In the realm of dog training, a poisoned command is a term used to describe a command that has inadvertently become associated with negative experiences, resulting in the dog developing a negative emotional response (see neurosis) to that command. This phenomenon typically arises when a dog cannot predict when a command will be paired with an automatic correction or when the dog does not understand how to avoid an aversive event associated with the command. Understanding how a command becomes poisoned and how to prevent and rectify this situation effectively is crucial for effective and humane dog training.

How Poisoned Commands Occur

1. Inconsistent Pairing of Commands with Corrections: When a dog receives an automatic correction (such as an electronic collar stim or a leash correction) inconsistently after a command, it can lead to confusion and anxiety. For instance, if a dog sometimes receives a stim after the command "sit" and other times does not, the dog cannot predict the outcome of obeying the command. This unpredictability creates a stressful environment, causing the dog to associate the command with negative emotions.
2. Lack of Clear Avoidance Strategy: If a dog does not understand how to avoid the aversive event associated with a command, it can become stressed and anxious. For example, if a dog is punished for not coming when called but does not understand that coming immediately will avoid the punishment, the command "come" can become poisoned. The dog learns to dread the command because it signifies an unpredictable and unpleasant outcome.

The Role of Safety Signals

Safety signals are cues that indicate to the dog that no aversive event will follow a specific action. Implementing safety signals before a command can help alleviate the issue of a poisoned command by providing the dog with clear information about when it is safe to perform the behavior.

Appropriate Use of Consequences

Consequences for disobeying a command can be an essential part of training, but they must be used correctly to avoid poisoning commands.

1. Clear Understanding of Avoidance: The dog must clearly understand that compliance with the command avoids all aversives. This clarity ensures the dog knows how to avoid negative outcomes by obeying the command. For instance, if a dog learns that coming when called always results in positive reinforcement (like treats or praise) and never in punishment, it will consistently respond to the command without fear.
2. Consistent and Fair Application: Consequences should be applied consistently and fairly. The dog should always have the opportunity to avoid the aversive by complying with the command. This approach ensures the dog can predict and control its environment, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive training experience.

Conclusion

A poisoned command can severely hinder a dog's training progress and emotional well-being. Ensuring commands are consistently associated with positive outcomes and clear avoidance strategies is crucial for effective training. The use of safety signals can help prevent and rectify the negative associations of a poisoned command, creating a more predictable and trusting relationship between the dog and the trainer. With the correct application of consequences and a clear understanding of compliance, dogs can learn to respond confidently and happily to commands, leading to successful and humane training outcomes.