{"id":235,"date":"2025-04-25T10:23:54","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T10:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/?page_id=235"},"modified":"2025-05-24T17:35:45","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T17:35:45","slug":"comprendre-les-grands-concepts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/education-et-dressage\/comprendre-les-grands-concepts\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the big concepts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the major concepts and instincts gives you every chance of successfully training a German Shepherd; it is essential to understand how it learns.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Le chien et le ma\u00eetre doivent \u00eatre heureux de travailler et interagir ensemble \" width=\"363\" height=\"272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250325_165734_edit_725184647639560-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The dog and owner must be happy to work and interact together<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dogs learn by association, repetition, and consequence:<\/strong> each behavior is influenced by what follows its action, even more so if it is very short term (less than 2 seconds).<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/education-et-dressage\/comprendre-les-grands-concepts\/#Les_grands_mecanismes_du_conditionnement\" >The major mechanisms of conditioning,<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/education-et-dressage\/comprendre-les-grands-concepts\/#Les_principaux_instincts\" >The main instincts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/education-et-dressage\/comprendre-les-grands-concepts\/#Les_erreurs_frequentes_a_eviter\" >Common mistakes to avoid:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Les_grands_mecanismes_du_conditionnement\"><\/span>The major mechanisms of conditioning,<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>They are described by researchers as\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conditionnement_op%C3%A9rant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Skinner<\/a> and have made it possible to highlight several key concepts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Positive reinforcement<\/strong> involves adding something pleasant (reward) to increase the likelihood of a behavior (e.g., giving a treat after a successful recall).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negative reinforcement<\/strong> involves removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior (e.g., releasing pressure on a leash when the dog returns).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Positive punishment<\/strong> adds an external constraint (not necessarily unpleasant) to reduce a behavior (e.g.: pressure on the hindquarters at the same time as the sit command).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negative punishment<\/strong> removes something pleasant to reduce behavior (e.g., withholding caresses or attention in the event of inappropriate behavior).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Balance in the use of these mechanisms is fundamental: excessive punishment and reinforcement, especially at inappropriate times, can generate stress, confusion, and even mistrust. Conversely, a reasoned use of both reinforcement and punishment develops confidence, motivation, and emotional stability.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-644\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135809_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210597893404402-300x164.jpg\" alt=\"Les chiens doivent \u00eatre attentifs au ma\u00eetre\" width=\"417\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135809_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210597893404402-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135809_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210597893404402-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135809_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210597893404402-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135809_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210597893404402.jpg 1224w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Dogs must be attentive to the owner<\/p>\n<p>Although we encourage positive reinforcement, we are against anything positive. It&#039;s nonsense; there&#039;s no day without night, no heat without cold. This is especially true with strong-willed dogs like the German Shepherds we breed.<\/p>\n<p>It is also a decoy, what seems &quot;nice&quot; can in some cases cause long-term suffering, as much as what seems &quot;mean&quot; in the moment can in some cases avoid many long-term problems. The system works when we know how to use the four aspects, not just one. For example, positive reinforcement, to be effective, consists of feeding an animal (or offering it a reward, ball, sausage, caress...) when and only when it carries out the requested orders, if it does not obey it has nothing (no reinforcement), this amounts to taking away what it wants, that is to say negative punishment! Those who practice positive reinforcement, practice in parallel, often ignoring it, negative punishment!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-643\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135821_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210581281211075-300x162.jpg\" alt=\"La cl\u00e9 de la r\u00e9ussite est de comprendre comment communiquer\" width=\"417\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135821_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210581281211075-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135821_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210581281211075-1024x553.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135821_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210581281211075-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250428_135821_com_hihonor_photos_SlotAlbumActivity_edit_210581281211075.jpg 1222w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The key to success is understanding how to communicate<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Les_principaux_instincts\"><\/span>The main instincts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Beyond pure learning, understanding the dog&#039;s great natural instincts is also crucial, both to know how to use them and to respect them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prey instinct<\/strong> : engine of play, of pursuit, tracking, biting, shaking, motivation to work to obtain one&#039;s prey (ball, sausage, treat).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Defense instinct<\/strong>: basis of protective behavior, need to preserve one&#039;s integrity or that of the group, defend one&#039;s territory, reaction to provocation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pack instinct<\/strong> : need for belonging and social hierarchy, cohesion, social obedience, intra- and infra-group communication.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reproductive instinct<\/strong> : sexuality, domination rituals, maternal instinct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-64\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250423_145555_com_android_chrome_ChromeTabbedActivity-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"Un chien heureux peut assouvir ses instincts\" width=\"315\" height=\"428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250423_145555_com_android_chrome_ChromeTabbedActivity-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250423_145555_com_android_chrome_ChromeTabbedActivity-755x1024.jpg 755w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250423_145555_com_android_chrome_ChromeTabbedActivity-768x1041.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250423_145555_com_android_chrome_ChromeTabbedActivity.jpg 1083w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A happy dog can satisfy its instincts<\/p>\n<p>A working-bred German Shepherd generally possesses these instincts in a strong way. Training should therefore be based on carefully reading these instincts, channeling their expression without ever denying them.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, it is important to remember that learning in dogs is ongoing: every interaction, every response, even the most trivial, contributes to shaping their future behavior.<\/p>\n<p>Educating is therefore more than teaching orders: it is building a relationship based on mutual understanding, consistency and trust.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-63\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chiot Des Crocs V\u00e9ritables en action\" width=\"305\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693-205x300.jpg 205w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693-698x1024.jpg 698w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693-768x1126.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693-1048x1536.jpg 1048w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250422_190145_com_instagram_android_InstagramMainActivity_edit_64836485219693.jpg 1223w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 305px) 100vw, 305px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Des Crocs V\u00e9ritables Puppy in action<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Les_erreurs_frequentes_a_eviter\"><\/span><strong>Common mistakes to avoid:\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inconsistency in the rules:<\/strong> A dog needs stable reference points. Varying instructions from day to day or from person to person can lead to misunderstanding and anxiety.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Punish without teaching:<\/strong> Correcting misunderstood or poorly learned behavior doesn&#039;t solve anything. First, you must clearly demonstrate what is expected.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Too many meaningless repetitions:<\/strong> Repeating an order without getting a response damages learning. It&#039;s best to adjust the method or environment before insisting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of emotional clarity:<\/strong> Dogs constantly read our emotions. Inconsistency, agitation, or nervousness seriously impair effective learning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forgetting natural instinct:<\/strong> Trying to extinguish the prey or protective instinct, rather than channeling it intelligently, generates frustration and deviant behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Neglecting socialization:<\/strong> Even a well-trained but poorly socialized dog will eventually develop fears, inappropriate reactions or excessive behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-819\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/file_00000000f60461f7ad266163ff6d8aed-300x200.png\" alt=\"Comprendre les grands concepts, R\u00e9sum\u00e9 des bases fondamentales \u00e0 comprendre pour communiquer avec son chien\" width=\"680\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/file_00000000f60461f7ad266163ff6d8aed-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/file_00000000f60461f7ad266163ff6d8aed-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/file_00000000f60461f7ad266163ff6d8aed-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/file_00000000f60461f7ad266163ff6d8aed.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Summary of the fundamental bases to understand to communicate with your dog<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"continue-button\" style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #2c3e50; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 18px; transition: background-color 0.3s ease;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/education-et-dressage\/lecole-du-chiot\/\"><br \/>\nContinue to the next section<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; margin-top: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #666666; text-align: center;\">\u00a9 2025 \u00c9levage des Crocs V\u00e9ritables<\/span><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><strong>Quick navigation:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/\">Home<\/a><br \/><a href=\"\/en\/le-berger-allemand\/\">The German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/sante\/\">Health<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/selection\/\">Selection<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/vivre-avec-un-berger-allemand\/\">Living with a German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/education-et-dressage\/\">Education and training<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/elevage\/\">Breeding<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/photos-et-videos\/\">Photos<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/liens-et-bibliographie\/\">Links <\/a> | <em><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><a style=\"color: #339966;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/articles-et-reflexions\/\">Articles and Reflections<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Comprendre les grands concepts et instincts c&rsquo;est mettre toute les chances de\u00a0 r\u00e9ussir l\u2019\u00e9ducation d\u2019un Berger Allemand, il est essentiel de comprendre comment fonctionne son apprentissage. Le chien et le ma\u00eetre doivent \u00eatre heureux de travailler et interagir ensemble Les chiens apprennent par association, r\u00e9p\u00e9tition et cons\u00e9quence : chaque comportement est influenc\u00e9 par ce qui [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":142,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-235","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1273,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/235\/revisions\/1273"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}