Paws up for Positive

Let’s play a game of would you rather. You’re learning something new, and you can either get your favourite treat for getting something right, or you can get shouted at for making a mistake. Most people would choose the treat and the same is applicable for dogs. Typically the use of ‘alpha roles’ and punishment-based training has dominated the dog training and behaviour industry. However, current scientific research suggests that the use of reward-based methods is more ethical and effective when training dogs.

As animal trainers our main driving force should always be to maximise the welfare state of our animals. To do this we should only use force free, reward-based dog training methods with all clients. These methods are science based and employ only the ethical principles of operant and classical conditioning, with the main learning theory being positive reinforcement. This is the primary learning theory that we work with.

Positive reinforcement helps to build and strengthen a bond of trust between human counterpart and their canine companion. The avoidance of fear-based methods and the use of rewards helps to foster a cooperative learning environment as the dog should enjoy the training experience. This trusting relationship that can be gained from using positive reinforcement helps to form a harmonious relationship where each member can communicate effectively.

If you are not already convinced that positive is the way forward, let us tell you about some science. Within neurobiology positive reinforcement is within the domain of reward systems. The reward given to the dog triggers the release of dopamine in the brain which elicits positive feelings within the dog. Other studies suggest that this style of training can stimulate the release of oxytocin which is associated with social bonding. So even science agrees that your dog will benefit from positive reinforcement.

Unfortunately even with the evidence that positive reinforcement is the most effective technique some trainers still employ the use of aversive methods such as the administration of pain through equipment or physical threat. The use of aversive training techniques can cause undesirable fall out behaviours such as escape behaviour, increased aggression, and a breakdown of your relationship. Although these training techniques can appear to cause instantaneous results, what you are actually seeing is shutdown behaviour caused by extreme stress. Animal welfare is centred around the five needs one of them being the need to be protected from harm, so its simplest form aversive training using punishment works against animal welfare. Due to the code of conduct administered to protect dogs and promote their welfare by PACT and the ABTC, we never condone or employ the use of aversive methods or equipment in any training environment. This means you will only ever see us with a bag of treats and a good attitude because we have all paws up for positive.