What is Positive Reinforcement Training
Positive reinforcement training really does work, it’s a very effective way to communicate with our dogs and builds an even stronger, loving bond with your dog.
We are motivating and rewarding our dogs for great behaviour, the more we reward the more they learn. Ignore or prevent some behaviour by giving your dog an option of the behaviour we would like to see instead, motivate and reward.
Understanding our dogs, no one cap fits all. Each and every dog has their own unique character, different gene, different life experiences.
Listen to our dogs, help him feel safe both physical safety and emotional safety.
We are part of our dogs family unit, we listen, support and help our dogs develop the skills to make good decisions. So our dogs look to us in times when they may feel unsure and for them to hear back from us, through our behaviour ‘ I’ve got this all is well’.
What can we use to positively reinforce ? Food treats are the best, but they must be of high value to trump anything else and bring focus back to us. When talking about high reward, think about their normal kibble which might be great for some dogs but not high enough value for most. Up the value to a tasty treat , chopped up hot dog, ham, chicken, please avoid cheese as many dogs are lactose intolerant and diary should be avoided. You can buy bags of tasty treats but these can work out pretty pricey and when training you need to be able to deliver as many treats as needed and not run out.
But you’re simply bribing the dog. No we are motivating and rewarding behaviour we want, as the behaviour / training is established the treats can be reduced.
An example I use to help owners understand the power of positive reinforcement and how it effects our emotional state and therefore our behaviour:
I don’t really like giving lectures to groups of people, during my nursing career I have had to, and they are always great fun to do. When I was waiting to give my first lecture, my cognitive thought gave me a negative emotion which in turn made my body produce chemicals which caused a tightness in my tummy and a strong desire to turn and run ( I’ve gone into flight or fight mode ), as a person I can rationalise that it will be OK and not as bad as I think.
However if I went into the lecture and everyone was grumpy, shouting, and generally being horrible, the next time I was asked to do a lecture I’d be ‘ no chance’, all the negative emotions and feelings would come straight back !
But if I walked into the room and everyone was relaxed, happy and offering me little bits of my favourite chocolate my whole cognitive thought, emotional feeling and body response would change and I would be way more likely to do another lecture and have less negative emotions at the cognitive thought.
Be aware that you may need to cut down on your dogs meals as they will be having ++++ treats in training throughout the day, keep an eye on those waist lines !
Play can also be an effective reinforcement tool. A great way to play is through tug toys, https://www.tug-e-nuff.co.uk have excellent products and play training videos.
Petting and praise, of course we should verbally reward our dogs with happiness in our voice, body language and touch, but studies have shown that food rewards for training are simply the best.
If you feel your dog isn’t motivated by food, then we haven’t found the right tasty treat yet, there will be a food that motivates your dog. Beware that some human food is toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, chocolate etc so always check first. If your dog is on a special diet always check with your vet first.
Home Team Barney, Skye and Lyra all wanting mummy snuggle time.
