Training Method Definitions
In dog training, there is jargon that trainers use to communicate. If you’re in the know, then you know exactly what is being said, even without it having to be explicitly spelled out. In this page, we review positive reinforcement training, punishment based training, and balanced training.
Positive Reinforcement Training Method
Using food, praise, play and other things dogs like to increase behaviors we want. Problem behaviors are prevented by changing routines and teaching better / new behaviors. Positive Reinforcement- based trainers do not use punishment-based methods.
- body harnesses
- nose or head halters
- flat collars
- martingale collars
- treats
- toys
In Positive Reinforcement Training, your dog is working to gain access to anything it wants.
Luring a puppy to sit using food. Giving the food after the puppy sits.
Using food or a toy to prompt a dog to walk next to you. Give the food or toy as the dog walks next to you. Using a comfortable harness that reduces pulling on leash.
Having a stranger toss a treat away from a shy dog, so that the dog can associate the stranger with good things without having to approach a potential trigger.
Moving to a comfortable distance when a dog growls a child. Offering food to the dog when the dog sees a child at a distance to create a positive association.
Punishment Based Training Method
Using force, pain, intimidation, stress, and other things dogs don’t like to decrease problem behaviors. Using these same methods when a dog does not respond with behaviors we want.
- choke collars
- slip collars
- shock collars
- prong/pinch collars
- cans with pennies
- citronella spray
Your dog is trying to avoid something painful or annoying. Training is done by suppressing the dog’s natural reaction to a trigger. For example, training a dog to stop growling using punishment may, over time, change the dog’s behavior where they will no longer give a warning and may skip straight to a snap or bite.
Pushing a puppy into a sit or pulling up on their collar until they sit. Stop pulling or pushing when they sit.
Using a pinch collar when a dog pulls on a leash.
Using a slip collar and telling a dog to sit for petting by a stranger.
Using an electronic shock collar when a dog growls at a child
Balanced Training Method
A combination of both methods above, which may allow trainers to bypass uncomfortable questions about their methods. Oftentimes, punishment based-trainers will label themselves as balanced, but positive-reinforcement trainers never label themselves this way. The mix and application of Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment methods vary from trainer to trainer as well as the level or severity of punishment used varies from trainer to trainer.
A combination of tools from positive reinforcement and punishment-based training methods, frequently skewing toward punishment-based equipment.
A combination of motivators, which frequently skew toward your dog avoiding a painful or annoying sensation.
Pushing a puppy into a sit. Praise after they sit.
Using a pinch collar when a dog pulls, giving a treat when they stop pulling.
Using a slip collar to get a dog to sit. Praising the dog as the stranger pets them.
Using a pinch collar when a dog growls at a child. Praising the dog while a child pets them.
Veterinarians with a Board Certification in Behavior agree that...
The American Society of Veterinary Behaviorists recommend Positive Reinforcement for training in their Humane Dog Training Position Statement, which you can read here.
All of their other position statements are available online too.
Zoos use positive reinforcement!
If we can teach wild animals without force or punishment, we can also train our best friend that way!
Want to know more?
Check out Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor for a hilarious, accurate, and easy to read real world examples of animal learning theory.
Do you have a fearful dog and kids?
Sometimes story time can help!
The Dog Who Couldn’t be Petted is the story of a little boy who figures out how to help his scared dog learn trust.
If you have any concerns, please contact a certified positive reinforcement trainer.
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