What is positive reinforcement?

You are giving rewards of various forms for good behavior. What are these rewards? Belly rubs, praise, a quick game of tug, sound marker, scratch on the head, tossing the ball, treats, a quick jog… anything your dog enjoys. 

What is negative reinforcement?

This is not yelling at your dog, smacking him, or a quick jerk on the leash. Negative reinforcement is removing a reward when there is negative behavior.
Example: Jack is leashed up for a walk to the park. He starts out doing great but then starts creating tension on the leash. The reward is to keep walking while he pulls harder and harder to the park.

Proper use of Negative Reinforcement: Stop walking completely. When he moves back to his position, and lets the leash go slack again, we can start walking again. If he starts pulling again, the walking stops. If it continues a third time, we turn back and go home. What makes this negative for Jack? First, I just stopped the walk (negative reinforcement) and had him settle down and refocus, no leash corrections, just a pause in forward motion. When that wasn’t working, we went home (negative reinforcement). The reward would have been the exciting trip to the park that he wanted so much, but he was not behaving properly during the walk to the park. The use of simple sounds as negative reinforcement (Oops!, AH AH, etc.) is also acceptable and works well to communicate to your dog that the behavior he is giving you is unwanted.

What is “Operant Conditioning”?

Operant conditioning is a voluntary response followed by a reinforcing stimulus (praise, treat, sound marker, or short game). With this method, the voluntary response is more likely to be repeated by the individual and then put on cue. 

What is Classical Conditioning?

Classical conditioning involves learning a new behavior via the process of association. In simple terms, two stimuli are linked together (treat or toy used as a lure) to produce a newly learned response in a person or animal.

Define “shut down”

“Shut Down” is when your dog is so overwhelmed he/she is mentally finished and can’t go any further. Common signs are refusing to move from a spot, refusing to acknowledge your presence, laying down and refusing to stand, refusal to walk. The dog often appears to have completely “checked out”.  

What if my dog isn’t motivated by food?

That’s just fine! We will be using toys, treats, games, and belly rubs (Anything your dog enjoys!) to achieve your goals of a trained dog. As your dog gets more familiar with each new skill, your rewards will change as well (fewer treats, only big rewards for firsts, best, fastest action).

Will I have to carry food or toys with me everywhere if I want my dog to listen?

No! As the bond between you becomes stronger, your dog will be thrilled with a scratch on the head and verbal praise. As your dog starts to understand what you are asking him/her to do, you will only give food or toy rewards for the best response. Then it will become more intermittent and you will give lots of praise, a head scratch or belly rub with the big prize (food or toy) being the reward at the end of the training/practice time. However, do still toss in treats as rewards, because let’s face it, even us humans will do just about anything for a food reward!