Aversive techniques are described as abusive, dominant, cruel, harsh, by opponents, and confident, assertive, alpha, strong, by proponents. Reward techniques are described as bribery, weak, misguided, being a slave to our dogs, by opponents, and kind, compassionate, scientific, learned, enlightened, by proponents. Each set of terms evoke different sets of emotions for exactly the same techniques.

So who is right and who is abusive? What works and what does not?

Emotional Awareness and Mindful Dog Training – Shiba Inu Sephy, our first dog.

Who Is Right and Who Is Abusive?

The thing to remember is that we ALL want to do the right thing. We all want to be happy, we all want what is best for ourselves and our dogs. However, when we ignore our emotions, we often let them lead us astray. Many popular arguments on dog training use learned emotional language to make their case, but contain logical fallacies. A common fallacy is when the premise(s) fail to support the proposed conclusion. The arguments are appealing because they always start with a clearly true premise, but the trick is that the conclusion does not follow from that premise. An example is –

My training technique has been used since the beginning, therefore, it must be effective/good/right.

This argument tries to use our love of tradition and ingrained tendency to revere the past. However, just because a technique has been used in the past does not make it better, more effective, or more right, than other methods. For example, we have ridden horses since the beginning, but it does not follow that horses are a better or more effective form of transportation. We also used leeches in the beginning, but that does not mean leeches are a better or more effective method of curing sickness and infection.

This is not to say that the conclusion is false, only that the argument is invalid, i.e., does not contribute anything to the discussion other than to misdirect and obscure the valid premises and valid arguments. Nevertheless, the emotions they evoke make those arguments convincing, so we believe them and continue repeating them to others.

The thing to remember is that we ALL want to do the right thing.

Other similar emotion based arguments include –

• This training technique is used by dogs or wolves on each other, therefore, it must be effective/good/right.
• These training techniques have worked on all of my dogs, therefore it must be effective/good/right.
• I use my training techniques on rescues and death-row dogs, therefore, it must be effective/good/right.
• Dogs are individuals and will respond differently to different motivators, therefore my training technique is more effective for some dogs.
• When used properly, my training technique is not abusive, therefore it is effective/good/right.

After we use a technique and have argued for it with others, we tend to stick to our convictions. Commitment to consistency is one of the key rules of influence described by Cialdini. Consistency builds trust and increases our chances of being accepted by others. These are useful for our survival, so they make us feel good. Furthermore, nobody likes being wrong because being wrong makes us feel guilt, pain, fear, and other uncomfortable emotions.

As a result, once we decide on the goodness or badness of something, our emotions make us resistant to changing our minds, even when confronted with overwhelming facts.

Siberian Husky Lara (a.k.a. JJ) is never afraid to be wrong or goofy. I miss you greatly my sweet girl.

Emotional Awareness

In truth, most discussions about dog training are really more about us and our emotions, rather than about our dog. Teaching or training a dog involves the dog and all the people around her. However, the dog is not the one reading up on training books or having online discussions, so really, the training is more about us, the primary caregivers.

Emotions are the mover of actions and they play a very significant role in our lives. Yet, we spend most of our time trying to avoid them because we perceive them to be bad, messy, and a sign of weakness. When we try to ignore or suppress our emotions, we prevent them from rising to our consciousness. By doing so, we give up our ability to override their prescribed action and become controlled by them. Emotions such as fear, pain, and anger, narrows our attention so that we lose our ability to see the big picture. I have been controlled by my frustration and anger many times, and these situations have a high cost.

Teaching or training a dog involves the dog and all the people around her.

For example, when a fellow Shiba friend introduced me to this new Mother Theory for dog training. I thought,

Here we go again, another self-proclaimed expert peddling the same baseless nonsense from 15 years ago, with statistics pulled out of his ass. Through the use of emotionally moving stories and language (like ‘mother’s love’), others will listen to him to the detriment of their dogs.

I was feeling frustrated and then angry. The Mother’s Love language combined with an emotionally repressive model of training (no talk, no touch, no emotion) brought up difficult memories of my own childhood. They also made me think about the dogs I had recently lost, especially Shania, who was my beloved and soul-mate. Our relationship was filled with talk, touch, and a lot of love, but also fear, pain, and suffering, when I lost her at the end. To avoid this pain, my very clever mind redirected me into using blame. Blame this new misguided theory, blame all the imaginary people who will believe it, blame myself for getting upset over it, do anything to redirect from the true source or true pain of the issue. At the base of this, is my own fear of suffering.

In this case, using unskillful speech and words such as misguided, baseless, and nonsense, will hardly endear me to anyone. In fact, it will likely anger many, result in retaliatory speech, cause more suffering, and do nothing to convince others’ of my position. On the contrary, it will push them farther away. Ultimately, responding with anger does nothing to help and creates a lot of suffering, not just for others but most of all for myself. It also closes my mind to new ideas and makes me emotionally brittle.

Emotional awareness – whenever I feel frustrated or angry, spending time with my dogs helps to calm me down.

Mindful Dog Training

Mindful dog training uses mindfulness techniques to insert our consciousness back into every step of the dog training process. When we are aware of our emotions, we can respond in a more healthy and helpful fashion, thereby not contributing to the suffering of self, dog, and others. Mindfulness is the practice of shifting our awareness repeatedly back to a given target object. Early mindfulness exercises focus attention on our breath, or on certain activities like walking or eating. In the beginning, our mind may be restless because we are used to avoiding our difficult emotions, worries, and thoughts. Fear or more generally aversion is a big force in my emotional landscape. As I described above, my fear of pain and suffering caused me to redirect to false objects, and to avoid fear with anger.

Mindful Dog Training – using mindfulness techniques to reinsert our consciousness back into every step of the dog training process.

I use mindfulness to focus awareness on my emotions, so that I can practice catching afflictive emotions such as fear, anger, and dissatisfaction, before they start to control me, narrow my focus, and cause me to act in unskillful ways. Once I am able to do this, I apply introspective awareness to try and identify, then process the actual root cause of my difficult emotions. In this way, I try to face my suffering, learn from them, weaken the problematic patterns, and free my mind from unnecessary pain. There are a variety of methods for emotional regulation using mindfulness, including the RAIN and RULER methods.

With mindful dog training, I try to be mindful of my emotions in everything that I do. Dogs are very sensitive to our emotions, and respond much better to a calm person than to a fearful or angry one.

• We stay mindful when reading up on dog training techniques so that we catch emotional arguments and any associated logical fallacies.
• We stay mindful when discussing dog training techniques so that we use skillful speech, do not force our opinions onto others, and do not create more suffering for ourselves or others. We apply skillful listening and carefully evaluate new training techniques.
• We stay mindful when deciding which dog training techniques to experiment with our dog so that we make the best decision, picking the techniques that have the greatest chance of success and lowest risk.
• We stay mindful when training our dog so that we remain calm and stable. Emotions are contagious so this will have a calming effect on our dog. Similarly, fear, excitement, or anger, can hype our dog up and worsen his behavior.
• We stay mindful when evaluating the results of a dog training technique so that we make proper adjustments when necessary. If the results are unsatisfying, we are courageous enough to try something else.
• We stay mindful when we make mistakes so that we learn as much from them as possible and apply our knowledge in future training exercises.

Dogs are very sensitive to our emotions, and respond much better to a calm person than to a fearful or angry one.

In dog training, our emotions greatly affect our dog and our dog’s emotions will also affect us. Our job is to regulate afflictive emotions so that we can balance out our dog, especially if she has had difficult past experiences or abuse that cause emotional instability. Instead of letting our emotions control us, we remain emotionally aware, consciously regulate our emotions, increase our understanding of self, and cultivate positive mental states and habits. Staying mindful and facing my emotions is not easy, but it is the best thing I ever did for myself. Facing my emotions, pain, and fears allow me to think anything, feel anything, remember anything, and attain limitless mental freedom. Facing fear opens up the way to love, happiness, wisdom, and liberation.

Facing fear opens up the way to love, happiness, wisdom, and liberation.

Operant conditioning actually encapsulates both reward and aversive training. In its simplest form, operant conditioning says that to modify a dog’s behavior, we can either add or take away a reward stimulus (positive reinforcement, negative punishment); or we can add or take away an aversive stimulus (positive punishment, negative reinforcement).

Operant Conditioning and Dog Training.

Operant conditioning in itself is not pro-reward stimulus or aversive stimulus.

However, it is interesting to note that B.F. Skinner, who developed many of the operant conditioning principles, has expressed that reward stimulus is the preferable form of control.

When someone says "operant conditioning" trainer, it actually refers to all dog trainers because every trainer uses some form of operant conditioning techniques to modify a dog's behavior.

Operant Conditioning Trainer

When someone says “operant conditioning” trainer, it actually refers to all dog trainers because every trainer uses some form of operant conditioning techniques to modify a dog’s behavior.

Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) uses operant conditioning techniques, Victoria Stilwell uses operant conditioning techniques, Brad Pattison uses operant conditioning techniques, and so does other television and non-television dog trainers.

Included in the operant conditioning framework are studies on timing, frequency, and schedules of reinforcement.

For example, operant conditioning studies tell us that a variable schedule of reinforcement is more effective than a fixed schedule of reinforcement. I.e. rewarding our dogs intermittently for behaviors is more effective than rewarding our dogs every time, or every other time.

Similarly, if you over-correct a dog, he will quickly get habituated to your corrections, and may no longer respond to future corrections.

Operant conditioning is based on many years of study, by scientists and psychologists.

It provides us with a useful framework to not only modify or shape the behavior of dogs, but also that of all animals.

When someone says that reward training does not work, or that aversive training does not work, it goes against all the scientific evidence that we have.

Operant conditioning is based on many years of study, by scientists and psychologists.

Modify Animal Behavior

Both reward and aversive techniques can be used to modify animal behavior.

This includes getting your dog to perform good behaviors (e.g. Sit, Down) as well as stopping your dog from performing bad behaviors (dog rehabilitation).

Personally, I use reward techniques almost exclusively with my own dogs because it is less risky, and the effects of making training mistakes are less serious.

When looking for a dog trainer, make sure to find one that understands the basic principles of operant conditioning and classical conditioning.

These two processes underlie much of what goes into dog training, and someone who understands these behavioral psychology principles will be in a better position to understand, guide, and shape your dog’s behavior.

Both reward and aversive techniques can be used to modify animal behavior.

Indeed Shiba Inus are not for the faint-hearted, and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Shiba Inu Training Secrets.

Despite this warning, my heart was already set on a Shiba Inu puppy. I had a lot of free time then, so I thought I would be able to handle one little dog. After all, how difficult can a small puppy be?

Little did I know, a Shiba Inu can be a major pain in the ass!

Even dog veterans have problems with their first Shiba. In fact, many experienced trainers were unable to handle my Shiba Sephy.

Here are the Shiba Inu training secrets that helped me turn my devil dog into a model citizen. Well, maybe not a model citizen, but a fun citizen that I truly enjoy living with.

Do not be fooled - A Shiba Inu can be a major pain in the ass.

1. There are No Miracle Cures

When I first got Shiba Sephy, he was a big challenge.

Some of his favorite daily activities include biting my hands, running crazily around the house, biting on curtains, vicious leash biting, jumping on me and others, humping my leg, and much more.

I was desperate to get him under control, and did a lot of research online and off-line. I read a lot of online articles and bulletin boards. I called local dog trainers, watched all the dog training shows on television, and read a lot of dog training books.

During this time, I found something that looked like a miracle … a 10 minute Shiba online training program. According to this advertisement, there were some special “Shiba words” that will magically turn a Shiba into a Lassie. Yeah right!

Luckily, I did not succumb to my desperation, and did not buy this product.

The fact is, there are NO “miracle cures” for training a Shiba Inu.

The secret of Shiba training, is simply to exercise extreme patience, and find humor in our Shiba’s antics. Use reward obedience training, and always be firm but fair.

A Shiba will probably never be a Lassie, or perfect dog. However, if you are looking for a dog with a big personality, who will always make you laugh with his sneaky and roguish ways, then the Shiba Inu is for you.

A Shiba Inu will never be a model citizen but he will most surely make you laugh and smile.

2. Use Passive Resistance

2. Use Passive Resistance.

Shiba Inus get bored easily and do not like being ignored.

The best way to deal with Shiba Inu misbehavior is through passive resistance.

Shibas get bored easily and do not like being ignored. They really enjoy their freedom, and also like being close to their human pack. We can control a Shiba best by controlling these most desired resources: our attention, and his freedom.

If we actively try to stop our Shiba either through physical punishment (e.g. alpha rolls, leash jerk) or active restraint, he will fight back. This encourages him to practice rough play, and biting on people.

If we back away, or become fearful of our Shiba, he will learn that he “wins” by showing dog aggression.

If we over-correct our Shiba by exerting too much physical force, or by correcting him too frequently, we will lose his trust, and it is difficult to regain a Shiba Inu’s trust.

What works best with a Shiba is NOT to engage in a physical competition, but rather to engage in a mental one.

There are certain resources that Sephy really enjoys including walks, treats, toys, and his freedom.

When I want to take him on his walk, I go to the door with his lead, and call him to me. Initially, he would dally and not really want to come, because he wants to go walking on his own schedule. I count to three. If he does not come, I leave and go about my own business.

After a short time, Sephy will amble over, and pester me to take him on his walk. This is done through begging, and whining. I ignore all this bad dog behavior. When I have a break in my schedule again, I repeat the above exercise.

A Shiba will quickly learn that to get the resources that he wants most (e.g. go on walks), he has to do it according to our rules, and our schedule. It is important to practice the Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF) program with a Shiba.

Set a Shiba Inu up for success, so that we can reward him frequently, and keep him interested in doing what we want.

Another Shiba favorite is to steal something he is not supposed to, and then run away with it, thereby engaging a fun chase game.

A Shiba Inu is very agile, and it will be difficult for us to catch him. I always try to keep an eye out for my sneaky Shiba, and stop him before he steals an object. I also put a drag lead on him, so that I can easily catch him by stepping on the lead.

Note: Use a regular flat collar with the drag lead, and not an aversive collar. Aversive collars such as prong collars or choke chains, should only be used during supervised training sessions. Cut the loop on the drag-lead, so that it does not catch on anything in the house.

Only give our Shiba Inu attention when he refrains from bad Shiba behaviors.

3. Rules, Rules, Rules

3. Rules, Rules, Rules.

No biting on people. Shiba Inu Sephy is redirected onto a toy.

Shiba Inus are naturally dominant. If we do not provide them with rules, that we consistently enforce, they will take over the house.

It is best to enforce those rules as early as possible. This ensures that Shiba does not develop any bad habits later on, that will be more difficult to break.

Some of Shiba Sephy’s rules:

1. No Biting

The most important rule that I place on Sephy, is no biting on people. Shiba Inus are a very mouthy breed. Their instinct is to use their mouth in a wide variety of situations, including when they are excited, frustrated, and fearful.

They also have large teeth, and can accidentally hurt children and seniors. If Sephy starts biting on me or on others, I no-mark the behavior (Ack, ack). If he continues, I put him on a time-out.

It is also important to teach a Shiba bite inhibition. In this way, when he loses control of himself and does bite, he will not cause much harm.

No food aggression.

No rough play with people.

2. No Food Aggression or Resource Guarding

Prevent our Shiba Inu from guarding resources. Shibas have a don’t back down, don’t surrender attitude. Therefore, the best way to teach them not to guard resources, is to use reward training techniques.

Show them that people and other dogs coming near them, while they are eating or playing with their toys, is a good thing. Prevent stealing, and practice exchanging objects. This teaches them that giving up something, does not mean it is gone forever.

If we use physical force to grab a toy away from our Shiba, he will likely become more possessive over his objects. He will also lose trust in us, and may use aggression to protect himself, and his belongings.

3. No Rough Play

I do not play rough with Sephy. He gets to wrestle with my other dogs, but no wrestling is allowed with humans.

I also do not play any dominance games with him, for example, no Tug-of-War. The few times that I did play Tug with Shiba Sephy, he followed very strict rules during the game. However, when I took him out for walks, he would start playing tug with the leash (leash biting).

Shiba Inu Sephy only does rough play with other dogs.

4. Socialize Our Shiba Inu

4. Socialize Our Shiba Inu.

Socialize our young Shiba Inu to many sights, sounds, and smells.

Shiba Inus have an extreme play style that many dogs may not like.

Shiba Inus can get aggressive to unfamiliar things including objects, dogs, people, and environments.

They are also naturally stubborn, and may become aggressive when forced to do things that they do not like.

Socialize our young Shiba to many sights, sounds, and smells, and he will be ready to handle new things as a confident, and well-balanced adult. Make sure that new experiences are always positive, and at worst, neutral.

Some things to consider while socializing our Shiba Inu:

1. Shiba Inus have an extreme play style, that many dogs may not like.

When he was young, I used to take Sephy to enclosed dog parks. During this time, his favorite play partners were larger dogs, and young Pit Bulls. Shibas like doing wrestling and rough play, which can easily overwhelm other small dogs.

Choose our Shiba’s play-mates carefully, so that a fun time can be had by all.

Shiba Inus dislike handling.

2. Shiba Inus dislike handling.

Socialize a Shiba to touching and grooming, as early as possible. Pair the touch and groom sessions with very good treats, so that he will associate handling with positive experiences.

Do not use physical force to do any grooming. This will make it into an unpleasant experience, and our Shiba will fight us every step of the way.

Instead, groom gently, and make it short, fun, and rewarding.

3. Shiba Inus do not generally like people petting them from above.

Petting from above can be seen as a dominance move by dogs, and Shibas may see this as a threat.

We can slowly desensitize our Shiba to this move, by pairing head petting with good food rewards. At the same time, instruct people to approach from under our dog’s head, and scratch his chest.

Shiba Inus do not generally like people petting them from above.

5. Control Our Own Energy

An important thing to remember while interacting with our Shiba, is to control our own energy.

Shiba Inus are especially sensitive to the energy of their owners, and the people around them.

When I first got puppy Sephy, he was extremely mouthy. In particular, he would resort to biting when I stopped him from doing something unacceptable.

This made me become afraid of him.

The more afraid I became, the worse Sephy behaved. As soon as I got fearful, he would start to hump my leg, grab my clothes, jump on me, or bite my hands, arms, and legs.

5. Control Our Own Energy.

Anger and frustration will also elicit extreme Shiba Inu behaviors.

Anger and frustration will also elicit extreme Shiba behaviors.

In the early days, I had a dog walker take Sephy out for group walks at the park. When the walker tried to stop Sephy from doing something disruptive, he would object, and try out one of his Shiba moves, including alligator rolls, leash biting, hand biting, and of course the Shiba scream.

The dog walker naturally got embarrassed when Sephy screamed like he was about to die. There were other people around, and some of them thought that she was mistreating the poor dog. Sephy easily sensed her embarrassment and frustration. From then on, the Shiba scream was his favorite weapon to use against her.

With a Shiba Inu, it is important to stay calm at all times.

Once I was able to control my fear and remain calm, things improved significantly with my Shiba Inu.

With a Shiba Inu, it is important to stay calm at all times.

If we lose our cool, Shiba will sense it and continue to use this weakness against us.

The best way to handle a misbehaving Shiba, is to stay calm, and remove him to a quiet, lower stimulus area, as soon as possible. If he continues with his bad behavior, he gets his freedoms revoked with a time-out. Remember that fear, anger, frustration, and other extreme emotions will only make the problem worse.

Once I was able to control my fear and remain calm, things improved significantly with my Shiba.

Sephy will never be a model-citizen, but nowadays, he is actually very fun to be with. He is goofy, he is funny, and he usually stays out of serious trouble.

Shibas can be a big challenge to live with, but they are well worth the effort. They have a great personality, and they are always up to something that will make us laugh.

I love my Shiba Inu.

He is one of my best buddies, and whenever I see him, I just have to smile.

Gotta love a Shiba Inu!