Positive reinforcement is a scientifically proven training technique that’s shown to promote good behavior in dogs. But what does training your dog with this method entail? How long does it take—and what if it doesn’t work? Here, you can learn everything you need to know about positive reinforcement, including how it can foster good behaviors in your dog. If you ever have concerns about reactivity or aggression in your dog, be sure to consult an experienced trainer.
Positive Reinforcement Defined: What It Means
First, some background. Positive reinforcement is a term that was first coined by behaviorist B. F. Skinner in the 1930s. Skinner used the term to describe a type of operant conditioning, or a process of learning that occurs because of reinforcing desired behaviors.
Simply put, when your dog exhibits a desirable behavior, they get a reward. This increases the chances of that behavior being repeated.
There are many myths surrounding positive reinforcement. While this method of training is sometimes criticized as being too simplistic or even manipulative, it remains one of the most effective methods of training and socializing dogs.
Positive Reinforcement in Action with Dogs
Positive reinforcement training often goes hand in hand with other types of training labeled “force-free.” All these methods share one thing in common: they only reward, never punish. Dominance theory doesn’t work.
When done right, these methods are incredibly effective ways to get your dog to exhibit certain behaviors. And when an undesired behavior is exhibited, the consequence is that your dog gets ignored, not punished. You then direct your dog to change his behavior from a bad one to a better one and reward them immediately when they oblige.
For example, if your dog is barking excessively, he gets ignored. The moment there is a second of silence, immediately offer praise and a treat. Soon, he should be able to wrap his head around the fact that barking translates to being ignored, and quiet means treats and attention. This could take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on your dog’s intelligence and biddability.
In general, dogs respond well to treats given as rewards, but if you have one that’s not interested in food, you’ll have to be creative in your rewards, which should be easy once you figure out what your dog wants.
Why Rely on Positive Reinforcement Training?
Positive reinforcement has long been employed to get animals to repeat a certain behavior. From coaxing wild animals with treats to rewarding agility dogs with their favorite toy after their run, this method of training has long been the gold standard for getting an animal to do what you request.
This training method builds a strong bond between the animal and trainer, cementing the relationship and building trust. It is a far gentler method compared to negative reinforcement or punishment, which can cause fear, anxiety, or reactivity in dogs.
Finally, positive reinforcement is simply more enjoyable for the trainer as well as the animal. It can be a powerful tool for shaping desired behaviors when it is used correctly.
Dogs Don’t Feel Guilt or Have Morals
Don’t hit your dog. However, your dog needs to know that chewing your shoes or anything else is unacceptable and must be corrected. A correction is not the same as a punishment. When delivering a correction to your dog, you’ll need to catch your pet in the act.
Some dog owners complain about their dogs tearing apart their houses in their absence. Then, they take a photo of their dog saying, “Doesn’t he look guilty?”
Newsflash. They aren’t looking guilty, nor do they feel any guilt. They sense in our body language that we are displeased, and their own reaction matches the annoyance we emanate when we come home and find everything in shreds.
The best way to deal with a heavy chewer is to dog-proof your home or confine your dog in a crate if you cannot watch him 100% of the time.
At any point, if you happen to catch your dog in the act of chewing something he isn’t supposed to, calmly but firmly correct with a “no,” and redirect him to chew on his own toys or dental bones, praising lavishly as he does so.
Punishing Dogs Doesn’t Encourage Good Behavior
Dogs don’t have the same sense of time as humans. To correct a dog, perfect timing is key. It is pointless to correct a dog a few seconds after he has done something he wasn’t. They have a “here-and-now” kind of mentality and will not associate the correction with something that they have done minutes or even hours ago. In addition, dogs who are punished frequently can become aggressive, leading to serious problems down the road.
If you want to train your dog effectively, it is best to avoid punishment altogether and instead focus on positive reinforcement. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog the good behavior you desire without resorting to harsh corrections or worse yet, cruelty.
