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Training
Because of the Apso's
naturally independent nature, training, whether for regular grooming,
performance events or day to day living, requires a practical understanding of how
to communicate with the dog.
The following excerpt from a
behavior article by Peggy Swager, "What kind of dog do you have??"
published in the August 2003 AKC Gazette, provides an excellent example of
working with an Apso.
"I recall a
Lhasa Apso named Whisper who was having difficulty in agility. Whisper's
owner tried to lure him over jumps with a treat, only to have him run
around the jumps. Finally the owner attached a lead and resorted to
dragging Whisper over the obstacles. This was clearly a mistake.
I suggested
a different approach. Whisper was held on one side of the jump, and his
owner stood on the other. Whisper was encouraged to jump, both verbally
and with a lure. At first Whisper wanted to run around the jump, so I held
him in place. It took Whisper several minutes of thinking before he decided
to take the jump on his own. After that Whisper was willing to do other
jumps without being dragged. Letting Whisper think about jumping, then
letting him choose to comply, rather than trying to force him, made a big
difference. Some dogs have to think things through and decide for
themselves before doing what you ask. With patience, you can build a
relationship of trust with this kind of dog."
What motivated Whisper to participate in learning this exercise? The
answer, I think, is key to training an Apso.
Relationship: The Hidden Motivator, written by Chad Mackin,
and
Motivation, The Heart of the Matter,
written by Roger Hild, provide adequate answers.
Apsos,
historically independent in nature, respond best when actively cooperating
in their own learning process. Training tools and an understanding
of canine behavior and language help us communicate to the dog what we're
trying to teach.
Understanding animal behavior has progressed quickly in the past decade,
to the benefit of our four legged friends. Modern training tactics have
also progressed. A list of excellent books, along with a brief description
from each publisher, is on the left.
Positive reinforcement using operant conditioning, otherwise known in the
canine training world as clicker training, is one excellent communication
tool. The clicker is used to 'mark' the desired behavior. A cue (such as
'sit') is then added and the clicker is faded (gradually removed). The end
result is the dog will sit when told to sit. To learn more about clicker
training visit
Karen Pryor's Clicker Training
Page.
For a little fun,
read
What Shamu Taught Me About A Happy Marriage!
Bridge and Target training, developed from
classical and operant conditioning, is presented as an important
tool in the enlightened and humane management of animals. Tools include
the intermediate bridge, the terminal bridge and motivators including the
individual animal's desires, go beyond operant conditioning and allow
better communication between human and non-human animals.
Articles
A Radical Regime for Recalcitrant Rovers
Get A Grip on Fido's Emotions
Housetraining Your Lhasa Apso
Motivation, The Heart of the Matter
Nothing in Life is Free
Relationship:
The Hidden Motivator
Stubborn as a Mule
Books
Animals in Translation
Bones Would Rain From The Sky
Canine Body Language
Don't Shoot The Dog!
For The Love of a Dog
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend
Lads Before The Wind
On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
The Culture Clash
The Other End of the Leash
The Power of Positive Dog Training
Second Hand Dog
Websites
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