The Dog Training Conversation We're All Ignoring:

I set out to write this article with a kind of certainty, presuming everyone understood what force-free dog training was all about. But a conversation with my aunt proved me utterly wrong. She was bewildered(and she has 30 years of experience) and that's when it hit me. We often get lost in the weeds of our own expertise, forgetting the basic questions and the assumptions.

So, what is force-free training? Force-free training is simply the method of training dogs (or any animal per se) without using force, coercion, threats, or intimidation or inflicting pain on the animal. This involves avoiding punishments or anything that invokes fear and panic, cause pain, or harm the dog in any other way.

We love its emphasis on positive reinforcement, its feel-good promise of harmonious human-canine relationships. Studies are bandied about, stories of miraculous behavioral transformations are consistently passed on to us. It seems too good to be true. Let's at least look at the possibility that maybe it is to good to be true.

Here's the thing: when you dig into these studies, there's an interesting pattern. Sure, a puppy kindergarten class boasts a 94% retention rate(retention rate meaning owners keeping dogs and not removing or euthanizing) compared with the 33% average. The 33% average meaning that 1 and 3 dogs will stay with their original owner through their life cycle. That's a staggering improvement and I can't think of a single person who wouldn't be on board with that(Theresa Deporter ran the study and hopefully we will get to interview her)

But let's play devil's advocate. Is it really the force-free training that's miraculous, or is it something else?

Imagine you're a dog owner. You're struggling. Maybe your puppy is a terror on the leash, or perhaps you're dealing with something more serious. You enroll in this force-free class. It's your first step in seeking professional help. You're taught timing, technique, and patience – skills most new owners lack.

Of course you're going to see improvement! It's the difference between fumbling around solo and having a knowledgeable coach at your side. If we're having a writing contest with 99 people who have pen, paper and a typewriter and the 100th contestant has a complete computer with internet access. All things being equal, we can expect the person with better tools to create a better result.

The problem is, we're so in love with the idea of force-free training that we lose sight of the common-sense factors at play. If someone has ZERO training, and you give them a single tool, of course there's going to be massive improvement.

Before we decide force-free training is the next evolution in dog training, we need a different kind of study and conversation. We need to compare force-free vs. traditional training, with both led by skilled professionals. Control for the handler's expertise, and then we might actually discover whether the philosophy itself is the magic bullet it's often touted as. If not, we're selling dog owners short by focusing on the wrong problem.

Think about it this way: you're in a writing contest. Ninety-nine folks are armed with nothing but pens, paper, maybe an old-school typewriter. Then there's contestant number 100, sitting in front of a sleek computer, internet access humming. Now, put aside any notion of raw talent. Who's likely to produce the better outcome? The one with the superior tool, of course.

It's not rocket science, but we sometimes forget this simple logic. When we see someone succeed with seemingly minimal effort, the instinct is to assume they're special. But maybe... just maybe... they started with an advantage we simply didn't see. In many of these examples, if we take someone with no professional skills whatsoever, and give them average skills, the output increases. As a matter of fact, it would be nearly impossible for it not to do so.

Let me be clear – I'm not anti-force-free training. I don't know everything. As a matter of fact, I have days where I'm not sure I know much of anything. Handling dogs is a humbling experience and that's probably putting it nicely. Especially when it's me.

Kindness is always good and theoretically, should be the default setting for how we treat everyone and especially our animals. That being said, overzealousness toward any single method risks obscuring what might be much simpler solutions that could benefit far more dogs and people.

Dogs are not just our companions—they're woven into the fabric of our society. Yet, how we train them often seems haphazard, driven more by trends than any real understanding. We want them to be good citizens, safe and happy, but we sometimes cling to methods without asking if they truly work.

We love narratives, sound bites, and feel good stories more than asking the tough questions and doing the work. Everyone wants the ideal dog, but very few want to do the work to get said dog. People want the Instagram followers, they want the notoriety, but they don't want to be working dogs in freezing rain. This brings us to a very uncomfortable, and controversial piece of the conversation.

There's an intriguing disconnect when it comes to how we train dogs. On one hand, there's the a popular push toward force-free methods – Then there's the reality that the most high-stakes professions – military, law enforcement, search and rescue –bite sports that continue to rely heavily on balanced training.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of "skin in the game" resonates here. Shouldn't the people facing the greatest consequences be the most invested in choosing the absolute best methods? Those whose actions have a direct impact on life and safety? If positive, force-free techniques are as effective as proponents claim, why wouldn’t they be the gold standard for serious dog training?

This isn't about denouncing force free training. It's about a fascinating question: When the stakes are this high, why not explore every potential advantage available? If force free training was really that effective, why wouldn't it be used by all these other avenues of dog sports and work?

The dog training world is rife with stereotypes. On one side, you have the caricature of "balanced" trainers – egotistical, stubborn, even sadistic. On the other, "force-free" enthusiasts convinced that their opponents simply hate animals. It's a battleground of oversimplifications, obscuring a much more complex and fascinating reality.

Let's consider the "balanced" camp. These are individuals obsessed with results, training dogs to perform reliably in the most extreme conditions. They prioritize the dogs' safety above all else. They're relentlessly pragmatic, seeking out the world's top experts, pouring time and money into their craft. In fact, they often invest far more in their dogs' wellbeing than many do in their own.

Now, here's the puzzle: If a demonstrably superior, more effective training method existed, wouldn't these be the first to adopt it? Wouldn't their pragmatism and laser focus on results override any outdated traditions or bruised egos? Is it possible that they’re not wrong?

Imagine if we approached other crucial skills this way. Would we let a child learn math from just anyone, using any random technique? Of course not! There's an objective standard for a reason. Ensuring our dogs are well-trained is as important. It impacts their safety, our safety, and the overall harmony between humans and canines. It's not just the logistically correct decision it's the correct moral question.

Simple. Better. Best. Artist.

I stumbled onto an absolutely fantastic artists work named Howard Lee. To be rather honest, sketches , tattoos, and charcoal sketches are not really my thing. I’m just not going to lose my mind like a toddler that found the sugar stash. That being said, what's so absolutely profound about his work, is the nuanced changes from each level of Basic, Better, Best, and Artist.

These pieces of art provide a user friendly compass and a visual map of skill evaluation. From there, we can find the mentors or guidance we need.

We've all been there – beginners fumbling our way through a new skill. Maybe it's cooking, playing an instrument, or learning a new software program. Maybe it's free shaping behaviors with your puppy, or starting IGP tracking. The early stages are humbling, even frustrating. But with practice and persistence, something magical happens – we level up.

Let's break down the progression of skill development into four distinct levels:

1. Simple: When It Stops Being a Disaster

This is where survival kicks in. You've followed the recipe closely, and hey, the food is edible! You might play those first few hesitant notes on the guitar. Or you manage to complete a simple task in that confusing program. It's rough, needs help, but a tiny spark of potential starts to glow. The Dog can do a puppy circle. In some of these art pieces, we actually see something that resembles a dog! It's a discernable piece of art!!! I mean, sure the dog we drew in this example looks like we had a successful breeding between Elmo and Grimace. But hey… it's art.

2. Simple: Doing the Thing, Plus a Little More

Here's where things click a bit smoother. You can follow the recipe without constant crosschecking. The guitar chords flow a little easier, and those software tasks start to feel familiar. There might even be a flourish – a slightly fancier plating, a simple riff, or a shortcut you discovered. Your Dog can perform a focused heel for a few steps.

In the pictures, we see well drawn objects with solid detail. To me, they look like the Mona Lisa. I draw in stick figures. We almost have Tramp from Lady and The Tramp. Go US and Go Team.

3. Best: Where Skill Starts to Shine

The 'Better' level is where you gain confidence. You don't just cook the meal, you adjust the seasoning on the fly. You improvise a melody over those chords. You troubleshoot software problems and maybe even teach a coworker a trick. Your obedience would receive better than 80 points at trial. You're able to teach a retrieve that looks exact and precise. People looking at your output will recognize the quality and appreciate the dedication to your craft. In our pictures, they take on a three dimensional appearance and personality.

4. The Artist: Mastery Meets Innovation

This is the pinnacle we all aspire to. Execution is effortless because the basics have become second nature. Now, you add something of yourself to the craft. That dish you create has your signature flair. Your musical compositions carry echoes of your unique voice. You're not just fixing software issues, you're streamlining workflows and designing new tools. It's where the work becomes an extension of the creator.

Others can look at the characteristics of your dog and immediately know who did the training by small details of the dogs performance. In this picture, we've graduated beyond simple drawings. We see a man with his dog, and we begin to wonder and think about bigger ideas than just the simple drawings. When you get to this level of any field, you begin to wonder if you really ever understood at all. You're mindset has the experience and sharpness of a guru, yet you know enough to know that you are only just beginning to scratch the surface. You started your journey as a novice knowing very little only to return novice again with a deep perspective and understanding. Guru and Fool at the same time.

Why This Matters

Understanding these levels helps in a few ways:

* Setting expectations: You can't jump from 'Basic' to 'Artist' overnight. You appreciate all steps of the process and appreciate where you are and what you are doing(to quote Yoda).

* Appreciating mastery: Next time you see truly exceptional work, recognize how much went into reaching that level of work. Realize that the opportunity for “better” is always there and can have a very different depth and meaning.

* Targeting growth: Where are you now, and where do you want to be? This can help Understanding the levels helps you build a practice strategy. It can help you find the right mentors to get you to the right places.

In closing, I want to mention Simon Sinek's book, "The Infinite Game," which I highly recommend. It discusses the concept of an infinite game, one that you continue playing throughout your life. That's what makes it infinite – you get to keep playing. This framework has helped me through both successes and crushing failures. While I might grumble about it not being about the wins but rather the journey, it's a tool I personally use to stay focused on my main goals and enjoy the ride. I hope it offers you the same benefit.

Training Decoded: A Guide to Canine Science, Part 3

Welcome back, fellow dog handlers! Ready to take your training skills to the next level? In part three of our "Dog Training Jargon Decoded" series, we're tackling the ABCs of behavior modification: Antecedents, Consequences, and Counterconditioning. Get ready to transform your "bad" habits into "good" ones, strengthen your bond, and maybe even have a few laughs along the way.

* Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior.

Real World Example: Dog growls at obnoxious person that won't leave it alone. Dog bites obnoxious person. You get served a beautifully crafted notice to appear in court. The Dog Bite and the Dog Growl can both be considered antecedents.

* Consequence: What happens immediately after the behavior.

Real World Example: You decide that Forza is a great video game about racing cars. You decide driving in the real world is more fun than Forza. You get tickets and get your license suspended. The tickets and license suspension would be your consequence.

* Extinction: When a behavior that was once reinforced no longer gets a reward, it will eventually stop.

Real World Example : Your coworker's desk pranks have gone from funny to flat. You ignore every rubber band ambush and whoopee cushion surprise. Without your laughter, their antics fizzle out, leaving your desk a boring (but blessedly peaceful) place.

* Generalization: The ability to perform a trained behavior in different environments and under various distractions.

Real World Example: Toddler is Potty trained at home. Decides the middle of the grocery store is the perfect place to relieve themselves

* Counterconditioning: Changing the dog's emotional response to a stimulus by pairing it with something positive.

Real World Example: Bob has a fear of public speaking. Stage fright turns him into a sweaty, squeaky mess Before presentations, he blasts the goofiest pump-up song and eat a fistful of gummy bears. Soon, the fear goes away.

* Desensitization: Gradually exposing a dog to a fearful stimulus at a low intensity, increasing it over time to reduce anxiety.

Real World Example: Your mother-in-law turns every drive into a critique of your driving. Except it's like a bedroom performance from your neighbors you didn't want to hear– loud and unsolicited. You would desensitize by short trips around the block while blasting death metal. Her commentary won't even register over the noise. Graduate to longer drives with the windows down. Wind noise will help mask her "helpful" suggestions. Eventually, wear earplugs and you'll never notice her commentary.

* Shaping: Reinforcing small steps towards a desired behavior.

Real World Example: Your kid's perfected the "tiny tyrant" routine – screaming like a South American Howler Monkey for candy until you cave. You would shape by rewarding any attempt at using their "inside voice", even if it's a whiny whisper. Later on, you would only give in to polite requests, maybe thrown in with a goofy "pretty please?"

* Fading: Gradually reducing the use of prompts or lures.

Real World Example: Our howling South American Howler Monkey situation would eventually be corrected by slowly removing rewards. The slight reduction of rewards would be called “fading.”

*Habituation: The process of getting used to a stimulus over repeated exposure.

Real World Example: The coworker who slurps their morning coffee loudly like a bath tub draining. Instead of wanting to reach for the nearest blunt object after several weeks you no longer hear it.

The Uncomfortable Truth About The Things You Want: It Demands Being Extra

Word: Extra

Dictionary: Oxford English Dictionary

Definition: 2. (Informal) Excessive or extravagant in behavior or style.

Example: "Crudite is so extra – just call it a snack.”

We live in a culture that praises moderation. Work-life balance, self-care, knowing your limits – it all sounds sensible. But when it comes to real achievement, moderation is the enemy.

I'm not claiming to have all the answers or some secret formula for guaranteed success. I'm no world-renowned expert either. But along the way, I've stumbled into a few wins, achieved some goals I wasn't sure were possible, and picked up some hard-won lessons that most people would probably rather avoid.

Let's be brutally honest: exceptional results rarely come from half-measures. The most successful people – the ones we admire – aren't just a little bit dedicated. They're borderline obsessive, willing to work harder and sacrifice more than most deem reasonable.

Think of it this way: Imagine a spectrum with laziness on one end and 'extra' on the other. Lazy gets you nowhere. Moderately hardworking? You're still not really getting to the place that you want to go. It's only when you push past what others consider excessive, when you're fully in "extra" territory, that real breakthroughs happen.

Let's be clear: extreme laziness gets you nothing. It's not a judgment on anyone's character, it's simple math. No effort? No results, period. There's actually an upside to this – at least when you're doing nothing, you're not wasting time or resources on half-hearted attempts.

The second stop on the path to achievement is where things get ugly: mediocre effort leading to mediocre results. This, to me, is the worst possible place to be. You put in just enough work to feel like you're trying, but not nearly enough to see any real payoff. It's a recipe for burnout – draining your time, energy, and resources for a result that's utterly forgettable.

Now, let's talk about the extreme end: the crazy, borderline-obsessive effort that might lead to equally crazy results. This is the zone of potential exponential gains, where the payoff can – sometimes – eclipse the sheer insanity of your efforts. Of course, you'll probably be a broken, exhausted mess, but that's actually where the real learning happens. The emotional toll is brutal, but that's what makes the lessons stick.

And don't even get me started on all those "it's the journey, not the destination" posts. That kind of feel-good nonsense is for people who haven't truly pushed themselves to the brink. Unless you're utterly exhausted, basking in the aftermath of victory or failure, and taking a hard look at everything you sacrificed – only then can you truly appreciate the journey. It takes courage to abandon moderation.

This isn't about glorifying burnout. It's about focus and strategic effort. It's saying "no" to the trivial distractions so you have the energy to be extraordinary in what matters most. In many ways, there's an unimaginable wisdom in laziness as long as you're being lazy in the right ways for the right reasons.

This philosophy might feel jarring at first. We're so accustomed to hearing about taking care of ourselves. But sometimes, the greatest self-care is pushing ourselves beyond comfortable limits, venturing into the zone of being "extra." Because that's often where success lies.

Training Decoded: A Guide to Canine Science, Part 2

Last time, we demystified the basics of classical conditioning and your dog's uncanny ability to sense treats. In this installment of "Dog Training Jargon Decoded," we'll explore the intricacies of operant conditioning, stimulus control, and the often baffling choices our canine companions make. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behavior and unlock the secrets to successful training. Enjoy!!!

* Classical Conditioning: Pairing a neutral stimulus with something that naturally triggers a response. (The sound of a clicker becomes associated with treats)

Real World Example: You're a middle-aged dude who loves Pringles. That "pop" of the can means snack time, and your brain knows it! After a while, just hearing that sound makes you crave the salty goodness. That's classical conditioning – your brain getting trained by delicious chips.

* Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences. Behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on what follows them. Examples of various types of operant conditioning. It can also be broken down into a few pieces.

Real World Example:

*Positive Reinforcement (Getting a reward increases the behavior)

Operation Spoiled Brat. Kid wants candy, kid screams, parent caves. Rinse and repeat. Now you got yourself a tiny sugar addict with the lungs of a banshee.

*Negative Reinforcement (Removing something bad increases the behavior)

Dirty dishes make you nag. Partner does dishes to escape nagging.Nagging works, so you'll probably nag more often. Non-Bonus points: you're marriage sucks

*Positive Punishment (Adding something bad to stop a behavior)

Operation Kareoke: Your tone-deaf friend loves to drink and sing Kareoke at full volume. To discourage future concerts, you secretly record their performance and play it back at the most embarrassing and least convenient time possible.(bonus points if they're on a first date with a crush)

* Stimulus: Anything that triggers a response in the dog. Can be a word, object, sound, or physical sensation.

Real World Example: You open a bag of your favorite snack. Instead of just appearing, the dog materializes from thin air, having teleported from a deep nap across the house at the first crinkle of the bag. Side note. You give your best buddy half your food.

* Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior.

Real World Example: Dog growls at obnoxious person that won't leave it alone. Dog bites obnoxious person. You get served a beautifully crafted notice to appear in court. The Dog Bite and the Dog Growl can both be considered antecedents.

Think Smarter, Not Harder: The Scout and Warrior Mindset Advantage

Understanding Julia Galef's warrior vs. scout mental model is more valuable than claiming ownership of it. Many people seek the fleeting satisfaction of "being right" in intellectual battles. They prioritize defending their current positions over a genuine pursuit of truth.

The warrior mind quickly adopts a stance, focusing on arguments that support its position. The goal is victory, not a deeper understanding. In contrast, the scout mind methodically seeks the most accurate and comprehensive information. This mindset values adaptability and recognizes that knowledge is always evolving. The scout acknowledges that uncovering one profound truth carries more weight than prevailing in countless trivial disputes.

The scout mindset allows us to grow and evolve by constantly seeking a more accurate understanding of the world around us. This open-mindedness prevents us from tying our self-worth to fleeting opinions or outdated beliefs.

Our opinions are not who we are – they are simply a reflection of where we are in a particular moment. The scout understands that flexibility and a willingness to change are essential for intellectual growth. Stagnation means denying ourselves the chance to become the best version of ourselves.

Facts, like forgotten groceries, tend to spoil over time. Samuel Arbesman wisely explored this concept, reminding us that even our certainties have expiration dates. The world is in a constant state of flux, and what we consider 'true' today might well be dismissed as outdated tomorrow.

Just consider: much of our modern life would have been pure fantasy a few decades ago. The very notion of instant face-to-face communication from across the globe, once relegated to Star Trek, now hums unremarkably in our pockets. The scout understands this impermanence. They grasp that the only true constant is change itself, and navigate the world with the adaptable eyes of an explorer, not the rigid certainty of a zealot.

Absolutely! Here's a slightly simplified version, focusing on clarity:

To be clear, the warrior mindset isn't inherently bad, any more than the scout mindset is always superior. Both reflect where we stand at different points in time. There are moments when a firm stance is necessary, when defending certain truths is essential.

The true power lies in recognizing that both perspectives are key parts of the human experience. Knowing when to use the warrior's resolve, and when to embrace the scout's open exploration, is the mark of a fully realized intellect.

Training Decoded: A Guide to Canine Science Jargon

Anyone who's spent time in dog training circles knows the deal: people love throwing around science-y words to sound super smart. Maybe they mean well. Maybe they just want to prove they're way ahead of you, the clueless newbie.

So, to make everyone's lives easier, here's a quick and dirty guide to those fancy dog training terms. No jargon, no bragging rights – just simple explanations to help you decipher what everyone's really talking about. Consider it a survival kit for the world of know-it-all dog trainers. Cheers.

* Positive Reinforcement: Adding something desirable to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again. (Treats, toys, praise)

Real World explanation: You do something cool. Someone gives you something cool back. It's like bribery except you don't go to prison.

* Negative Reinforcement: Removing something undesirable to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again. (Stopping a leash correction when the dog sits)

Real World explanation: it's like reverse bribery. You remove something they want when they misbehave.

* Positive Punishment: Adding something undesirable to decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening again. (A verbal "no!" when a dog jumps)

Real World Explanation: You forget the password to your IPad. You enter the wrong password and get locked out of your iPad. Congratulations. You're now locked out of your iPad and you've been punished positively. Fun.

* Negative Punishment: Removing something desirable to decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening again. (Taking a toy away when a puppy bites)

Real World Example: You’ve watched too many no no videos on your iPad and your wife takes it away and runs over it with a car. Play stupid games and win stupid prizes.