Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog: part one

British Military Dog WWII        AP photo

I recently enrolled in a year-long dog obedience instructor training program, through Animal Behavior College in Northridge, CA.  Steven Applebaum, the President of ABC, Inc., used to own one of the largest dog training companies in the US. He has worked with dog trainers all over the country and it’s an understatement to say that he’s seen many different styles of training. Steven believes that the best and most humane way to train a dog is through the use of positive reinforcement, a relatively new style of training based on operant conditioning.

Operant conditioning takes into consideration the biological and environmental factors that create different types of temperaments in dogs and allows for the natural instincts of dogs to be used and reinforced with positive methods and rewards. The dog is encouraged to offer its best behaviors consistently and willingly, without fear of punishment from the human trainer. This means that the natural behavior of the dog is emphasized and reinforced with rewards by the trainer or dog owner.

Earlier, military-style dog training models were based on dominating the dog, using punishments such as choke chains and harsh corrections for “bad” behavior. The results of this kind of training are often swift and impressive.  But there can be a serious downside to any type of dog training that uses harsh punishment or dominance to gain the dog’s cooperation.  Some dogs can become de-sensitized and unresponsive to repeated corrections, such as yanking on the collar or using a choke chain, while other dogs that appear to be compliant can suddenly and unexpectedly react with aggression towards their trainers, owners, or other dogs.