Guide Dogs Need Discipline Too

I heard an interesting conversation on the radio recently (listen from 46 minutes) about training guide dogs. Apparently, the wait for a guide dog is now over a year. At the same time, the pass rate for a trained dog is down to 61%. This would appear to be in large part due to a new positive reinforcement training system first introduced in 2017.

This new system completely removes any ‘punishment’ in the dog training. The term punishment sound severe but it does not mean hitting or abusing the dog in anyway, it’s a simple as a negative experience of being chastised for pulling on the lead. Instead, all desired behaviours are rewarded with food, play, praise or toys. For undesirable behaviours, the reward is simply withheld. It’s classic what I call trick/treat training. I’ve seen so many dogs that have started off with this kind of training and have ended up with me when this method has failed.

Why is it unsuitable for guide dogs? Well, a key part of having guide dog is knowing they will keep the user away from danger. It is imperative that the animals understand that they are keeping people safe. In order to train a dog to know this, they have to experience the negative effects of unwanted behaviour.

Training a working dog

Working dogs need specialist training, of that there is no doubt. The ability of a gundog to follow commands is essential in an environment where live ammunition is being used. The working partnership with a sheepdog can protect the flock and actually save the lives of sheep. The basics for all these dogs is the same, build a bond and teach good manners. Get the dog working for you, not for a treat or a cuddly toy.

I was glad to hear on the broadcast that alongside the guide dog trainer they had a voice of reason, an experienced dog trainer who explained in a no-nonsense manner that positive reinforcement training alone is no way to train a dog, hence the low success rates. Let’s hope the organisation takes his comments on board and more of these invaluable dogs can make a difference where they are needed most.

Posted: April 26, 2023