about your dog and no trainer other then yourself should share that with your dog. It's no fun being left out of the game!

[brittanyjadexo]

I do agree. When I got Jackson, I was 18, and never trained a dog before really. We formed a fantastic bond and I was able to communicate with him and teach him so much very quickly; there was no science behind it. I had NO idea what I was doing, I just was gentle, went with my heart, and he trusted me, and we did it. I have since discovered clicker training and utilize it but I agree- he learns so much better when I'm talking to him, and learning along with him, and laughing, and not just click

[Beccinator93]

I disagree, clicker training is the best way to introduce new dog owners on how to interact with their dog. A first time dog owner just doesn't automatically have the ability to correctly read their dogs and know how to immediately praise or reward at the critical moment when learning. It is something that takes practice and the clicker is one of the easiest and best ways to do it. And by just spending time with your dog will convey your emotions to them. Especially when praising.

[fijimermaid9]

However, when you bring high emotion into training, often you bring the good and the bad. Lots of positive emotions are great, but frustration, anger, bitterness are also all emotions that can seep into a training session that really interfere with a dog's ability to learn and the human-dog bond. I know I've had to end training sessions early because of frustration, and if you're not prepared to recognize the emotion in yourself, you can set yourself back a lot.

[maryjo313]

@fijimermaid9 - Great points! I do find that using a clicker, I'm a lot less emotional, but that has only been a good thing, because I am a naturally impatient and easily frustrated person! My dogs seem much happier too, training is completely fun for them without the stress that tons of emotion can bring to the table. Doesn't mean we don't still have lots of praise and play sessions too, but I find that having a really clear, effective way to train makes it a lot less stressful for both of us.

[fijimermaid9]

I would disagree that a science-based approach to dog training is more 'shallow.' Perhaps it is emotionally shallow. If the question is whether or not you can train a dog to reliably demonstrate a behavior on cue, then it doesn't matter whether or not you are emotional when you train, if you use classical and operant conditioning well, they will learn it. 

[Tekhazai]

@inbarshema same, but they were charging 117$ per session....

[TrinnyandSkye]

I'm going to stay out of the conversation except to say that I agree with Zak in that training is best done by the owner and that it is indeed magical. :) GO ZAK! GO ZAK! LOL!

[123fritz123123]

I just love guys like Zak who made there money being a media personality. I am a dog trainer. That's what I do. And what happens is people watch these videos, screw up there dogs and then expect guys like me to come with a majic wand and fix them. Thank you Zak. Your allot like a guy named Adolf. People listened to his nonsense too.

[zakgeorge21]

@123fritz123123 Greatest comment ever. I want to make sure everyone sees this beauty. lol

[zakgeorge21]

@zakgeorge21 Totally shared this on my facebook page too!

[tbottoni]

@zakgeorge21 This can't be real. No one is this stupid, are they?

[123fritz123123]

@zakgeorge21 did you ever hear of Michael Ellis? You should watch some of his stuff, you might learn something.

[MLEvlog]

@123fritz123123 Awesome grammar and spelling.

[123fritz123123]

@MLEvlog what is it you do for a living? Are you an English teacher? I'm thinking of going back to school to become a proctologist so I can understand people like you and Zak.

[WhatsTheDifferenceTV]

@123fritz123123 Butt hurt.

[elliebell2oo]

Just because it's science doesn't mean it's not fun, exciting and engaging. I volunteer at a canine behavior lab and they're training dogs to pick scents. Yes, it is scientific, they have score sheets for all the dogs, but all the dogs are rewarded with play and when they get it right the trainer still says "YAY GOOD DOG! Get it!" and they they throw the ball or play tug (whatever dog wants). It's still personalized to the dog, but they're trying to find the most effective overall process.

[josski32]

Zak,

Regardless of whether you LOOK at it as a science or not, it is a science. The definition of science is, and I quote, "science |ˈsīəns|

noun

the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment : the world of science and technology." Basically, anything that you observe or experiment with is science. Your science of dog training is just what you have learned works most

[josski32]

@josski32 [cont.] effectively during dog training. It does not mean it has to be treated like experimenting and specific analyzing, which I believe is what you dislike. You dislike it when people complicate training more than it has to be. Basically, dog training (to you) is connecting with your dog and teaching them like a teacher teaches a student or like a parent teaches a child: talking to them, showing them the right way, and not punishing when they get it wrong. It is a science though.

Me

[equinegamer]

I feel that it is good to know all of the different styles/types of training because you never know when you will need to use something. All dogs have different personalities, for sure, and they will need to be trained with whatever method works best for that particular dog.

[dontpugme]

I think its good to know the science of operant and classical conditioning and how diet affects behavior and stuff like that, but the amazing thing is to be able to use what you know to take it to the next level with the relationship you have with your dog. I don't think positive dog training is rocket science, but it has been very well proven effective by science.

[nicknozzy]

i dont think it is a science, i think the relationship between dog and human, at best, can mirror the relationships that humans have....we dont call our ability to integrate with each other a science we call it social skills

[cooluka99]

i was in a pet shop and saw a dog training book that said : how to teach your dog in 21 days .

i've also called a dog trainer and asked :how can i teach my dog to do her buisnes in 1 place?

he said it wasn't possible.

and when you see something like that you automaticly know that that person is not a good dog trainer

[hend6475]

(i think it's punishment you don't like...which is more valid)

[hend6475]

I still think your distinction bewteen parenting and dominance is merely semantics

[hend6475]

...Dog training. It's like you've said...it has to come from inside you...science can only see it but not produce it

[hend6475]

I totally agree with you. If you think science is the primary aspect of dog training then you are a mediocre dog trainer. It's not even a place to start...it's a way of documenting something that happens in effevtive

[rrsd69]

dude you are right, it is all about the approach! not every dog learns the

same, simular but not always the same, as trainers we need to have( the

touch)!!!!

[staroftheocean97]

I really wish I could watch your shows:( I dont get them here. Are you like putting them on DVD's or something? Heheh then I could buy them :)

[Demann]

if dog training is not a science then what should it be classified as?

[zakgeorge21]

@Demann It should be categorized with parenting.

[jeannette84xx]

@zakgeorge21 Parenting and dog training are both in the same category I think, which would be Behavioral Sciences.. Each individual learns differently yes, but the core idea is to pair positive experiences with desired behaviors. That's it! Science! No matter what reward actually works, the concept is the same.. I love science, and I love dogs :)

[fijimermaid9]

@Demann I would say it's more like a practice. Like how doctors 'practice' medicine, you would practice dog training, but neither dog trainers nor doctors are scientists.

[staroftheocean97]

I love how you explain things they are so easy to understand thanks for doing that :) I think there is science in dog training.

[EightPaws4Hoof]

Of course there is sceince in dog training but only as far as the psychology to learning, this can be said for any species, humans included. Like you say it is ok to structure the lessons the same but they will need tweeking for the individual students. The teachers enthusiasm for the subject and ability to explain and re-explain the same thing in different ways is what distinguishes a good teacher from a bad one. I have two dogs who take very different learning paths to the same goal/trick.

[inbarshema]

When I got my dog, they said I should bring him to a dog trainer, and I was like, bitch I am the dog trainer :) Why pay $25 a session when I could go on the internet and learn for free :P

[Betina1984]

...best friend new things. Dogs are so intelligent and just loves their parent - so they deserve all the love you can give them - also through training and bonding with each other. I was thinking about trying some clicker training - but you got a point there, that it becomes inpersonal and I would like to bond more with my new best friend.... so that idea is now crossed off the list :) Will have to check out your training videos again when I do get a dog one day :)

[dontpugme]

I think there are definitely ways to use operant conditioning that just create this huge disassociation and ways that make the relationship stronger. If I do condition max to do something like walk around a chair and come back with a clicker but don't say a word to him, he tends to get sort of agitated that he's getting no feedback/encouragement from me. When I do the same but have an energetic voice and body, its like hes getting excited with me.

[Betina1984]

Loved this video and I agree with a lot of things you talk about. I don't have a dog yet, but I have dreamed of getting one my whole life, so I hope to get one soon - I'm just waiting until I have a good home, instead of the appartment I live in now. Anyways, for many many years I have been watching lots of videos, movies and tv-shows to prepare myself for when I do get a dog one day - and I must say that your videos have been the ones that I feel would fit the way I want to teach my...

[dontpugme]

I remember before I learned about positive training, I loved my dog, but he was just there. When I first learned about +R started using it (i saw an episode of It's Me or the Dog and my curiosity was irked, then i immediately went online and did a lot of research on youtube and dog training forums and blogs and read a bunch of books and studies) i remember i finally developed an actual relationship with him

[dontpugme]

Probably the biggest reason I want to either be a dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist is because I love seeing people finally making a real connection/hitting dog training fusion for the first time. I love knowing that I helped this 1 human + 1 dog to equal one.....energy i guess (i dont like the word energy anymore because i think its been ruined by some dog training media...but i think you know what i mean)

[dontpugme]

Totally agreeing with everything about you being your dogs' primary trainer. I am not a fan of sending your dog off for 2 weeks and having him/her come back toilet trained/leash trained/responding to basic cues (i dont like the word command). You as the parent/owner need to be responsible for teaching your dogs to live in our strange world alongside you. Trainers are just there to educate and give the tools (literally or figuratively) needed to do so.

[Lumisatmi]

The thing I disagree with you here is that I don't see how training without emotion or not taking the dog's personality into account is the scientific way of training. Sure, it is what many trainers might be lacking, but then it's them who are not taking the (scientific) fact that dogs are individuals or that your own emotions can be a powerful source of motivation/reinforcement to a dog. So yes, I think dog training is 100% science, just not at all in the sense you use the word scientific here.

[Lumisatmi]

And having said that, I should probably add that I don't mean that one should necessarily approach dog training as a scientific process any more than, say, raising children. My point was just that "scientific" doesn't equal "mechanical and inflexible".

[TristanMark1]

AGREED 

[dontpugme]

I cant watch the video right now (im in class right now...shhhhhh) but I've been reading through the comments. lemme wait until my free period so i can watch and contribute to the conversation

[tbottoni]

Brilliiant, yet so obvious once you get it

[moodypups]

I just started training with my dogs after doing hours of research and subscribing to some of my favorite new youtube channels. I am using a clicker, but I dont know how you could NOT bring the excitement and emotions into training. It is so much fun to watch how they learn and figure these things out, I dont have a choice but let them in on how I am feeling! So to answer the question you put out for us. Yes I think there is a science to the training, but should we treat it as one... no!

[zakgeorge21]

@moodypups Interesting. Good comment.

[ABengelke]

It is a very interesting discussion and a not very obvious one. I'm a psychology graduate and a radical behaviorist, so yeah, I do think dog training becomes more effective if you are able to see it from a scientific point of view. BUT, I do agree with you when you say every dog is different and by that, deserve a unique approach when training. To say that every behavior will increase in frequency through the use of R+ is one thing. That is what behaviorism says.

[ABengelke]

@ABengelke But, to have the same approach, or the same procedure when teaching a dog something, that is what behaviorism doesn't say! Every dog has a different genetic code, which predisposes it to different ways to dealing with the environment. And more than that, every dog has a different history of reinforcement and that makes them different in every single way from other dogs. If you forget about the dog's history when training one dog, you are completely putting the scientific view aside!

[ABengelke]

@ABengelke The problem when people try to justify their training with science is that most of the time, they are only grasping a part of what that science is trying to say. As what is more effective to teach new dog trainers, sometimes I do think is better to tell them what you said in this video, than trying to make them have a complete understanding of behavioral science. It is easier and more reinforcing, but every trainer is a different trainer too :)

[ABengelke]

@ABengelke btw, by knowing the history of the dog, I dont mean knowing what happen to the dog or anything like that. You dont need it, it might be helpful to understand the occurrence and maintenance of some behaviors but it is not necessary. What is necessary is to understand what that history has changed in the dog's behavior, where is the value in the dog's life, which behaviors are more likely to occur and what is the discriminative stimulus for those behaviors, for example.

[ABengelke]

@ABengelke You know when people say the dog learned how to learn? This "learning how to learn" is an operant behavior too, just as sitting or barking. But it cannot be topographically described as sitting and barking can. Knowing how you dog learned to learn (is he searching for cues or tips? Does he get the behavior with only one click? Does he maintain eye contact and get the visual tips you are providing him?) should be enough reason to guarantee every dog gets it's own approach to training.

[ABengelke]

@ABengelke OMG! This is the longest reply ever :P

[zakgeorge21]

@ABengelke That's cool. Great contribution to the conversation!

-Zak

[phiipps]

The science of animal behavior involves the interaction between individuals and then there is an observer. People have difficulty transitioning from the role of an observer into the partnership of the actual behavior.

[caninebehavior]

I hear you say it as well as others say all dogs learn different! Well, all living things learn the same, the learning theory stays the same throughout species the only thing that changes is the curency and motivation. Do you disagree with this statment?

[caninebehavior]

Conditioned reinforcer that is talked about so much in our teachings. It seems to me the only differance you are talking about is making yourself fun, exciting and the ultimate conditioned reinforcer. We just got to get out of our shell and conect with our dogs to make it work. Like Ted Terner says taking the BS out of behavioral science.

[caninebehavior]

Zak, I do agree with you as almost allways. the question you pose about science based trainers and emotion not being used as much in pratice leaves them to be a little bit robotic is the same as saying that anybody who is a novic at anything looks a little stiff or not as natural doing the activity at hand. I believe that when we get comfortable and confident in our teaching we are more likly to be more animated when we encourage and reinforce behaviors. Our animated encouragement becomes the. .

[GlitterChix21]

When I clicker train I use the clicker to mark the point I want, but I also use my voice :)

[ExtremelyDanny]

Alright. You asked for feedback, sir. Now you have feedback. It's on your own Facebook profile actually, I couldn't comment on the /TheZakGeorge page, as I had accidentally hidden the story from my news feed - somehow. Be warned: It's quite some text for in the little Facebook comment box. Oops.

[KayJay656]

Dog training is both a science and an art. The Laws of Learning apply, the art is in the application. Clicker training is not soulless or robotic, a clicker is just information...yes, that was right, here's a reward! It's particularly valuable for teaching new behaviours or where precision is needed. The majority of clicker trainers use much praise and approval as extra reinforcement, but once the dog understands what the clicker is saying they love figuring out how to make us click! Joyous!

[iVishnuNJ]

I once had not so good feeling abt 'positive reinforcement' training method.But recent experience made me change my opinion.NOW I STRONGLY SUPPORT POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING.

My frnd have dog.whenever i go 2 his home his dog come 2 play with me.recently i noticed that his dog is teaching me (to pet him where he want me 2 do) by 'positive reinforcement'.i was astonished.now i rly understand why u always say that by good positive reinforcement training dog thinks that its training us.thx Zak.

[RoscoTheRat]

I think there is a science behind it. Dogs all learn different, is completely true. My pit is more toy motivated while my GSD and my hound are both food motivated. My pit would rather take a pat and scratch as an award over food too.

Also about ways like with Cesar's ways, if you even slightly raise your voice at my pit he shuts down and refuses to listen. I refuse to train with "dominance training", but I know if someone tried with him the out come wouldn't be successful.

[ClaesKlettermus]

Hello Zak!

Im from sweden and i´ve been watching your videos for a while now and i think they are intresting and i agree with what you are saying in this visdeo. I have a theory about why dog training has become more of a science; Is it possible that people dont want to incorporate emotions in their training because they sometimes cant control their emotions? That they get frustraded and/or angry and therefore want to "ban" emotions period? Im not condoning people who hit/abuse their dogs btw.

[BrokeYourBanana]

You are amazing Zak! And you have amazing children (dogs)! Keep up the good work!