Canine training is, broadly, the technique of instilling in your pet a sense of what is a good behavior and what is a bad behavior. Although most dogs will not be able to distinguish and predict what will be a good and a bad behavior in new situations, one can successfully train nearly every dog to avoid certain routine actions that are deemed unsafe, messy or otherwise problematic. Training can begin as early as just a few months; in fact, it's best to begin training your pet when he is a young and developing puppy, because this will not allow him to develop a set of bad habits that can cost you a lot of extra time spent training in the future.
Alternative Training Guidelines
Standard canine training methods typically involve a special kind of chain or a leash. A choke collar or a pinch collar are two of the most common standard training methods. These methods will not reinforce good behavior in your pet as much as they will discipline your dog for bad behavior that he engages in. If you notice that your pet is misbehaving in some way, you can pull on the collar to cause him some mild discomfort. This sends the message to him, over time and through repeated training, that he is not to continue performing the offensive action.
Alternative training techniques often focus on a different method of reaching pets. Many of these techniques are much more positive and reward-based. Some make use of other techniques to more effectively discipline a pet when he is out of line.
Remote Collars
One technique that is not used very often is the remote collar. A remote collar can provide a mild shock to your pet when activated by a remote control. These collars are otherwise just like normal dog collars, although they contain a small section that has a battery in it and which requires replacement periodically. These offer the advantage to you as the trainer of being able to admonish your dog for his misdeeds, even while you're outside of the close area by him.
Reward Training
Reward based training makes use of positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviors. Whether this is some sort of a reward for a good thing that your dog does or a gift in the form of a treat or a toy, this type of canine training method aims to avoid confrontation with your pet. The belief here is that certain types of discipline training can leave dogs afraid and potentially aggressive.
Environment Modification
Other alternative canine training methods involve a combination of some of the above methods with a general revamping of the dog's environment. By making the environment more conducive to good behavior, you discourage bad behavior in your pet and help to ensure that he'll be more likely to execute the behaviors that you'd like him to throughout the future.