Positive Reinforcement 
How We Train & Why

What Exactly is Positive Reinforcement Training?

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Positive Reinforcement Training is more than just a method; it's a philosophy that aims to build strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their owners. It is a gentle yet profoundly impactful approach that goes beyond mere commands and obedience. Rooted in empathy, understanding, and mutual respect between human and canine companions, it focuses on understanding a dog's needs, creating enriching environments, and using rewards-based techniques to teach them how to thrive in a human world. 

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Positive Training encompasses various terms like positive reinforcement, reward-based, and force/fear-free training. Contrary to common misconceptions, positive training doesn't mean never saying no or setting boundaries. It means using constructive, science-led methods that don't involve fear or intimidation.

 

The Foundational Pillars of Positive Reinforcement

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There are four key components that set the foundation needed for success in helping your dog learn through positive methods. 

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1. Appreciating your Pup’s Point of View: Understanding how a dog sees the world, thinks, and feels is crucial for effective training. It helps in building empathy and a deeper connection if you can see the “why” behind their behavior. 

2. Recognizing and Meeting their Needs: Dogs have natural behaviors that should be understood and addressed, rather than suppressed. Dogs don't inherently possess 'good' or 'bad' behavior; these labels are human constructs. Understanding that dogs simply behave according to their nature can shift our perspective. Instead of blaming or punishing them, we can learn from their genuine expressions and emotions. By meeting our dogs' needs, we can address disruptive behaviors and create a safe, enriching environment where they can thrive emotionally and physically.

3. Understanding and Applying Positive Training: Positive reinforcement is a core principle, teaching dogs what behaviors are desirable through rewards and encouragement. Often, when our dogs behave in ways we dislike, our immediate focus is on stopping the behavior, leading us to overlook the reasons behind it. This is where positive training excels, as it emphasizes teaching dogs skills to make the right choices.

4. Avoiding Fear, Physical Punishment, and Intimidation: These have no place in positive training and can damage the bond between a dog and their owner. Positive training methods nurture trust, confidence, and security in dogs, while negative techniques with promises of quick fixes can damage relationships and exacerbate behavioral/emotional issues. They can lead to a range of problems from anxiety to aggression and if they do result in “obedience” it is based on fear instead of true learning. Fortunately, with positive training, both kindness and good behavior are attainable goals.
    

The Science Behind It: Classical & Operant Conditioning 

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Pavlov found that by repeatedly ringing a bell before giving a dog food, the dog eventually began to associate the sound of the bell with the arrival of food, leading to salivation at the mere sound. This phenomenon, known as classical conditioning, demonstrates how dogs learn to associate certain cues or stimuli with specific outcomes. 

Another fundamental way dogs learn is through what we refer to as Operant Conditioning, which involves understanding how to interact with their environment. In this form of learning, dogs associate their actions with the consequences that follow, determining whether the behavior is reinforced or diminished. Unlike Classical Conditioning, where dogs learn "This equals That," Operant Conditioning focuses on the principle of "When I do This, That happens." 

By rewarding desired behaviors, we encourage their repetition, creating a cycle of learning and mutual understanding. Behaviors that do not receive reinforcement are likely to decrease in frequency over time and become replaced by the behaviors we create positive associations to. But positive reinforcement is more than just giving treats; it's about finding what motivates each individual dog and using that motivation to guide their learning journey. Whether it's food, toys, praise, or play, the key is to make the reward meaningful and enjoyable for the dog. 

Scientifically proven as safe and effective and widely supported by veterinarians and the behavioral scientific community, positive reinforcement training offers a compassionate approach to teaching dogs, enhancing their ability to make appropriate choices and navigate the world around them comfortably.