What does positive reinforcement training mean?
Positive - a good, affirmative or constructive quality or attribute.
Reinforcment - the action of strengthening or encouraging something
Positive reinforcement in dog training basically means to add a good and encouraging element to a particular behavior. Many trainers prefer to use aversive methods of training (choke, pinch, slip or e-collars) in lieu of positive reinforcement. I just happen to start out using aversive methods of training; so I know how it works. At the age of 13, way back when; positive reinforcement was unheard of.
This is why I am so passionate about positive reinforcement training methods. I’ve used the alternative and know why I will never use it again. Learning how to properly use positive reinforcement takes time. And, for many inexperienced guardians, it may not make sense. It can seem too difficult, too time consuming and confusing. But once you “get it” you will never look back.
The learning curve is intense with positive reinforcement and once you start learning you will want to learn more. The use of positive reinforcement training rewards a desirable behavior which effectively produces more of the desired behavior. By redirecting, ignoring or counter conditioning undesirable behavior the undesirable will fall away; while the behavior that gets rewarded will be repeated again and again.
But let me say this; positive reinforcement takes time, patience and a desire to do better for our dogs. Many guardians will consider it to be too much work; but if you want to do better for your dog as far as bonding, trust and understanding, it is well worth the effort.
In all of my years of professional training I have had to explain the ethics and mechanics of positive reinforcement to many guardians. They have all loved the idea and run with it once they have seen it in action. All but one that is. I had one woman with a rottie pup in a group class, long ago that I once offered. When I explained how to go about teaching her pup how not to jump on her, she replied “can’t I just hit him?” Needless to say she did not stay in my class.
The reward in positive reinforcement work can be as different as each dog is. The important factor when choosing a reward when teaching or modifying a behavior is that the reward must motivate. Your reward has to be good enough for your dog and your dog alone. Typically rewards are food, but they can be a ball, a tug toy, a bite stick or anything else that your dog loves.
The other thing to remember when choosing rewards is that they must correlate to the difficulty of performing the behavior. This typically means working with distractions. Our dogs may find it easy peasy to learn pretty much anything in the comfort of their home. But, move outside, to the park, shopping mall or store and things fall to pieces. This means starting with very low value rewards and working up to high value when the task at hand is more difficult like in high distraction environments.
You must have a sharp eye when observing how rewards work with your dog in different situations. Sometimes rewards are too high value for the work involved and your dog can’t even think in the presence of the reward. This happens a lot when people start with the really good stuff. Too high value rewards in mondane work enviroments makes learning difficult.
Positive reinforcement behavior work is fascinating. The list of what you can teach your dog with it’s use is unlimited.
Questions? Ask away, I love questions.
Have a great day.