R+ Dog Training
If you're a pet guardian, you consider your beloved pet as a member of your family. And like any other member of the family, your pet needs to abide by the rules of the household. When it comes to training your pet, it's important to find a positive reinforcement dog trainer. When you partner with a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement or a force free approach, you will enjoy a lifetime relationship with your pet based on trust and respect.
What Is R+ Dog Training?
R+ or positive reinforcement or is used to describe a dog trainer’s methods or training style. Trainers that identify as positive reinforcement use rewards like food, attention or play to motivate a dog to perform a particular behavior. An R+ approach to coming when called, for example, means the dog receives a treat for coming inside and away from the hole they were investigating in the yard. Positive reinforcement is a powerful way to train dogs and create strong relationships, based on understanding rather than force or punishment.
The Problem with Punishment in Dog Training
R+ dog training does not use the threat of force or aversive tools like an prong collar or ecollar.
Punishment tools like shock collars (ecollars), and prong collars are popular in dog training because they offer a quick fix to problem behaviors. While punishment temporarily stops an undesirable behavior, it does not teach any alternative behaviors making these tools inferior to a positive reinforcement approach. Afterall, what is the good of saying “no” unless we teach what else to do instead!
Dogs are incredibly in resilient creatures, but even they can suffer when exposed to the constant stress of punishment. Electrical stimulation is marketed as a gentle tickle, yet these so-called 'minor' deterrents overtime can render a dog’s temperament as helpless or aggressive. It is the learner that decides what’s punishing -- not the punisher. A display of pain or injury by dogs due to the evolutionary process has been wiped for survival reasons so don’t be so sure, the dog isn’t uncomfortable or worse, suffering.
Force Free Training Is on the Rise
The field of canine behavior has helped us pet guardians come a long way in understanding how our furry friends learn best. We know that instead of resorting to force, employing positive reinforcement yields faster results - which is no different than the learning process we humans experience as well.
Those that have taken an introduction to psychology class will remember this. Zero learning occurs when the learner is under too much stress. This is the same reason why many of us choke under pressure. Imagine, you're being held at gunpoint - even though you know your alarm code, recall becomes slower and more difficult.
What’s Fear Free?
In 2016, Dr. Marty Becker launched the Fear Free Pets with a powerful mission: to unite pet care professionals and pet guardians in protecting animals from fear, stress and anxiety. By understanding an animal’s body language and monitoring their overall emotional wellbeing, those involved in this initiative are dedicated to easing the burden associated with vet visits and grooming that many pets experience today.
A dog opts-in to nail trims using the fear-free techniques.
Caring for a pet that is afraid of necessary medical treatments and husbandry tasks can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By using my fear-free training I'm able to make routine procedures like paw handling, nail trims, ear cleaning and brushing much more comfortable for the dog. Although the length of time it takes each dog to opt-in varies, training the fear-free way sure beats chasing your dog around the house or holding them down. Plus, your pet’s ability to opt-in protects the relationship that you have worked hard to cultivate.
Are Positive Reinforcement Training and Force Free Training the Same Thing?
It’s hard to tell the difference between positive reinforcement and force free training because the terms are often used interchangeably. However, understanding which approach works best for your pet can make all the difference when it comes to successful learning.
CDWA summarizes these definitions nicely describing, positive reinforcement as motivating voluntary compliance of good behaviors and choices through a reward system (i.e., treats, praise, play) and does not use aversive tools or pain-punishment to train; whereas force-free or fear-free training is defined as voluntary compliance only and involves no pain/pain tools, intimidation, threats, force, luring or coercion.
For example, you want to teach a puppy to sit: using positive reinforcement you lure the puppy into position and reward them with a treat; with a force free approach we will wait for the puppy to sit and reward them when they do.
Training with positive reinforcement and a force-free approach are both excellent methods to teach your pet. Positive reinforcement is great option if you have an eager pup who loves treats. However, a more sensitive pet learns better with the force free method. Ethical training means recognizing which method works for the pet in front of you so they can thrive at their own pace!
Saying “No” with Positive Reinforcement, R+
Positive reinforcement training is a powerful and compassionate way to train, however that doesn't mean there are no consequences for undesirable behavior. For example,
If the dog won’t drop their tug toy when you ask them too - game over!
Or perhaps your adolescent pup doesn't stay when asked? Well then, they miss out on their tasty treat.
And if your puppy refuses to sit before going outside? The door will remain shut until they politely “sit”.
As illustrated in these examples, saying "no" does not have to include force or the addition of punishment tools; instead utilizing rewards as motivation is successful when setting expectations for our four-legged friends.
Finding a R+ Dog Trainer
Struggling to find the perfect trainer for your pup? Look no further and work with me! Mind Body Paws offers both in-person and online options. Don't just take our word for it, check out what our clients have to say. Give us a call and let us help you!
If you prefer in-person training and are not located in Bergen County, there are still great options available. To find a a knowledgable and certified individual search these directories CCPDT, or IAABC. Don't forget to ask them important questions about their experience and methods to ensure a good fit.
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