A very simple example of dog training using positive reinforcement would be to ask your dog to “sit” and then reward the dog with something he/she likes as soon as the dog’s rump touches the ground in the sit position.
By rewarding the dog for ‘getting it right’ the dog begins to build an association between (A) the cue to "sit", (B) his reaction to the cue, which then leads to (C) a pleasurable outcome. The positive association means that the dog is more likely to repeat his "sit" when given the cue so he can receive that pleasurable outcome again.
There are many up-sides to dog training using positive reinforcement. Examples include:
- Being rewarded for successes makes learning/training fun for your dog.
- It’s a humane method of training.
- It builds up the dog’s confidence.
- Rewarding successes is a relationship-building process.
- There are no unintended negative side-effects.
But is there also a down-side to using this method for training?
While the positive reinforcement method pushes all the right buttons for being effective and humane, a down-side does exist if the dog trainer focuses too heavily on just one type of reward and then does not move past that initial reward stage of the process.
Through no fault of their own, many dogs end up being trained to associate the "pleasurable outcome" in the A + B = C process solely with food instead of a wider range of pleasurable outcomes. So, by creating an association solely with a food reward, the dogs won't follow through with their cue unless food is present. In this scenario, failure for the dog to follow through on a cue is not a reflection on the dog or its ability to learn or perform the cue. Instead it’s a reflection of poor training by the trainer.
Having said that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using food as one type of reward in positive reinforcement training. It is certainly a powerful motivator and can help many dogs get off to a quick and successful start in learning new behaviours, but the key is to use it as a reward (not a bribe) and to utilize a wider range of pleasurable outcomes.
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While the positive reinforcement method pushes all the right buttons for being effective and humane, a down-side does exist if the dog trainer focuses too heavily on just one type of reward and then does not move past that initial reward stage of the process.
Through no fault of their own, many dogs end up being trained to associate the "pleasurable outcome" in the A + B = C process solely with food instead of a wider range of pleasurable outcomes. So, by creating an association solely with a food reward, the dogs won't follow through with their cue unless food is present. In this scenario, failure for the dog to follow through on a cue is not a reflection on the dog or its ability to learn or perform the cue. Instead it’s a reflection of poor training by the trainer.
Having said that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using food as one type of reward in positive reinforcement training. It is certainly a powerful motivator and can help many dogs get off to a quick and successful start in learning new behaviours, but the key is to use it as a reward (not a bribe) and to utilize a wider range of pleasurable outcomes.
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