The Positives of Positive Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcements

—like treats, games of fetch or chest rubs—are things that cause your dog to want to repeat an action, whether it is sitting when visitors come through the front door or walking beside you on a leash. Positive reinforcement is the most friendly of all training techniques. Although great dog training takes a lot of knowledge and skill, good dog training takes a basic understanding of how to use reinforcements, a bit of knowledge about how dogs see the world, and the desire to create a healthy and happy relationship with your dog.

Dogs Know Best!

There are a few keys to using positive reinforcement correctly. One is to remember that it’s your dog who defines what is reinforcing, not you! The good-looking treats you bought at the market may say that all dogs love them, but your dog might not have read the label. Your dog will be happy to help you out, and make it clear what he wants most—just go out of your way to pay attention to his reaction when you reinforce him. It may sound obvious, but a common mistake of novice dog trainers is not noticing their dog’s lackluster response to praise or petting, so watch your dog carefully when you’re treating or petting him. Pay special attention over the next few days to your dog’s reactions. Does he gobble your treat down with enthusiasm and look for more, or gingerly take the treat and turn away? Does she wag from the shoulders back when you praise and pet her, or turn away and sniff the grass? Remember that you are competing with everything else in the environment that can reinforce your dog, from good smells to other dogs to a treasured food wrapper in the gutter. Use reinforcements that are so good your dog can’t help but pay attention!

It's All In The Timing!

Another important aspect of using positive reinforcement is timing. Reinforcements should occur immediately after the action you want your dog to perform. If you ask your dog to sit and she does, she should get something that makes her happy within a half a second of her movement. Train yourself to deliver a treat instantly after your dog responds, and you’ll be amazed at how fast your dog can learn something new.

A Word About Treats

The primary concern most people have about using treats is that they’ll have to carry around a refrigerator full of food to get their dog to behave. However, the beauty of using reinforcements is that you can drop them out of your repertoire as you dog’s behavior become habitual. Food is the best way to get your dog’s attention, and to “compete” with the environment, so use it liberally when you are teaching something new. As you progress, use food when it’s especially hard for your dog (lots of distractions? a new context?) and substitute praise or a ‘marker’ word like “Good!” when compliance is easy for your dog. PLAY is another wonderful way to reinforce most dogs, and it’s easy to combine with training. Did Emma sit when you asked? Great, throw her ball. Did she drop the tug toy when you said “Drop It”? Super, let her grab it again and play tug some more. You can read more about using play to increase your dog’s responsiveness in Play Together, Stay Together: Happy and Healthy Play Between People and Dogs.