What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive Reinforcement is one part of a training and behavioral modification method known as Operant Conditioning. This is the training method used to train the animals you see at Sea World, on TV and in Hollywood movies.

Operant Conditioning theory maintains that there are two types of consequences that affect the behavior of animals. Consequences not only determine behavior, they are also associated with the environment at the moment of the consequence. Where the dog is, what he is looking at, what he smells and what he hears will all be associated with the consequences of that behavior. These consequences are either Reinforcing or Punishing.

Reinforcement increases the frequency, duration and intensity of a behavior:

J  Positive Reinforcement - adding something to increase behavior

For example:  getting paid, receiving a bonus & verbal praise

L Negative Reinforcement - taking away something to increase behavior

For example:  A mother who gives candy to a screaming child is reinforced when the child stops screaming.  The mother is more likely to buy candy for the child in the future when the same situation occurs

Punishment diminishes the frequency of a behavior:

L Positive Punishment - adding something to suppress behavior

For example: being yelled at, washing your mouth out with soap, & spankings

J Negative Punishment – taking away something of value to suppress behavior

For example: time-outs, grounding and taking away a teenager’s car

Positive Reinforcement has many beneficial aspects. It strengthens and enhances the relationship between you and your dog. Unlike punishment-based or compulsion training, Positive Reinforcement never leads to avoidance aggression. Unlike punishment-based or compulsion training, poorly timed Positive Reinforcement only slows down training, no damage done. Most importantly, dogs trained using Positive Reinforcement love training. 

We do not use prong collars or choke chains. With Positive Reinforcement Training it just isn’t necessary. These devices are cruel and can cause problems that can cause set backs in training. Instead, we encourage learning to occur with the use of verbal and physical praise, object rewards and food rewards.

You will be amazed what your dog can learn and how much she will love it.