Basically this is the process of conditioning the dog to a certain
sound
which
when heard he realizes that he has done the wrong thing.
First you need a source of sound. There are many such sources, some
of
which
are for sale.
For our purposes we'll simply use a no cost can with a few pebbles or marbles.
An empty used cooldrink can will do, simply place a few pebbles or
marbles
in
the can. Don't fill it too full, you will find the sound is greater
when
only
about quarter full.
Tape the hole closed with some masking tape or other suitable tape.
Throw, it down on the ground, does it make a loud rattling sound?
Great!
Now you need to condition your dog to the sound.
There are many ways to do this. You need some action that you can
prevent
your
dog from doing, by the use of the sound of the rattling can.
Hold out a biscuit treat for your dog, say "take it" or any
other
suitable
words. Your dog will obviously accept the treat.
Next leave a biscuit on the floor and stand slightly away. The
dog
will
normally approach the biscuit and attempt to eat it. Immediately the
dog
makes
an attempt to take the biscuit, drop the can. If timed correctly your
dog
will
be distracted by the sound of the can dropping allowing you enough
time to
pick
up the biscuit.
All the time you should remain as if you are unaware of the situation.
Do
not
influence the outcome in any way other than the dropping of the can.
Repeat the procedure. I normally leave the biscuit on the floor a
couple
of
times, dropping the can at the appropriate time and retrieving the
biscuit.
I
intersperse this by holding the biscuit in my hand and allowing the
dog to
take
it on my command.
Soon the dog will associate the sound with an action that he shouldn't do.
We now say that he is conditioned to the sound of the can.
We can now apply this to other behaviour problems or dog training.
Please note that electric shock therapy (used in shock collars)
is
also
aversion therapy, but please never use this technique. I consider it
cruel
and
unnecessary.
Shock therapy is only justified when all else has failed and the problem
is
so
serious that the dog's life would be at risk if not solved. If you ever
need
to
use this technique, employ an expert and ensure that your dog goes to
the
vet
for a complete check up. Ensure that the vet knows what you plan to
do.
Also
understand that any so called dog training expert or
behavioural
expert
employing this technique without first exhausting all others
should be
treat
with suspicion.
Another noise source which can work quite well is simply a chain dog
lead.
When
this is thrown down it also makes an effective sound. A chain when
used in
this
way we can call a reprimand chain.
There are other devices that can be purchased that use aversion
therapy,
such
as collars that emit a spray. In my opinion these are fine to use
as they
are
not harmful to your dog.
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