Reward-Based Dog Training: Your Questions Answered!
Thank you for making the decision to invest this time in your pet’s education.
At PPG, we consider it an honor that you are trusting us to help guide you on your dog training journey. It is such an important decision- the one you have just made – a decision to invest the time and effort into helping your dog successfully integrate into your life and home.
Why Train Your Dog?
As data shows us, more pets are surrendered to shelters due to behavioral issues than for any other reason. Yet for many families with pets, training is considered a luxury and not a necessity.
As humans we place lots of expectations on our pets and make lots of assumptions about how our pets should behave. Some of these assumptions are based on old outdated information and cultural myths.
However, all of the systems, processes and methods we share here are grounded in science and supported by ethics. Our practical tips and hints can help you and your dog develop the skills and knowledge to live happily together. And, we promise, it will be fun for everyone!
Positive Reinforcement Rocks
Dogs are cognitive, intelligent creatures who experience emotions such as fear, anxiety, and joy. They are subject to the same laws of behavior as any other living being (See Reference).
Forcing dogs to comply so they can avoid being shouted at, told “NO!” in a threatening manner, or having to endure some other discomfort through painful training tools, demanding voice control, intimidating body language or aggressive eye contact, does not enhance the canine-human relationship, nor does it create an environment where healthy learning can take place.
The preponderance of research and evidence says training and behavior programs should be conducted in a manner that encourages pets to enjoy training and become more confident and well-adjusted companions.
So, if we are not going to use shouting, threats, and force, then what do we use?
How do we communicate with our pets in a non-threatening, effective manner?
We encourage the use of positive reinforcement training methods.
Rather than suppressing behavior you don’t want, we endorse a collaborative approach, where more appropriate and acceptable behaviors are encouraged and reinforced via positive training.
What is Reward-Based Training?
All pets are motivated by food. Food is necessary for survival. It is therefore a powerful primary reinforcer (reward) and a critical component, when used correctly, of a strategic training or management plan.
This is positive reinforcement training, giving our pets access to desirable consequences when they get it right!
Let’s take a look at key concepts for rewarding your dog:
- ‘Reward’ the behaviors you want to see more of.
- Recognize that the dog is the one who chooses what is reinforcing (rewarding), not the human. For example. Some dogs will love chicken, others will place a higher value on cheese.
- What is reinforcing (rewarding) to your dog in one situation, may not be reinforcing in another. For example: Your dog may find chicken reinforcing at home alone but have no interest in chicken when an opportunity to play with another dog presents itself!
- For new behaviors and more difficult activities, quickly feed lots of yummy, high-value treats, perhaps some chicken, beef heart or steak!
- Use medium-value treats for training sessions where you are reviewing known skills.
- If your dog refuses food in a situation where he would normally eat it, ask yourself if he is stressed or anxious. If so, figure out how you can help him feel more comfortable.
- Empower your dog by offering him choice. This will increase the ‘value’ of the reinforcer (reward). For example: The simple choice to move forwards an inch to take the food from your hand, rather than it being thrust into his mouth; choosing between sitting and lying down; between this treat and that one…
So, Are You Ready to Begin?
Remember, your pet is learning every minute of the day!
By teaching and rewarding new behaviors, as well as rewarding all the desirable behaviors your dog offers throughout the day, you are not only giving instant feedback to your dog, you are also encouraging and supporting the development of a healthy trusting relationship.
Positive reinforcement really does rock; you and your dog will love it! Enjoy the happiness and pride in all you accomplish together!
Reference:
+R Rocks, included in the DogNostics short course and eBook, created by Louise Stapleton-Frappell and Niki Tudge
About Canine Conversations
Canine Conversations feature dog training advice from the professionals of PPG’s Canine Division. Our mission is to help you navigate your dog training journey with the most up-to-date information and training advice backed and supported by the scientific community. We hope you enjoy our conversations and find them informative and useful in the development of healthy, trusting relationships with your pets.
