What are the effects of harsh training on a soft dog?
You want your dog to be bold in the field and to perform with intensity. A dog that is trained too harshly will perform in a “mechanical fashion,” looking for the handlers every command so that it doesn’t get punished anymore. It will often cower when the handler approaches. We teach through positive reinforcement and lots of repetition. This makes for a happier dog and makes the process less stressful on the dog (and you). There are a few times when you will have to get tough, but why not start out the positive way? The dog just may surprise you and train quickly and easily. Some don’t but it is true bragging rights when you accomplished your training through positive reinforcement.
