Is Positive Reinforcement the Best Way to Train Your Dog?

It is proven that positive reinforcement works. Your dog does something you approve of, you reward him, therefore he will give you more of that behaviour in order to get more rewards. His good behaviour has been reinforced in a positive way.

Many trainers boast about their sole use of positive reinforcement. While this is commendable, however, I find that a dog learns faster and is less confused when it is told what to do and what not to do. Ie using a combination of positive reinforcement and positive punishment.

I don’t like the the word ‘punishment’ as it can be misinterpreted to mean you are stressing or hurting the dog. I don’t condone punishment, but I do use gentle correction to guide a dog. This could take the form of a vocal “uhuh” (saying no), a short tug on the lead, or a touch correction (a 2 finger prod to the rear to mimic a mother dog’s canine teeth whilst correcting her pups). All used, NOT TO INFLICT PAIN, but to snap the dog’s brain out of its current thought. I find that the combination of positive reinforcement and positive puinishment gives the dog immediate clarity about what is expected from him.

Positive punishment = You add something the dog doesn’t like to decrease a behaviour.

EG. A dog barks and it gets a tug on the lead

Positive reinforcement= You add something the dog likes to increase a behaviour.

EG. A Dog gives you eye contact and you give it treat.

Would you raise your child with praise alone? Never say ‘don’t do that’?

Let’s say your kids are throwing food around at the kitchen table. Would you wait until the throwing has stopped and then reward them? Or would you say, “Hey kids, cut it out” ?

The latter is positive punishment, but it will be understood in an instant, through the words themselves, the tone of voice, the eye contact, and the body posture.

Dogs, like kids, respond to calm assertive energy.

I would never use harsh words or raise my voice or hurt a dog whilst training it.

Shouting at them may get them to obey, but it will not build trust, and may even get them to fear you.

But by not disagreeing with an unwanted behaviour, you are actually allowing it. So I let the dog know what I don’t want them to do, as well as what I do want them to do.

Let me tell you about a trainer I know. Her speciality is training puppies, although she can handle older dogs too. She uses no praise that I have ever seen and no rewards. She does play with them but not whilst training. Her rules are simple and must be strictly adhered to. If a pup does not do as it is told, punishment is swift. Sometimes she will grab the pup by the scruff of the neck, or force it to the ground until it submits. Older dogs who have known her since puppyhood, roll over in complete submission when meeting her. This could be mistaken for fear, but it is clear they adore and respect her.

You may be horrified at her methods, but she is a Labrador called Luna, and has had several litters.

It is totally natural for a dog to be corrected. It is a language they understand. Clear and to the point. My company is called Be More Dog for a reason: I come at problems from the dog’s perspective, and I rehabilitate them in a calm assertive way that they find familiar.

I do not like the term ‘positive punishment’. I do not condone punishment. But I do use gentle correction to guide a dog. This could take the form of a touch to the rear, (using 2 fingers which represent the mother dog’s canines), a pop on the lead, or a vocal ‘Uhuh’.

In the words of Cesar Millan, one of the world’s greatest dog trainers,

“Dogs need exercise, discipline, affection. In that order.”

Without discipline, they suffer. Without rules and boundaries, they suffer.

Given only affection, affection, affection, they suffer.

So please do give positive reinforcement, but a little telling off is healthy too.