The term “positive training” is not considered scientific.
It cannot be found in any scientific journals and is frequently misunderstood by those who lack a complete understanding of it.
When we use the term positive training at Positively or when Victoria describes herself as a positive trainer, we are combining various philosophies, techniques, and levels of awareness concerning certain misconstrued subjects. These elements collectively contribute to the concept of positive training.
Positive training is based on four key principles, known as the Four Pillars.
- The use of positive reinforcement
- Avoiding the use of intimidation, physical punishment or fear
- A comprehension of the often misunderstood concept of dominance
- A commitment to understanding the canine experience from the dog’s point of view
The Positively concept of positive training is made up of four elements, which are required for it to be complete and effective in establishing long-term relationships with your pets founded on mutual trust and respect. Each of these elements is crucial, and without any one of them, the philosophy is not as strong and powerful.
The behavioral scientific community universally supports positive reinforcement methods as the most effective, long-lasting, humane, and safest approach to dog training.
In essence, positive reinforcement refers to rewarding a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of its repetition. When combined with negative punishment, which involves temporarily removing or withholding desired things like food, attention, toys, or human interaction, or using a vocal interrupter to redirect negative behavior towards desired actions and steer a dog towards making correct decisions, these approaches form the fundamental aspects of positive training. Traditional trainers, who adhere to outdated methods, often claim that positive training indicates weakness and a lack of leadership. Nevertheless, the reality is that the most esteemed and accomplished leaders can bring about change without resorting to force.
Pillar #2 – Refrain from Punitive Approaches Scientific research has demonstrated that employing confrontational and punitive training methods with dogs does not yield long-term effectiveness. Instead, such techniques worsen aggressive reactions and intensify aggression in dogs that are already aggressive. While it may be challenging for dog owners to grasp, it is essential to remember that retaliating in kind usually leads to harm.
Although modern behavioral science opposes compulsion training, for the majority of people, it is evident without scientific journals that our instincts align with the notion that rewarding is more compassionate than punishing. Some proponents of traditional training methods argue that the punishment they administer, such as electric shocks or swift kicks to a dog’s ribs, is not significantly harmful.
The main obstacle we face in building genuine and successful relationships with our dogs is the lack of understanding about dominance and how it operates in the dog world. This misconception has become prevalent in our society, as evidenced by trainers emphasizing the need for them to be the ‘alpha,’ ‘top dog,’ or ‘leader of the pack’ to establish harmony and the right dynamic with their dogs.
The key point that every dog owner should grasp is that their dog’s misbehavior is typically not due to an attempt to establish dominance over their human.
To establish a strong connection with your dog, it is essential to comprehend how they perceive their surroundings. This can be achieved by familiarizing yourself with their language and empathizing with their sensory encounters.
Senses are closely interconnected with emotions, and emotions influence behavior. Therefore, it is logical to assume that despite our incomplete understanding of a dog’s sensory abilities, they greatly contribute to their overall experience. Utilizing the senses to aid dogs in learning and resolving behavioral problems is referred to as sensory education.
BONUS: Obedience Training for Dogs
While many individuals adore their furry companions, there are instances when having an untrained dog can lead to undesirable behaviors, thereby detracting from the overall enjoyment.
There exists a multitude of techniques, whose origins are unidentified, that advise on the most effective approaches to dissuade your dog from engaging in certain behaviors. However, determining the optimal method and understanding the application of these techniques can be challenging.
In the process of thinking step by step, rephrase the given text without altering the meaning, retaining the provided information. Avoid adding new details and ensure no information is omitted. Familiarize yourself with the frequently utilized ways to train your canine companion, alongside the techniques to avoid.
How Should You Train Your Dog?
There exist two prevailing techniques for training a dog.
The aversive-based method is the first method, while the reward-based method is the second. Aversive-based training involves utilizing positive punishment and negative reinforcement techniques to train your dog. On the other hand, reward-based methods only utilize rewards to encourage the desired behaviors from your dog.
A training method known as aversive-based training employs tactics such as loud, unpleasant noises, physical corrections, and harsh scoldings to elicit desired behavior from your dog. Conversely, reward-based training utilizes rewards such as treats, belly rubs, or other actions that please dogs whenever they exhibit desired behavior, to reinforce positive actions.
The choice between the two methods is entirely yours as various experts have their own preferences.
There is a belief held by some individuals that a method based on rewards creates a sequential occurrence in your dog’s mind, whereby they link you to positive emotions when they obey commands. Conversely, methods based on aversion produce the opposite effect, leading to fear in the dog. This fear motivates them to follow instructions in order to evade unpleasant sensations.
Obedience Training Rewards
Dogs possess enough intelligence to acquire desired behaviors and are also intelligent enough to understand what actions they can get away with.
When considering how to train a dog in a particular behavior, giving them treats, praise, or affection is one of the most effective approaches. It is crucial to offer them the reward that they desire the most. If they are motivated by food, treats may be more successful than praise. Similarly, if they desire attention from you, affection could be the optimal reward.
The key aspect to emphasize is consistently rewarding your dog for desired behavior and avoiding rewarding unwanted behavior. Ensure that when your dog displays the desired behavior, they receive their reward. Confusion arises if you ask them to lie down but only grant them a treat when they stand up, as they will be unsure which behavior resulted in the reward.
