Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

I stumbled on this clip today and just had to post it. Here's a "professional trainer" that has an 11 year old lab that he states he's been training since a puppy.

From my perspective I find it very interesting that after 11 years this person still needs to have treats with him to work with the dog. He says they're not necessary.... but why then does he have them at all? Also, you'll see this trainer have the dog do a "down" on several occasions, but the dog never holds the command (he pops back up after a moment). Not very reliable training for 11 years of work IMO.

Getting a dog to be well behaved or well trained is a matter of earning the dog's respect. No matter how great the marketing of the Positive Reinforcement approach, treat training just doesn't accomplish this. Why? Because Positive Reinforcement relies on "operant conditioning" rather than any meaningful communication. It teaches patterns rather developing understanding and respect.

In my experience, the best dogs have owners that understand this very simple but important difference.