Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 20
K9 Corner
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT DOG TRAINING
By Robin Crocker, Assistance Canine Training Services
How positive training methods
foster a stronger bond and build
trust between the dog and owner.
n the 1980s, we saw the beginning of
a major shift in the basic principles of
dog training. Positive reinforcement
techniques began to gain widespread
popularity. These methodologies utilize
science-based learning theory centered
on reward-based reinforcers. Positive dog
training was propelled forward by historically significant trainers and behaviorists such as Karen Pryor, who popularized
clicker training, and Ian Dunbar, who
further connected the study of animal
behavior and science with practical dog
training. The revolutionary trend toward
positive training includes clicker training,
food-based rewards, and a concentration
on reward-based learning versus punishment, or aversive-based learning. From
the 1980s forward, positive reinforcement dog training has been gaining popularity among trainers and dog owners.
Today, you can still find dog trainers
who work outside of the principles of
positive reinforcement training. However,
with the large amount of research now
available, the number of trainers who
utilize positive training overwhelmingly
outnumber those who do not.
I
Providing a More Positive
Training Option
Dog owners have likely embraced posi20
tive training over the previously popular
aversive techniques because it provides
an experience that overwhelmingly feels
more comfortable. However, the reasons
for the growth and popularity of this style
of dog training go far beyond the effects on
humans. Extensive research supports the
success and benefits of this type of training.
Studies show that positive training
creates a low-stress learning environment for the dog and builds a better
bond between the dog and owner. It also
supports quality training results and
stronger long-term learning. Finally, dogs
trained using positive training versus
aversive techniques are less likely to
develop unwanted behaviors.
Creating a Strong Bond
A strong bond that gives the dog a feeling of
trust and safety is important for a productive, low-stress training environment.
A study done by Stephanie Deldolle and
Florence Gaunet at the University of Paris
Nord shows that dogs taught using positive
reinforcement show increased attentiveness toward their owners. An increased
connection between dogs and handlers is
an indicator of a stronger bond. The study
also concludes that training with negative
reinforcement has a negative effect on the
relationship between humans and dogs.
WiseguyCreative.com photo
Comparing Techniques
It seems a reasonable conclusion that
a less stressful learning environment
will make the training experience more
positive and therefore more productive.
A more recent study from the University
of Porto looks at a large group of companion dogs. There were dogs trained with
positive training and dogs trained using
aversive techniques. Findings indicate
that dogs trained with aversive methods
show more stress. In contrast, the dogs
in the positive group are more relaxed
and excited during training sessions.
The study concludes that dogs trained
with reward methods have more secure
attachments to their owners.
Today, positive reinforcement training
is recognized as a highly effective training
method. While aversive techniques can also
be effective, positive training shows
at least equal, and often better results, with
less stress and potential harm to the dog.
In addition, these methods have strong
long-term results. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
published a position statement on dog
training in 2021, citing that studies indicate
reward-based training is highly effective,
and there are some studies that show it to
be more effective than aversion methods.
This position statement further
MWVvibe.com / @mwvvibe
