Positive = To add or introduce.
Reinforcement = To strengthen or maintain.
A very simple example of this would be to introduce a pleasant stimulus (such as praise, a toy, a tasty treat, etc.) to your dog immediately after she correctly responds to a command. This is Positive Reinforcement because the introduction of the pleasant stimulus to reward the desired behaviour strengthens (or increases) the likelihood that the desired behaviour with be repeated.
► Effective and Humane
Positive Reinforcement training for dogs has found favour and has rapidly grown in popularity in the last decade because it provides a more effective, more humane and less risky alternative to dog training than 'traditional' methods that may employ force and intimidation to 'correct' the dog for failing to perform.
Positive Reinforcement has been substantiated by leading ethologists, behaviourists, veterinarians and master trainers worldwide because:
- It rewards the dog for success rather than confusing the dog about what it did wrong.
- By rewarding and praising appropriate behaviour, the dog is more likely to repeat it.
- Dogs learn more quickly when they are rewarded and praised for their successes.
- Being rewarded and praised builds the dog's confidence.
- It is humane.
- It is less risky for the handler than using forceful or intimidating training methods.
- It does not produce negative behavioural side-effects.
- Ongoing positive interactions enhance the relationship you have with your dog.
B.F. Skinner, the researcher who articulated the major theoretical constructs of reinforcement and behaviourism deemed positive reinforcement to be superior to 'punishment' in shaping or altering behaviour. Skinner maintained that, instead of punishment simply being the opposite of positive reinforcement, positive reinforcement results in lasting behavioural modification whereas punishment only temporarily changes behaviour while presenting detrimental side effects.
► Reward... Or Bribery?
There are certainly detractors of Positive Reinforcement dog training who dismiss it as mere bribery... the most commonly used criticism being that it only teaches the dog to work for a pay-off.
I look at it this way: Let's say your dog is lying on the couch and you want her to get off. To use a tasty treat as a lure to coax the dog off the couch is a bribe. To call the dog off the couch and then provide her with a treat because she obeyed your command is a reward.
► Reward... Or Bribery?
There are certainly detractors of Positive Reinforcement dog training who dismiss it as mere bribery... the most commonly used criticism being that it only teaches the dog to work for a pay-off.
I look at it this way: Let's say your dog is lying on the couch and you want her to get off. To use a tasty treat as a lure to coax the dog off the couch is a bribe. To call the dog off the couch and then provide her with a treat because she obeyed your command is a reward.
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