Positive Reinforcement = Tossing Cookies?

by Anne-Marie Mayes

I want to address  positive reinforcement as some people believe that it only is about using food for training.  Though food is used often, there is a lot more to it.  

First I would like to start by defining positive reinforcement as it is actually a scientific term that has been used incorrectly quite often on social media and other areas. In animal behaviour, the term 'positive' means 'to add' (like in mathematics). Reinforcement means that the target behaviour increases. So you could define it as "adding something that causes a behaviour to happen more often". This is why we are able to reward a specific behaviour using food at the right time and the dog is motivated to repeat it.

One major misconception is that using food to reward behaviours is bribery. When used properly, the food should be given after the behaviour occurs. Positive reinforcement encourages the dog to want to learn and try different exercises for the well-being of the dog. 

Some owners will say that their dog is stubborn or not food motivated.  When this occurs sometimes the cues or behaviours may not be taught correctly by the owner which can create frustration for the dog. Other times, we need to get creative as to what motivates the dog. It may not be food but you could try toys, praise or real life rewards.  Instead of blaming the training or your dog, evaluate the environment that your dog is trying to learn and evaluate if your dog is comfortable and attentive in the location that they are in.  Do not let yourself label your dog as stubborn but try to understand what your dog needs to be successful. You may need to start simpler at home then try practicing in your yard and then try in an outdoor location.

Some other methods of training encourage you to suppress behaviour through punishment to get a quicker response.  What is often overlooked is that these methods may cause long term behavioural issues.  In dog training there is a saying "Pavlov is always on your shoulder". This means that dogs are always making associations, whether we intend for it to happen or not. When we use things the dog enjoys like food or toys, good feelings are created about whatever else is going on in the environment. When we use punishment, unpleasant associations can be made that can lead to fear, aggression, or the dog shutting down.

While positive reinforcement will create behaviours that the dog will continue to offer and want to participate with us and builds behaviours that will remain for a lifetime.  This is also the more ethical option.

Another misconception is that using reinforcement allows the dog to have no boundaries.  But it is the opposite.  A dog will learn through gentle guidance and reinforcement better than they do with punishment.  Which results in learning and the building of a relationship. As the dog chooses to be with us instead of being fearful of what might happen if they make a mistake.

I would like to end with a quote from another article I read recently. 

"Positive reinforcement isn’t a trend or a compromise, it’s the most humane, effective and scientifically sound way to teach. And as professionals, we don’t just use it. We understand it, defend it and help our clients see why kindness isn’t just ethical, it's smart.-  Jo Middleton Canine Ethics"