Science Based Learning Theory

Farei Infrequently 20260102

From the Fenced in yard of Tarma Shena

I was having a conversation about the terminology of dog training and how complicated it has become. I'm not talking about training aspects, I'm talking about putting labels on things that don't need them as a way of trying to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

I would like to say I just train dogs, but customers have come to believe that the "methodology" I intend to employ needs to be discussed up front. They want to make sure my beliefs, morals, and possible religious inclinations, align with theirs before I am allowed to interact with their precious poopsie-do.

If you say you don't use any one particular method you sound like an unprofessional quack. There is no such thing as neutral, you must pick a side and pitch your tent, loose cannons are dangerous. Like I'm a piece of cholesterol floating around just waiting to cause a heart attack.

So "Balanced Training" is what my answer usually is, it's the best place to pitch my tent in an imperfect world. Don't get me wrong, I didn't pour a foundation or anything, but I did put in some pegs so nothing blows away.

Back to that conversation, nice stranger lady had to interject and tell me i "should educate myself on science based learning theory so I would understand why balanced training isn't recommended."

... ... ...

Sometimes my brain just stalls out on the tracks, the wheels don't spin, it just stops. Holding perfectly still like a mote of dust in a sunbeam that was briefly uplifted by a warm puff before settling back to earth. There is this moment of absolute blankness.

So I've decided I'm going to start answering a little differently from here on out. Because it occurred to me that people have no idea, absolutely no idea, what Balanced Training is really about. I'm going to give you a few quotes from the overview if you Google this method.

"Goals -

• Clear Communication: Dogs quickly learn what is expected of them, reducing confusion.

• Individualization: The mix of techniques can be tailored to different dogs' temperaments and needs.

• Harmonious Relationships: Aims to build trust by rewarding good behavior while setting firm boundaries."

I'd say that about sums it up. But you know what it really means?

At least to me...

It means I stay apprised of every method. It means I keep studying techniques and new information as it's made available. It means that I am going to do what is best for YOUR dog.

I might not know what this is when we have our first consultation, I'm going to spend some time interacting with you and your dog, I want to see what I get for a response.

It also means that the approach might change as we progress and you and your dog grow and learn.

Our program has the basics, but it also has the individualization to tailor it to YOUR dog, your lifestyle, and your personality as a handler. It's not my fault if you choose to sit in the back.

I digress.

From now on when someone asks me what methodology I use, I'm going to answer with "Whatever works best for you and your dog." And I refuse to commit beyond that because in reality I just don't know yet.

I refuse to pitch my tent before I've had a chance to inspect the terrain and check the weather. Wet sleeping bags take a long time to dry.