Behaviors taught using the clicker aren’t as reliable as behaviors taught using force.

While the desire to avoid pain is strong, the desire to gain pleasant consequences is stronger. Think about the last time you got a speeding ticket – did it stop you from speeding? Much of your dog’s behavior is based on habit. Once a dog has learned something (good or bad) it tends to repeat that behavior over and over. Behaviors learned through force tend to fall apart when the dog is under stress. Behaviors learned in pleasant circumstances and positive consequences will be less likely to fall apart under pressure.

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