Is a more balanced approach to dog training and behaviour modification and management needed for our dogs?

I am one that believes that all dog training and behaviour modification methods and techniques have their place. To me, a balanced approach to dog training and behaviour modification is using methods that suit a particular dog, owner and situation. Too many dog trainers and behaviourists pigeonhole themselves into a "one method suits all"  mentality. By doing this, in my opinion, we are limiting our options to helping dogs and their owners. I believe in the philosophy "what works for you and your situation, use it". If it doesn't work, then seek out alternatives.

Many that place themselves in the "totally positive" group of trainers/behaviourists (Delta Society for example), see me (especially here in Adelaide) and other trainers and behaviourists that prefer a more balanced approach, as some type of ogre, because we do not fully agree with their principles. Even though we do actually use totally positive methods on select dogs, and depending on the behaviour we are trying to modify.

I have studied and used many forms and methods of dog training and behaviour modification. I have not used clicker as a training marker, as I believe our voice is a good enough sound for marking behaviour. Not suggesting that a clicker shouldn't be used. I believe yes for training animals for tricks, and animals that are kept in very sterile environments, clicker is possibly the best marker sound to use. Our pets however don't live in a sterile environment, and I for one don't want to have to carry a clicker around with me all day, so I can mark behaviour in my dog.

I have issue with the totally positive methods, in that in a lot of cases they don't teach a dog what it isn't allowed to do. Just like humans, our dogs need discipline to understand limits and boundaries. The concept of never needing to correct a dog for unwanted behaviour actually goes against natural learning instincts. Our dogs correct each other all the time, yet in the eyes of many socalled "totally positive" trainers, if humans correct their dogs, they are either using cruel or inhumane methods.

Totally positive training is virtually based on a dogs food drive. We reward good behaviour with food, and ignore unwanted behaviour. In many cases I agree, ignoring unwanted behaviour, such as becoming overly anxious and excited when the owners come home, and waiting for the dog to calm will eventually trigger the dog into a calm state of mind when the owners do come home. As we are not reinforcing the overly anxious and excited behaviour. So if there is no payoff for the behaviour, it eventually ceases, as we are not rewarding these triggers. However where I feel these totally positive methods fall apart in many dogs, is that it depends on the value of the food we are rewarding with. If the dog has fairly low food drive, and sees running up to people or other dogs, or showing aggression is of higher value, then the method falls apart. We then need to let the dog know, that there are consequences for its unwanted behaviour.

It is such a pity that dog trainers and behaviourist of all disciplines cannot work in together, and learn from each other, instead of walking around with blinkers on.

I believe a balanced approach is just that... open to all methods, and using what works for a particular dog and situation. Never wearing blinkers, or focusing 100% on one particular method.