I didn't know about marker training until about 6 years ago when Kasey was young. Growing up, the most popular training book was written by the guy who trained Lassie - I remember my dad following that book. When my husband and I got our first dog it was a puppy to train from Guide Dogs of America - they promised to teach you everything you had to know, and they did major choke chain correction training. I didn't find it worked too well, at least with the girl we had (who we ended up keeping because she failed due to allergies). But through Leerburg I started learning marker training, and Kasey, our last dog, and now this puppy, was/is so motivated to learn. He's only 11 weeks today and already will sit, down, wait, walk on a leash without fighting it, he comes when I call him, and will 'leave it' if you put a treat on the floor in front of him. I find that AMAZING for only being in our home for 3 weeks.

And the best part is that he wants to be with me all the time - he lays at my feel when I cook dinner, he follows me around when I can watch him, and he definitely looks at me as leader. And all that was done with marker training. So I don't see why some people think food interferes with being seen as the leader, but many sure do.

 Quote: Lori Hall

Growing up, the most popular training book was written by the guy who trained Lassie...

So I don't see why some people think food interferes with being seen as the leader, but many sure do.

Yes, I grew up on:

"The Lassie Method", by Rudd Weatherwax

"Family Dog", by Richard Wolters

Both were old-school trainers, because PMO (initial foundation) Marker Training had not really been introduced to dog obedience & pet owners back then, but they were NOT hard-core Yank & Crank types either...

IMHO, "some people think Food Interferes with being seen (by the dog) as the LEADER", because those folks are More Than 10 YEARS Behind the Learning-Curve

I don't look at food in itself creating leadership but dog's are opportunists and will continue behaviors for any high value reward.

No matter what method uses their still has to be some sort of consequence to not preforming behaviors asked.

This is where some teach markers with no correction claiming it's operant training but all parts of operant training need to be there.

Loss of reward can be a huge negative consequence to many dogs but that negative consequence can vary from dog to dog.

As I've mentioned before, I don't believe any one training method addresses leadership/management of the dog.

Lori, judging by a couple of your recent posts, you seem to be reacting to the criticisms of those skeptical of marker training. Don't let them bother you. Training is a means to an end. Follow the natural progression of training and the food rewards will be phased out.

Personally speaking, I'm not sure which bothers me more... a dog who will only perform for a food reward, or a dog who loses all semblance of sanity when his ball comes out. Focus is focus, and it is necessary for training. The ultimate goal of any training is to end up with a dog who will perform when asked, and behave obediently when expected.

 Quote: Duane Hull

Lori, judging by a couple of your recent posts,

you seem to be reacting to the criticisms of those skeptical of marker training.

Don't let them bother you.

Training is a means to an end.

Follow the natural progression of training and the food rewards will be phased out.

Personally speaking, I'm not sure which bothers me more...

a dog who will only perform for a food reward,

or a dog who loses all semblance of sanity when his ball comes out.

Focus is focus, and it is necessary for training.

The ultimate goal of any training is to end up with a dog who will perform when asked, and behave obediently when expected.

What Duane said, Lori

Also, if you don't already have Ed's DVD...

http://leerburg.com/219.htm

...you can get it on "streaming" !!!