Mastering Corrections in Dog Training: Building Trust and Effective Communication

In training your dog, there’s one inevitable thing: corrections.

Corrections are essential for shaping your dog into the companion you want it to be. They help you communicate with your dog when it’s done something wrong. And in dog training, communication is everything.

But how do you correct your dog the right way?

It all starts with understanding the value and importance of a well-executed correction. A poorly applied correction can set you back and even harm your dog’s development. On the other hand, a well-timed and appropriate correction can propel your dog forward in training and enhance its overall growth.

How to Correct Your Dog for Productive Training

To make your corrections productive, you need to grasp a few key concepts:

• Why Correct Your Dog?
• When to Correct Your Dog?
• How to Correct Your Dog?

Why Correct Your Dog?

Simply put, we correct our dogs because their actions aren’t aligned with what we expect. For your dog to fulfill its role effectively, it must perform as you ask. Failing to do so can be dangerous, depending on the situation.

Corrections also serve to teach your dog the difference between what it should and shouldn’t do. It’s not just about punishment; corrections set clear boundaries, guiding your dog toward the behavior you want to see.

When to Correct Your Dog?

Timing is everything when it comes to corrections. If your timing is off, the correction won’t be effective and may even set you back.

To correct your dog effectively, you need to understand how your dog thinks. Unlike humans, dogs live in the moment. They can’t connect the dots between actions and consequences the way we can.

Imagine a time when you were disciplined as a child. Your parents likely explained why you were in trouble before issuing any punishment, ensuring you understood the connection between your actions and the consequences. As a result, you likely avoided repeating the behavior.

Dogs, however, are different. They focus on the immediate moment and can’t reason like humans. For example, if your dog runs off during training and you correct it after it returns, your dog might associate the correction with returning to you rather than running off. This miscommunication can erode trust and hinder progress.

To ensure your correction is effective, it must happen immediately, right when your dog is engaging in the undesirable behavior. This way, your dog understands exactly what it’s being corrected for.

How to Correct Your Dog?

Now that you understand timing and how to think like your dog, it’s time to focus on the method of correction.

Correction can take various forms, and as Barton Ramsey wisely says, "The punishment should fit the crime." The correction must make sense to your dog and be appropriate for the situation.

Types of Corrections:

1. Spatial Correction: This involves using spatial pressure to correct unwanted behavior. For instance, if your dog tends to run past you when retrieving, you can use a barrier like a hedge or fence behind you. The barrier naturally slows the dog down, encouraging it to deliver the retrieve correctly.

2. Verbal Correction: Here, you use tone and voice inflection to indicate displeasure. The key is to associate the word and tone with correction properly. For some dogs, a simple change in tone is enough. However, be cautious with soft dogs, as harsh verbal corrections can cause them to shut down.

3. Physical Correction: This involves applying physical pressure, such as a lead tug, a nick from an e-collar, or physically placing your dog back in the correct position. Some dogs respond well to physical correction, while others may shut down completely.

Remember the Trust Bank analogy. Each correction is either a deposit or a withdrawal from the trust you’ve built with your dog. A well-timed, appropriate correction results in a deposit, strengthening your relationship and trust. Conversely, a poorly timed or harsh correction can cause a significant withdrawal, eroding the bond you’ve worked hard to establish.

The goal of any correction should be to help your dog improve and move forward in its training. Over time, you’ll learn what type of correction works best for your dog in different scenarios. Take the time to understand your dog, respecting its unique personality and needs. Corrections should be thoughtful, intentional, and aimed at building a stronger partnership between you and your dog.

Your dog wants to please you. By being mindful of how you issue corrections, you can guide your dog toward success, ensuring that each correction enhances rather than hinders its development.

#BuildFromHere,

Joshua Parvin

P.S. Each of our courses goes in-depth on issuing corrections. If you’d like more information, click here.