Dog Training - Is Your Dog Learning What You Think?

While working with a client at a local park, another woman was working her rather large dog. This other dog was very reactive toward other dogs - lunging, barking, snapping, etc. My client knew this woman (a neighbor), and stated the problems this dog was displaying had been going on for some time. My client's dog sat calmly as this other dog was misbehaving only a few feet away. It was our 3rd session, and my client's dog had a similar history of reactivity.

The neighbor in this case kept telling her dog "NO" and repeating "Sit, Sit, Sit" as dogs passed by and her dog pulled and lunged. After placing hands all over her dog for control, her dog would sit momentarily then be rewarded with a treat. While many would suggest this is a solid training methodology, my question is what do you think the neighbor dog was learning? From the dog's perspective I'd suggest it was learning that bad behavior (lunging, barking, snapping, etc.) results in 1) getting petted (touching for control), 2) getting a treat, and 3) having it's person repeat commands ("sit") because they are optional.

My client had been working exercises for a few weeks which taught her dog who was in charge. Her dog was learning that obedience was never optional, and that problem behaviors would be corrected. Using corrections / praise / and encouragement was developing a mutual respect, creating a foundation for communication, and helping her dog fully understand rules and manners.

Those passing by that day didn't know the background of these two dogs, or care about differences in training approaches. They did notice one dog behaving nicely and another mostly out of control. I simply smiled, enjoying this clear example of effective training, training that makes sense to both owner and their pet. Is your dog learning what you're trying to teach?