"Force training works on about half the animals it is used on and when it works, it is quick.
However, the other half of the animals
it is used on can break under the pressure and can begin to show signs of aggression or fear or both.
As Nicholas Dodman once said to me, 'You can
make a dog to do something using force, however sometimes you may have to fight him to the death.'
Every time that you use force on a dog
you are showing the dog that aggression is a permissible tactic in its relationship to humans.
If you can use force on him, then he can reply with
force to you, or alternatively, use aggressive tactics on others lower in dominance (like kids).
This means that every time you use force on your
dog, you are weakening your dog's emotional bond to you.
If you want a robot slave that may someday turn on you, then use force.
If you want a pet, friend, a happy co-worker, then
use reward and avoid force.
It may take longer, but in the end results in a happier dog and ultimately a happier owner who has not only trained his dog,
but built strong positive emotional relationship.
This is not different than what goes on in marital relationships. You can force your spouse to do what
you want but if you do, you will diminish or completely lose the love and affection between you.
Ultimately, dog owners will have to decide what they want in the association
with their dogs. We can only suggest and educate, since force doesn't work any better on humans than it does on dogs."
Stanley Coren
Used with permission by www.delightfuldogs.net
