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Beware Positive Reinforcement

By Lisa (Laney) Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT, CBC and Devene Godau, CPDT

"What?!?" we hear you exclaiming. "Why would a school that teaches positive reinforcement methods, tell me to beware of it?"

Because "positive reinforcement" has become a catch phrase in the dog training industry, and is the method that many trainers advertise and claim to use, but as we will see, this is not always the case.

The most outstanding difference between true positive reinforcement trainers and all the others is the quality of the consequence used to control behavior and how that consequence is applied and/or manipulated.

"Positive Reinforcement" trainers teach exclusively using techniques that manipulate consequences that are pleasant or desirable for the dog. There are 2 ways to do this - the presentation of something good (i.e. - treats, toys, affection) following a desirable behavior - or the taking away of a good or pleasant consequence for an undesirable behavior.

For example, when your dog sits, you give him a treat and therefore positively reinforce the behavior of sitting. If your dog jumps on you (presumably an undesired behavior), the good stuff (i.e., petting and attention) is taken away. So when a behavior is "positively reinforced" we add a pleasant consequence, and when we use "negative punishment" for a behavior, we take away the pleasant consequence.

"So, what about choke chains?" Choke chains and other such equipment like prong, pinch or shock collars are used to shape or modify behavior by manipulating unpleasant consequences. These techniques are commonly referred to as "corrections" and are taught through repeatedly adding a jerk, choke, pinch, etc., for the offending behavior. Many who use this technique claim to use positive reinforcement because they will treat or praise the dog afterward. The bottom line is that if they teach by adding or taking away unpleasant consequences, they are not using positive reinforcement. Nor is it a technique that positive reinforcement trainers would use - period.

Here are some examples that may help to further clarify things.

There is a popular training show on TV where the trainer claims to use "only" positive reinforcement...and he does use it, sometimes. In the same class however, he teaches to apply a physical punishment by jerking the dog off it's feet. You see, the addition of the unpleasant consequence for behavior itself disqualifies this individual as an "only positive reinforcement" trainer, and not just because he isn't using a choke, prong, pinch or shock collar; it's in his application of the consequence!

We also hear about schools and trainers that claim to be "positive reinforcement" trainers who say that they will only use a choke collar when teaching dogs to walk nicely on the leash, because "It's the only thing that works." In other cases, owners are taught to jam their fingers down a mouthing puppy's throat to get it to stop. Still others are advised to knee dogs in the chest or step on their paws for jumping. These are all methods that employ unpleasant consequences. The most disturbing thing is that all of this advice came from trainers that claim to only use "positive reinforcement"!

It's a little disconcerting isn't it? But now that you have an understanding of the terminology and how "positive reinforcement" trainers really work, here are some additional suggestions that will help as you learn to "Beware Positive Reinforcement!"

1. Observe a class. Warning: If you are told that observing is not allowed, look elsewhere! When you do watch a class, remember that trainers who say that they use positive reinforcement techniques should only be employing methods that manipulate pleasant consequences to shape and change behavior - physically punitive methods should not be used. If anything makes you uncomfortable, leave and keep searching!

If there is a dog in class that barks a lot or isn't focusing, pay close attention to how the instructor and assistants handle him. Is the suggested solution one that manipulates pleasant consequences for the dog?

See how the instructor and staff interact with both the dogs and their owners. Are they able to answer the questions with confidence and patience? When owners ask about a problem behavior, is the instructor advising techniques that qualify them as a "positive reinforcement" trainer?
 
2. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are told that only positive reinforcement methods are used, yet hear that "corrections will be introduced..." or "prong collars are used if..." you'll know that you are not dealing with a true positive reinforcement trainer, and need to keep searching!

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have on finding the right trainer for you and your dog. Feel free to call or e-mail www.WOOFology.com if you have any questions or need help finding a trainer in your area.

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