Best Puppy Training Methods Using Positive Reinforcement – This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
I’m kidding, of course, but there are many techniques and methods for training dogs.
Best Puppy Training Methods Using Positive Reinforcement
Reward based training, scientific training, operant conditioning, pack leaders, positive reinforcement, dominance theory, Kohler method, “Caesar’s Way”…the list could go on too long.
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While there are many different styles of dog training, they all share some basic concepts, and the application of these concepts varies.
This article compares the most common dog training methods, explains the terminology, and gives you a general overview of what’s involved.
The method or combination of methods you ultimately decide to use in your Labrador training regimen depends on what works best for your personality type and what works best for you and your dog.
Ivan Pavlov experimented with ringing a bell before pouring meat powder into the dog each time. The meat powder definitely made the dogs drool.
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Initially, the ringing of the bell was an event completely unrelated to the drooling of dogs. But by repeatedly ringing the bell before giving the meat powder, the dogs learned that the meat was on its way.
When your Labrador hears his bowl, he starts salivating, and when he sees you walking on a leash, he gets excited to go out for a walk.
Such associations can be made and predictable triggered behaviors can be used to the trainer’s advantage, although compared to other techniques, it is not one of the most commonly used dog training methods.
For those who are learning more and want a deeper understanding (this is not the easiest of reading), check out the Wikipedia article on classic conditionals.
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“Operational conditioning” is a method of training dogs to manipulate the environment in such a way that the behavior produces either pleasant or unpleasant consequences.
If your Labrador behaves in a certain way and something good happens to him, he will likely reinforce that behavior. However, if your lab is behaving as a negative consequence, it will learn to curb this behavior over time.
Operative conditioning consists of 4 elements (or quadrants). Before we list them, it’s worth knowing that “punishment” weakens the behavior and “reinforcement” increases it.
“Positive” and “Negative” are not good and bad things, they only refer to adding or taking something away respectively:
The Theory Of Positive Reinforcement In Dog Training
These methods are very effective and have been used for decades to train dogs, dolphins, parrots and rats.
For a good overview of operant conditioning and how it was used to train dogs to drive cars (I’m not kidding!), check out the following Scientific America article on operant conditioning.
The term “traditional training” is used to describe methods that predate the modern “science-based” methods used by (mostly) everyone today after our knowledge of how dogs think and learn has dramatically increased.
Most of the theories stem from dominance theories and wolf pack theories that have been refuted by modern science.
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Traditional training allows the dog to make mistakes and punishes them to reduce such behavior in the future.
The theory is that dogs misbehave because they are trying to take over dominance, and the trainer spends his time convincing the dog that he is the more dominant “alpha” and needs to obey.
Traditional trainers use corrections such as harsh leash pulls, pinches, grabs, and “alpha rolls” when misbehavior is noticed, though most combine this with praise (and perhaps even rewards) to reinforce correct behavior.
The Kohler method is one of the most famous and popular models of traditional training. Caesar Millan fits best in this camp with his hegemonic theories.
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There’s a lot of hype around “science-based dog training” these days, but it’s hard to narrow it down to one all-encompassing definition because of the wide scope and ever-changing theories.
Science-based training includes a deep understanding of dogs, their temperament, behavior, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, punishment, reinforcement, everything covered in this article, and more.
Science-based dog training is constantly evolving based on the results of experiments conducted by behaviorists and veterinarians who strive to truly understand dogs.
The science-based trainer will understand traditional methods, dominance theory and wolf pack theory.
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They do know, however, that these theories have been disproved and proven wrong, that force and physical punishment are unnecessary, and that these methods lead to dogs with repressed personalities and “obedience only out of fear.”
Science-based trainers try to train dogs in the most humane way possible, taking into account their psychological needs and natural learning methods.
They try to work with the dog, not rule it with an iron fist.
As new research begins, new evidence emerges, discarding old theories and introducing new ones, resulting in discarding old methods and adopting new ones.
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Most science-based training focuses on operant conditioning but takes more factors into account.
For example, before trying to change a behavior, a person first learns and understands everything that surrounds and guides him.
The world of science-based practice is so vast that an entire library could be filled with available information.
I couldn’t start a full coverage of the topic here, so I can only suggest to those interested to go to Google, where you will find thousands of articles on this topic.
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While positive reinforcement is part of operant conditioning, when used to describe a training method, it refers to a trainer using only positive reinforcement, making it an absolutely essential method of their technique. Good behaviors are rewarded while bad or undesirable behaviors are ignored.
I’ve read that this method works, but it’s usually not very effective because you never tell the dog that the behavior is wrong.
This can lead to an increase in bad behavior because by ignoring the behavior, we allow the dog to find its own reward and thus reinforce the behavior.
For example: if your Labrador chases a squirrel and you ignore it without telling your lab that this behavior is wrong, he will be rewarded because chasing a squirrel is fun.
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He has found his own reward and would definitely like to do it again. The bad behavior escalated.
For this reason, using positive reinforcement is not a good strategy. It is widely believed that some forms of punishment should be used in combination.
The word “negative” here doesn’t mean bad, and it certainly doesn’t mean abusing the dog. Remember that “negative” means taking something away, and “reinforcing” means trying to reinforce the behavior.
Negative reinforcement is difficult to describe because in most cases it can be seen as positive punishment. Depending on the view taken and the desired result, the same operation can be performed.
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For example: When using a halter on your head while walking your dog, if he tries to walk to the right, gently pull it to correct it to the left:
Which is correct? Personally, I think this is negative reinforcement, but I’m open to debate, so feel free to discuss in the comment section 🙂
Clicker training is a very effective and very popular type of marker training that uses a clicker as a marker.
Clicker training uses a small handheld sound device that you use to “mark” the point where your dog completes the desired behavior. It is easier to mark where the desired behavior ends with a click than with a voice. This makes the communication between you and your dog much better, leading to more effective training.
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How it’s working? First there’s a bit of classical conditioning where you mark good behavior with one click and then reward your Labrador.
After a few iterations, the lab will soon associate the click with the reward, and the click itself will soon become satisfying enough that the treats can be withdrawn.
Then it moves on to operant conditioning, where you use a clicker for positive reinforcement, clicking each time the desired behavior is performed.
By using a command and associating it with a behavior at the same time as clicker training, you can quickly teach your Labrador obedience commands in an easy and fun way.
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I won’t go into details about pilot training here as there are plans to create a whole dedicated section elsewhere on the site.
For a good introduction to clicker training, I recommend checking out the library section at www.clicker training.com.
Karen Pryor was a true pioneer when it came to operant conditioning and pilot training, so the information on her site is second to none.
This article discusses some important concepts to use to successfully train your Labrador. The key takeaway is that your Labrador’s behavior has been shaped by punishment or force.
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Training The Best Dog Ever
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Author by : Larry Kay
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2012-09-25
Publisher by : Workman Publishing
ISBN :
Description : Training the Best Dog Ever, originally published in hardcover as The Love That Dog Training Program, is a book based on love and kindness. It features a program of positive reinforcement and no-fail techniques that author Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz used to train the White House dog, Bo Obama, and each of Senator Ted Kennedy’s dogs, among countless others. Training the Best Dog Ever relies on trust and treats, not choke collars; on bonding, not leash-yanking or reprimanding. The five-week training program takes only 10 to 20 minutes of practice a day and works both for puppies and for adult dogs that need to be trained out of bad habits. Illustrated with step-by-step photographs, the book covers hand-feeding; crate and potty training; and basic cues—sit, stay, come here—as well as more complex goals, such as bite inhibition and water safety. It shows how to avoid or correct typical behavior problems, including jumping, barking, and leash-pulling. Plus: how to make your dog comfortable in the world—a dog that knows how to behave in a vet’s office, is at ease around strangers, and more. In other words, the best dog ever....
Train Your Dog Positively
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Author by : Victoria Stilwell
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2013-03-19
Publisher by : Ten Speed Press
ISBN :
Description : Victoria Stilwell, positive reinforcement dog trainer and star of the hit Smithsonian Channel TV show, Dogs With Extraordinary Jobs, explains how to use her force-free, scientifically-backed training methods to solve common canine behavior problems. Victoria Stilwell, America's favorite no-nonsense trainer, has rehabilitated some of the world's most difficult dogs—and now she's revealing her scientifically proven behavioral training secrets for you to use at home. Victoria's all-new training guide shows how positive reinforcement is more effective than other methods: by changing the way your dog thinks, feels, and learns, you can actually encourage your dog to want to behave. With tips and tricks for understanding canine language, harnessing the power of reward-based training, and tapping into dogs' natural instincts, there are no hopeless cases! So get ready to boost your dog's confidence, improve your communication, and build your bond with your best friend today....
Zak George S Dog Training Revolution
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Author by : Zak George
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2016-06-07
Publisher by : National Geographic Books
ISBN :
Description : A revolutionary way to raise and train your dog, with “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions” (Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist). Zak George is a new type of dog trainer. A dynamic YouTube star and Animal Planet personality with a fresh approach, Zak helps you tailor dog training to your pet’s unique traits and energy level—leading to quicker results and a much happier pup. For the first time, Zak has distilled the information from his hundreds of videos and experience with thousands of dogs into this comprehensive dog and puppy training guide that includes: • Choosing the right pup for you • Housetraining and basic training • Handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues • Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food • Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog • Topics with corresponding videos on Zak’s YouTube channel so you can see his advice in action Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog, this book will help you communicate and bond with one another in a way that makes training easier, more rewarding, and—most of all—fun!...
Positive Puppy Training 101
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Author by : Janet Simpson
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2019-04-14
Publisher by :
ISBN :
Description : If you want to learn how to raise a happy, healthy and friendly puppy while building an amazing bond with them then keep reading... Do you want to raise a happy well-trained puppy? Do you want to do it while building an everlasting and deep bond with your puppy? Do you want to do it by using modern and friendly methods that you and your dog will enjoy? I'm guessing, like any good dog owner would, you have answered yes to at least one (if not all!) of the questions. Of course, you did! As a Dog owner myself I once to wanted nothing more than to raise my puppy to be extremely well trained, but in a loving and friendly way that both of us can enjoy. Unfortunately, for many the bad behavior of their puppy can lead them to use outdated methods, that while may help with the behavior aren't really dealing with the underlying cause and certainly aren't enjoyable for the puppy. Instead, what I wanted was friendly and loving methods and that trained my puppy in the best way possible, made them insanely happy and used enjoyable techniques that made us both want to actually do them! Doesn't that sound amazing? Embracing fun and friendly teaching methods such as Positive Reinforcement and Relationship-Based training that not only train the puppy but enhance both of your lives. Oh, and they're free of suffering! Positive Reinforcement Training works so well on Guide Dogs that the USA Guide Dogs organization reported an increase in the pass rate from 50% to 80% after switching to the more modern methods in 2005! Here is just a slither of what you will discover inside... *Exactly how to not only train your Puppy but raise the happiest puppy in the world! *The TRUTH about Dominance training *A step by step guide to Positive Reinforcement training *What behavioral scientists know about dog training that you don't! *10 Simple Training tips to help train your Puppy *Why more people are turning towards Positive Reinforcement training than ever before *Stop wasting time harshly punishing your poor puppy, do THIS instead *5 Startling ways to deepen the bond with your puppy *Training methods the RSPCA and ASPCA recommend *The EXACT ways to deal with your 'nippy pup' *How to decide if your Puppy needs a trainer and what to look for in one *What separation anxiety is and how to manage it for your Puppy *What kind of training Puppies actually want to engage in *How to get your Puppy potty trained in as little as 3 weeks *Why praise is more than TWICE as effective as punishment *The BEST way to do obedience training with your Puppy And much, much more! The Punishment and Dominance of dog training methods that were used for decades are quite clearly outdated and come with LOTS of negatives for the dogs. They work, for sure, but at a slower rate and in a way that can negatively harm the poor dog for years and also doesn't build a healthy loving relationship with your puppy. Instead, it's time to wake up to the mountains of Scientific evidence like the Service Dogs Industry have and look towards the more loving and friendly types of dog training, and give your Puppy the training he deserves and loves! So, if you're ready to train your Puppy to incredible standards in a loving manner while building an amazing relationship, then scroll up and click "add to cart."...
Be The Pack Leader
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Author by : Cesar Millan
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2007-10-02
Publisher by : Crown Archetype
ISBN :
Description : The bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer shows you how to develop the calm-assertive energy of a successful pack leader and use it to improve your dog’s life–and your own Be the Pack Leader is Cesar Millan’s guide for taking your relationship with your dog to a higher level. By developing the skills necessary to become the calm-assertive owner your dog needs in order for him to live a balanced, fulfilled life, you’ll improve your dog’s behavior and your own life as well. Be the Pack Leader is filled with practical tips and techniques, including: • How to use calm-assertive energy in relating to your dog—and to others around you • The truth about behavioral tools, from leashes and harnesses to clickers and e-collars • How to satisfy the needs of your dog’s breed • Success stories from Cesar’s clients, viewers, and fans—including the Grogan family of Marley & Me fame • A quick reference guide of specific, step-by-step procedures to tackling some of the most common dog behavior problems “[Cesar] arrives amid chaos and leaves behind peace.” —Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker “[Millan is] serene and mesmerizing. . . . He deserves a cape and a mask.” —New York Times...
Plenty In Life Is Free
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Author by : Kathy Sdao
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2012
Publisher by : Dogwise Publishing
ISBN :
Description : In this new book, renowned dog trainer Kathy Sdao reveals how her journey through life and her decades of experience training marine mammals and dogs led her to reject a number of sacred cows including the leadership model of dog training....
101 Rescue Puppies
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Author by : Kathy Callahan
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2020-09-29
Publisher by : New World Library
ISBN :
Description : Over the past decade, Kathy Callahan’s family has taken in more than a hundred rescue puppies. This delightful photo-filled book features the wonderful stories that emerged as these foster pups were suddenly surrounded by a nurturing family complete with patient adult dogs and curious cats. With a gift for capturing the moment in both words and images, Callahan brings readers inside the poignant and ultimately uplifting work of fostering. This inspiring read is indeed about puppies, but it’s also about family and human connection. It’s about finding your own way — through that one special thing you can do to light a candle, instead of cursing the darkness....
