Dog trainers use a lot of terms that may not be familiar to the average pet owner. Below are a few of the most common terms you’ll hear. This list will be updated as I think of terms to add.
Balanced training: An approach to training that mixes corrections and positive reinforcement to shape canine behavior, adjusting the methods and tools to fit the needs of the individual dog and handler.
Breed: A type of dog created by selectively breeding for a specific set of physical and mental characteristics, usually so the dog can perform a specific type of work. Knowing what a dog was bred to do can be helpful in determining the best approach to training.
British slip lead: A type of training lead with a built-in collar that can be tightened or loosened instantly by increasing or decreasing pressure on the leash. British slip leads are usually made of nylon rope and come with a small buckle or leather stop that can be adjusted to ensure a proper fit.
Check cord: Also called a tracking lead, a check cord is a very long (usually 15 to 50 feet) leash used to teach recall work.
Clicker: A handheld mechanical device consisting of a thin sheet of metal, usually encased in a plastic housing, that makes a distinctive clicking sound when pressed. Dogs are conditioned to associate the sound with rewards.
Clicker training: A type of training that uses a clicker to mark desirable behavior and signal to the dog that a reward is coming.
Crate: A box or cage designed to serve as a safe space to confine a dog when s/he cannot be supervised. The ideal crate should be just big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
Crate training: 1. Conditioning a dog to use a crate without balking or fussing. 2. Using a crate as a tool to housebreak a dog. This type of training is based on the dog’s natural denning instincts and is, in my experience, the fastest and easiest approach to housebreaking.
E-collar: An electronic collar that uses a negative stimulus (usually a high-pitched noise, buzzing sensation, or electrical shock) to disrupt unwanted behavior. E-collars are controversial because they rely on a negative stimulus to correct misbehavior instead of using a positive stimulus to reinforce desirable behaviors. I do not use them in class because they are expensive and come with a steep learning curve. I find other tools more appropriate for my clients.
Emergency recall: An obedience move in which the handler uses a high-value treat to “charge” a code word with such strong positive associations that the dog will immediately return to the handler upon hearing it, regardless of other distractions.
Force-free training: A reward-based approach to training that relies exclusively on positive reinforcement to shape canine behavior. Sometimes referred to as “+R,” an abbreviation for “positive reinforcement.”
Head collar: Sometimes referred to as a nose collar, head collars are a type of training collar designed to go around the dog’s head and snout, using pressure on the nose and back of the head to discourage pulling. Two popular brands are Gentle Leader and Halti. In a pinch, a British slip lead can be fashioned into a makeshift head collar.
Heel: An obedience move in which the dog walks beside and slightly behind the handler, usually to the handler’s left, so that his/her nose is in line with the handler’s heel. Dogs traditionally heel to the left.
High-value treat: A reward (usually food) that the dog loves and will do virtually anything to obtain.
Kennel: 1. An enclosure where the dog can be confined safely while unsupervised. 2. An obedience command that tells the dog to go to his/her kennel.
Martingale: Also called a “greyhound collar,” a martingale is a type of training collar, usually made of nylon, that can be tightened or loosened instantly by increasing or decreasing pressure on the leash.
Muzzle: A device worn on the head to prevent a dog from biting. Muzzles can be helpful in training dogs with a history of aggression, but they must be designed in such a way that they do not restrict the dog’s breathing or panting. If you find it necessary to use a muzzle while working with your dog, choose a basket- or cage-type muzzle (think racing greyhounds or Lady and the Tramp, not those cheap nylon muzzles from the feed store that wrap around the dog’s snout and hold the mouth closed), and make sure it fits correctly. An improperly used muzzle can cause a dog to overheat, so proceed with caution and seek professional assistance before using one.
Obedience training: Teaching a dog to follow commands from a handler. Concepts taught in basic obedience classes usually include heel/loose lead walking, sit, stay, and recall. More advanced classes may teach dogs to obey while ignoring various distractions or perform tricks designed to showcase the dog’s intelligence and compliance.
Pack instinct: A dog’s natural desire to be part of a family and have a clear role in that family.
Pinch collar: Also called a prong collar, a pinch collar is a type of martingale made of metal links with prongs that pinch the skin around a dog’s neck if s/he pulls against the leash. Pinch collars are designed to mimic the sensation of a mother’s teeth nipping the skin on a puppy’s neck. They are a controversial tool due to their fearsome appearance, aversive nature, and potential for misuse.
Recall: An obedience move in which the dog returns to the owner after a (usually brief) period of separation.
Retractable leash: Also called a flexi leash. A type of leash consisting of a long, thin nylon cable wound onto a reel inside a plastic housing. Retractable leashes are designed to extend or retract with the push of a button, allowing the owner to adjust the length of the leash at will. For safety reasons, I do not allow students to use retractable leashes in my classes. If your dog is ready to work at longer distances, consider purchasing a check cord and learning to use it instead.
Separation anxiety: A condition in which a dog panics or becomes depressed upon being separated from his/her owner.
Threshold training: Teaching a dog to wait for the handler’s permission to pass through gates and doorways.
Treat pouch: Typically used in conjunction with a clicker. A treat pouch is a small pouch, usually worn at the waist, designed to carry small treats for reinforcing desired behaviors. If you buy one, look for the kind with a magnetic closure that you can operate easily with one hand.
Tucumcari Dog Training 