Positive Reinforcement

There are many different methods when it comes to training dogs. Methods like “Clicker Training,” “Relationship Based Training,” and many more. Each training method uses a different set of techniques to train a dog to understand you when you ask for something.  Here at Bow Wow Behavioral, we teach dogs through a training method called “Positive Reinforcement.” So, what exactly is positive reinforcement training? The textbook definition says that it refers to the “introduction of a desirable or pleasant stimulus after a behavior. The desirable stimulus reinforces that behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will occur.” In simple terms, it means a good behavior merits a reward. A reward can be anything your dog enjoys such as excited praise, treats, food, and even toys. With positive reinforcement, we focus more on rewarding good behaviors then we do punishing bad behaviors. If we do have to punish for negative behaviors, we do not use fear, and we do not use pain. Fear and pain based training may have some success short term, but collaboration rather than confrontation always has better, more lasting effects.

There are many benefits to Positive Reinforcement training. For one, it is a universal style of learning. You can use positive reinforcement with any kind of dog, at any age, with any personality type. Secondly, it can provide lots of positive behavioral changes like better focus and patience. Finally, positive reinforcement helps you and your dog to create a bond based on mutual trust, love, and respect. Instead of obeying your commands out of fear, they are obeying because they are eager to please you. 

Firstly, dogs don’t learn like humans do. They don’t understand speech or tone. What they do know is that some things feel good, and some things feel bad. So what we have to do is give them feedback in order for them to understand. We start by teaching them the phrase “yes!” A simple word that is only used when they have accomplished something that has earned a reward. When a dog hears “yes,” they know they have done something correctly, and will always expect payment. This allows you a simple way to communicate with your dog. What’s great about this technique is that all dogs understand it. Even a deaf dog can understand a gesture for “yes” and know it means they’ve earned something good. All dogs have emotions. Some tend to be more sensitive, while others can be more stubborn , or too excitable. Regardless of their personality type, all dogs want is to feel good, or to have something good. Positive reinforcement is an extremely strong tool for expression regardless of the huge communication barrier we have with animals. 

In addition, positive reinforcement training offers consistency and helps to develop positive behaviors. Setting aside time to do training helps to combat boredom; one of the biggest reasons dogs act out in the first place. Training keeps them engaged, and provides them with the attention they crave. Although training can sometimes be tedious for dogs, the rewards create a positive association with the effort and concentration

that is needed. It teaches them to be patient, and to trustthe process. When your dog is focused on earning rewards, they will be able to train for a longer period of time without distraction. You can help this along by starting with their least favorite treat, and moving up to their favorite. This develops the understanding that, when you ask for it, their attention should always be on you. The goal with positive reinforcement training is that eventually, your dog will obey your commands without expecting a reward every time. What was training and reinforcing will soon become routine. They will develop a habit of listening to you when they're called and looking out for commands you may give. Overall, they will have the understanding that good things come to those who listen, obey, and wait.

Lastly, this style of training really helps to create a lifelong bond between you and your dog. It is so much better to have your dog obey you from a place of trust and respect, then a place of fear. It is especially important in cases that involve dogs with anxiety, aggression issues, or past traumatic experiences. Fear or punishment training can cause more anxiety, and may cause a dog to lash out. For example, some dogs will be extremely anxious walking outside; especially in the city. Constantly punishing them for acting out from fear will only heighten their anxiety. Now, not only does the hustle and bustle freak them out, but so do you, and the impending punishments. However, simply using reward based leash training reduces that anxiety because they trust you to guide them. Perhaps, your dog has social anxiety, or aggression issues with other dogs. Giving you dogs simple commands like “sit” and “stay” can show your dog that you have control over the situation; they don’t need to take action to feel safe when they are in your hands. You are in charge, and they have full trust in you to do right by them. They know that listening will get them good things, and they’ll know from experience that they are safe.

To finish, you can see why positive reinforcement training is usually a top pick for trainers, and owners. Because it is so easy for dogs to understand, it is a great training technique for all types of dogs. Dogs don’t communicate like humans do, so it’s very important you develop a way to express your needs to your dog. During the process of training, your dog will also learn extremely valuable lessons that will alter their behaviors in a positive way. They will learn to be attentive, to have patience, and to trust more. This will invariably strengthen your relationship with your dog, and will improve their overall quality of life.