Pressure In Dog Training

In Dog Training the topic of “Pressure” can be controversial.  I believe that pressure is not only necessary in training with dogs, it is invaluable.  First lets take a look at the different types of pressure.  There is the most obvious which is “Leash Pressure”.  This is generally pressure or energy put into or through a leash on to the dogs neck.  Now, the type of training collar the dog is wearing is a big part of this equation as well.  Let’s save that for another discussion though.

We also have “Verbal Pressure” which comes in the form of being stern with our vocalizations.  Weather it’s sounds or words, what is more important is the energy the vocalization carries.  Im sure we all have experienced soft, warm reinforcing conversations in our lives and in contrast to these experiences we have also experienced some more unpleasant vocalizations.  An argument, a fight, a scolding from mom and dad or a brother  and sister or friend/foe.  The point is, we have the ability to convey soft, soothing, comfort and reassurance just as we have the ability to convey aggravation, anger, frustration and aggression.  It is “energy” that is the true common language among all beings and things.  There will be choices our dogs make that will create loving, reinforcing vocalizations from us in an effort to reinforce healthy behaviors.  While in contrast to those healthy choices, there will be bad choices made by our dogs on a day to day as well.  Insighting those more negative vocal energies I just mentioned.

“Spacial Pressure” would be the manipulation of space between us and our dogs.  Moving into the space between you and your dog will actually push them away from you.  Where as backing away from that space between you and your dog is drawing them towards you or inviting them into the space between you.  This is a great tool to have in your tool box for training with your dogs.  There are many great oppurtunity’s to implement this technique. I often find myself using it to claim the doorways into and out of my house.  My Giant Schnauzer is a pushy guy, he loves to claim the doorway when he knows we are moving though it to go outside.  So,  it becomes a great oppurtunity for me to back him off through spacial pressure and at the moment he backs off, or gives/respects my space,  I shift my bodies focus to the door way and claim it for myself.  This is where permission comes into our relationship.  I move through the door way and expect him to maintain a sit until I give him a “neutral release” and/or permission to move through the threshold.  In these small day to day interactions, we achieve major building blocks for a healthy balanced relationship.  There are many opportunities throughout a day where we can shift our human-dog relationship to one of mutual respect and balance.