You've probably heard all these training terms like 'positive reinforcement', 'balanced training', 'force-free trainers' or 'science based training'. But what do they all mean? And how do you know who to choose?
Here are some definitions to help you out:
Positive reinforcement = adding something (such as a treat or toy) to increase a behaviour (such as sit).
Positive punishment = adding something (such as a shock collar or a tap on the nose) to decrease a behaviour (such as barking).
Negative reinforcement = taking something away (such as the pain of a choke collar) to increase a behaviour (such as walking nicely on lead).
Negative punishment = taking something away (such as the ability to move forward) to decrease a behaviour (such as pulling on lead).
Force-free training = No force or punishment is used to train your dog.
Balanced training = an approach to dog training where both punishment and rewards are used. The (positive or negative) consequence depends on the dog's actions.
Science-based training = simply put, these trainers use methods which the science shows works. It includes methods like positive reinforcement, clicker training, shaping, and more.
Aversive training = this means using tools and methods that your dog doesn't like to train them.
Mucky Pups Dog Training uses positive reinforcement training techniques and I am a force-free, science based trainer.
But why?
Positive reinforcement will help you communicate better and more clearly with your dog. If you tell a dog off for peeing on your rug, they don’t suddenly learn to pee outdoors, they learn to pee next to the rug, or behind the sofa…
Punishment training (or aversive training, or balanced training) can be counter productive. If your dog poops indoors and you tell them off, this isn't necessarily telling them that pooping inside is bad. So they may learn that pooping is bad, so they may begin to hide their toileting from you, or even eat it!
You can use positive reinforcement for a huge variety of behaviours, teaching fun tricks as well as really useful behaviours that you can use to your advantage!
Positive reinforcement can be used to mentally stimulate your dog, which is great to tire them out in a positive way !
It is also more fun for both you and your dog, and keeps them engaged, motivated, and connected with you.
Positive reinforcement training will increase your bond and relationship, whereas using aversive methods will damage this bond and lose your dog's trust.
Positive reinforcement training can make your dog happier and more confident.
So, what methods will you choose to train your dog?
Book a free discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/muckypupsdogtraining/free-discovery-call
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