Positive Reinforcement: A Common Sense Approach to Dog Training
Are you looking for an effective, physical punishment-free way to train your dog? If the answer is “yes” then positive reinforcement is what you’re looking for.
Positive Reinforcement (+R) is a learning/training technique that has been used successfully for many years on a wide variety of animals including killer whales, dolphins, birds, horses and dogs. +R works with all animals, including human beings.
Positive Reinforcement is based on the sound scientifically proven learning theory called operant conditioning. The principle of +R is simple - all it means is that an animal will repeat actions or behaviors that are followed by something pleasant. Makes sense right?
Important points regarding positive reinforcement:
- Timing - You must deliver the reinforcement within 2 seconds of the behavior you want to reinforce. This is critical in order to insure that you are indeed reinforcing the right behavior. For example, let’s say that you are trying to teach your dog to sit. You guide him into the position, he sits for a second and right afterward, gets up. If you praise him (by saying, “Good dog.” or giving him a food treat) while or after he’s getting up, instead of while he sits, you are reinforcing the wrong behavior. Good timing takes practice but the result is clear communication.
- The Reinforcer - This is anything that your dog likes i.e. your attention, food treats, going out for a walk, a squeeze toy, playing fetch, etc. Use it as a reward for training.
- Schedule of Reinforcement - This basically means how often you reward your dog. Initially when training for a new behavior or command, you want to praise and reward your dog for every successful performance. Gradually withdraw the use of food by moving to random reinforcement, thus the dog gets the food treat after the 2nd , 5th or 3rd behavior and so on. The important thing is that your dog doesn’t really know when he is going to get the reward, therefore, s/he is going to keep working hard for you.
Positive Reinforcement is a powerful, effective and fun way of training that builds trust and enhances the relationship between you and your dog. Give it a try and have fun!
Compliments of Ronen Tivony, Canine Interactions Dog Training, 727-322-0777 www.CanineI.com
Updated Wednesday, March 2, 2005
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