The Positive Reinforcement Approach - Being Informed

In a post yesterday I discussed the reasons I prefer using a Balanced Training (BT) approach when working with dogs. I also mentioned that advocates of a Positive Reinforcement (PR) approach sometimes make sweeping claims. The following views are based on my own education and experience, which today I'd like to share in more detail . . .

Follow up:

As a refresher...

In the PR (positive reinforcement) approach, dogs are usually rewarded with praise and/or treats for good behavior. Since this approach does not believe in corrections, bad behaviors are typically ignored or the dog is redirected.

In the BT (balanced training) approach, dogs are given praise for good behaviors, encouragement if confused, and consequences (corrections) if they choose an inappropriate behavior.

The reason I prefer a Balanced Training (BT) over Positive Reinforcement (PR) approach is simple - I think it makes for happier dogs and owners. Corrections balanced WITH praise and encouragement communicates with dogs on their level. I have no problem with a dog owner trying whatever method they think is best. But I do believe responsible owners should have good information when choosing how to educate their pet, and hear a rebuttal to some PR viewpoints they may find online.

Being Informed - Positive Reinforcement Myths . . .

Balanced Training is Corrections Based - While BT does include some corrections, they typically account for a very small part of what's going on during a training session. There's a reason it's called "Balanced" - there's much more praise and encouragement. Any trainer using corrections to cause fear, anxiety or intimidation is not one I would choose for my dog and certainly NOT typical of most Balanced Trainers.

Positive Reinforcement has a Scientific Basis - Most of the science on which PR is based comes from operant conditioning studies, many of which are decades old. Operant conditioning recognizes 4 quadrants of rewards and consequences in a learning matrix. Because PR uses just 1 of these 4 quadrants, it's a rather limited approach. These limits generally teach dogs patterned responses rather than establishing true communication and understanding. This is frustrating to many dogs and grossly underestimates their abilities.

Balanced Training uses Corrections Which are Cruel - BT uses a language dogs understand and appreciate. How do we know? It's demonstrated time and time again by calm, happy, and well-behaved dogs. I've already discussed how the use of corrections is skewed by many PR advocates, as is the use of science. BT focuses on meeting the dog's needs rather than marketing to the human owners. This is not being cruel, it's showing a sincere understanding and respect for dogs.

Corrections Cause Stress in Dogs - In a way that's true - but don't assume it's a bad thing. Small amounts of stress can enhance learning and instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence once a command is learned. A good trainer will manage stress to a minimum. Conversely, not correcting a dog generally causes long periods of anxiety, confusion, and frustration.

Positive Reinforcement is Humane - On the surface this sounds like a "no-brainer", but some PR trainers withhold food, over-feed, or use treats of poor nutritional value to make their training more effective. As mentioned, the lack of any corrections also causes confusion in many cases which can lead to poorly behaved or anxious dogs. I don't consider this humane, but it's your call.

Positive Reinforcement Gives Equal Results - My experience has NOT found this to be the case. I've had clients who tried a PR approach only to call when they were about to get rid of a dog. A few sessions later things are great using BT. Also, dogs trained with PR often perform poorly near distractions - treats and praise just aren't that interesting when there's a cat nearby or friends come to visit. If you want a reliably trained dog this is key point to consider.

Positive Reinforcement is Safe - If a dog isn't reliably trained it may be at risk when it decides your treat isn't as interesting as the dog across the street. Also, this approach generally chooses to ignore problem behaviors in an effort to redirect the dog to a good behavior. This doesn't work in many cases, especially serious behavioral problems. As a result many PR advocates are left without solutions to these tough cases, and many owners are counseled that there's nothing that can be done.

Choke Collars Cause Injuries - Any tool can be misused, including treats and praise. Properly fitted and used, these collars have safely trained dogs for decades and are NOT used to choke them. A common myth references a German study that necropsied dogs after death, finding 90% that wore these collars showed anatomical injuries. To my knowledge, nobody referencing this study has ever been able to produce it, so make your own judgments. Proper use and education for any collar is always paramount. All collars designed for training are intended to help dogs learn. This is a much kinder option that having a dog spend its life pulling against a buckle collar, or living without clear direction in a home.

Prong Collars are Barbaric - They do look harsh, but they serve a useful purpose in some situations and are perfectly safe and comfortable when fitted and used properly. Many opposing these collars have never used one, felt one, or taken any time to understand their design.

Electronic Collars Cause Burns - This is physically impossible. Electronic collars deliver a stimulation (extremely low in most training uses) via 2 surgical stainless steel electrodes. The collar must be fitted snuggly to assure contact. If it isn't, no stimulation is delivered. When it is, the pressure can cause sores if the collar is left on too long (many hours). All responsible trainers and manufacturers point this out. Anyone claiming they've seen "burns" likely saw pressure sores from an improperly used or fitted collar. While I don't use these collars often, they are extremely effective, safe, and can be used very humanely. I never use one without having the owner feel for themselves the stimulation. Most are scared to death until they feel the "tickle", then they become very agreeable to giving it a try. Unfortunately most people don't know and incorrectly assume a shock is a shock.

In Summary . . .

Finally I'd like to point out that the Monks of New Skete use a Balanced Training approach. This monastic group in Eastern New York raises and trains dogs as part of their quest for spiritual enlightenment. I think anyone would be hard pressed to call these Men of the Cloth cruel when you watch then work and live with dogs. They use corrections as part of their communication with these great creatures for the same reasons I do - out of respect and understanding.

Owners having problems with a dog or wanting training need to make their own call. That means becoming better informed about the realities of working with dogs. In the end, I strongly recommend you interview anyone you are considering to have work with your dog and ask many questions. Perhaps these posts will give you a starting point . . .