What is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, also called “Positive dog training” or “Rewards-based dog training“, is when you use rewards to encourage and teach your dog or puppy the behaviors you expect from them. Our at-home dog training instructionand puppy training program uses this method.

As your dog learns that good behaviors result in rewards, they are more likely to repeat them. The rewards are not bribes, and your dog or puppy determines what is the most motivating positive reinforcement.

Shelly Haines, Positive Dog Trainer in Austin, with her dog Kai the golden lab. — Certified Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Shelly Haines, VSA-CDT

Positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools for shaping or changing your dog’s behavior.
humanesociety.org

Positive Dog Training example video: “Turn & Spin”

Watch this 5-minute video and get a better idea of what Positive Reinforcement Dog Training looks like.

Certified Dog Trainer Shelly Haines demonstrates Positive Reinforcement Training with a “lure” method.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training isn’t just about one trick or behavior; for the best results, you need a professional dog trainer as a guide. Text Shelly @ 512-537-8104 or message her to get started with positive dog training.

“Traditional” dog training is outdated and can be harmful.

Traditional dog training, which often relies on punishment, can stress and scare dogs, ultimately leading to a negative relationship with the owner.

Punishment- and dominance-based dog training techniques are now considered outdated and not grounded in modern scientific understanding. One well-known study by Schenkel (published in 1947) was the genesis of the idea of an “alpha dog” and later dominance training, but it is now widely understood to be a flawed study as it was based only on wolves in captivity (read “Why everything you know about wolf packs is wrong”).

Today we understand that most wolf packs consist of a pair of adults called “parents” or “breeders,” (not “alphas”), and their offspring.
https://davemech.org/wolf-news-and-information/schenkels-classic-wolf-behavior-study-available-in-english/

Training by using punishment is bad & counterproductive

Punishment can so often reinforce other bad behaviors that punishment is bad even by accident. Most of the time, we don’t even realize which bad behaviors we are reinforcing.

A good example from The Spruce Pets is when you catch your dog urinating on your carpet and you scold it or resort to the age-old trick of smacking it with a rolled-up newspaper. Your intention is to tell the dog that it’s not acceptable to pee inside your home, but instead, dogs often learn that it’s not safe to pee when you are around. Through your good intentions, you have instead taught your dog to avoid you and to be scared of getting caught.

Punishment can be something you do to the dog, or something you take away from them.

All forms of punishment can cause your dog to distrust you, and, worse, punishing our best friends makes us feel awful.

Thankfully, we can avoid punishment and other negative methods with Positive Reinforcement Dog Training.

Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement about punishment to better understand why force training should not be an option, especially when working to help fearful and reactive dogs.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training is the best.

The real question in choosing “traditional” (aversive-based) dog training or the modern Positive Reinforcement Dog Training is:

“Do you want your dog to fear doing bad things, to fear you, or do you want them to enjoy doing good things?“

With positive dog training methods, we teach with love, not fear.

How Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Works

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training uses rewards to build good behaviors into habits. When a dog behaves as desired, they are promptly rewarded by the trainer, establishing a positive association with the behavior. Repeated reward-based training solidifies behaviors into habits.

Furthermore, being rewarded for good actions keeps the focus on positive activities for both the pet and the owner. You shouldn’t have to feel guilty for training your dog, and avoiding harsh methods keeps dog training fun.

Rewards work!
Rewards are fun! 😃

Positive Reinforcement Training involves selecting goals, rewards, and setting a consistent training schedule.

What are good goals in dog training? What bad behaviors can be fixed?

Dog owners commonly have many problems with their dogs behaving badly.

Dogs jumping on people or in unwanted areas.
Dogs are barking too much.
Dogs begging for food or stealing food.

Almost all issues can be addressed with simple methods from Positive Dog Training.

What are “rewards” in Positive Dog Training?

Most dogs are food-motivated, so treats work well for training. Keep a variety of bite-sized treats available – something that your dog will not have to spend much time chewing or that crumbles and falls to the floor. Having a variety of rewards helps to keep them from getting bored. Treats should be accompanied by verbal rewards.

For dogs who aren’t motivated by treats, try a favorite toy, petting/praise, or something else they love!

Whatever reward you and your dog choose, make sure you keep it handy so you can reward them when they prove they are learning.

When should rewards be given?

The timing of the reward is one of the most crucial parts of the process.

For example, if your dog sits for you, give the treat as soon as they sit. If you wait until they stand up to give the treat, they are no longer being rewarded for sitting; they are being rewarded for standing.

While your dog is learning a new behavior, treats should be given every time they perform that behavior. As your dog reliably demonstrates the behavior, gradually decrease how often a treat is given while continuing to praise them.

Eventually, you will give them treats occasionally, but not predictably, and your dog will learn that they will get a treat sometimes if they keep doing what they are doing.

Examples in Positive Dog Training.

Following a proper training plan generally focuses on reinforcing good behavior; however, sometimes we unintentionally reward the dogs and reinforce bad behavior.

Positive reinforcement that teaches GOOD behavior:

Sit before going through a door (between rooms and/or inside/outside).
- Helps keep your dog from darting out the door before you.
Sit before meals.
- Good mealtime manners.

rewards based training with treats — Puppy training is the most important training you can establish.

Positive reinforcement that teaches BAD behavior (things notto do):

Every time your dog barks at a noise outside, you let them outside to get them to stop.
- Rewards them with yard access for barking.
Feeding your dog treats from your plate.
- Teaches your dog to beg for food while you eat.

Consistent training is best for your dog

Every member of the household should use the same cues and reward only the behavior you desire. If you or a member of the household thinks your dog needs a treat, they should be performing a behavior to earn it.

Even outside of designated dog training sessions, we need to be consistent.

Why Positive Reinforcement Dog Training is the best.

Positive dog training strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Positive dog training keeps dogs engaged and stimulated.

Positive rewards-based dog training is fun!

Why work with a Professional Dog Trainer?

A professional dog trainer can help assess and design the best learning plan for you and your dog.

It’s important to consider:

Realistic goals & expectations
- Depending on your dog’s history and age, the trainer will suggest appropriate training adjustments.
Consistent & sensible training schedule
- How often should you train?
- Are you working too hard?
Experience in dealing with common issues and adjusting accordingly
- E.g., Are you relying too heavily on treats?

A professional dog trainer with expertise in Positive Dog Training will know what is best and help guide you and your pup to the best results.

Get Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Austin & Virtually

Let Shelly be your guide.

Shelly Haines of Fetch Worthy Dog Training in Austin is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who learned under the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior.

You don’t have to deal with bad behavior.
You can get better results.
You can enjoy a well-behaved dog.

Get in touch today to start training your dog with rewards-based positive dog training!