The Blogging Dog - Understanding what "Positive Reinforcement" really means.

So, you are training your new dog........a puppy maybe? Or adopted from the local shelter and you want to make sure and pursue the proper training to give the dog the best chance. N matter the scenario - most owners initially pursue some sort of training or class with their dog. The words most owners key on when searching for a trainer are that the trainer is a "positive reinforcement" trainer. Most owners think that this assures the trainer will be nice and polite to the dog.

Here is what "positive reinforcement" means to a trainer - When the dog gives the response the trainer is desiring, upon command, he is given pets, or a treat to "positively reinforce" that desired behavior. So, in essence - almost all current day trainers are PR trainers.......the real question is what is happening when the wrong answers are given by the dog. Most trainers give an "aversive" or a punishment when the dog doesn't understand what they are being asked.....until they stumble into the correct answer - which is then treated. The dog then will mimic the same response, upon command, to avoid the aversive and receive the treat. So, which is more important?.....the aversive or the treat?....and both fall under PR training.

As always it will come down to the handler. Good handlers will put the dog in a situation where the desired behavior will make sense to the dog - and be in the natural flow of behavior. Then trigger rewards or praise - helping the dog understand these accomplishments. Helping build confidence in solving problems with desired behaviors naturally.

Think about it......Why do you train your dog to "sit"? Truth is, its so they wont run off or jump up on things. Wouldn't it be easier if they just truly understood when/where jumping is appropriate? These are the differences in expecting your dog to bend to your will - and cooperating in making an easier relationship between your pack.