"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen"

More and more modern dog trainers are now using a more 'balanced' approach to train both their own dogs and others.

But what does this even mean ?

Well, basic learning involves four quadrants -

Positive Reinforcement    R+

Positive Punishment         P+

Negative Reinforcement  R-

Negative Punishment       P-

Positive reinforcement involves the addition of something positive to increase the frequency of a behaviour

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of something to increase the frequency of a behaviour

Positive punishment involves the addition of something to increase the frequency of a behaviour

Negative punishment involves the removal of something to increase the frequency of a behaviour

So for a positive behaviour, one we want to see our dogs repeat, we add something positive or, remove something negative

For unwanted and less desirable behaviours, we add something negative or remove something positive.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE INFLICT PAIN. 

I am strongly apposed to certain aversive and outdated dog training methods and any which inflict pain on dogs! 

Sometimes simply removing your attention is enough of a correction, or a short snap on the lead. But by understanding that we do need at times to add corrections, and knowing what these should be and how to deliver them is crucial in being able to train your dog well.

Positive reinforcement alone is a popular stance for the majority of dog trainers these days, but for some behaviours, simply feeding treats in abundance will not deliver the results you are looking for. So whilst we look to 'reward and reinforce' each and every good behaviour we get from our dogs, we must also help them learn the behaviours we wish to see less of. 

We will use 'high value treats' such as chicken, sausage and cheese and focus on rewarding and reinforcing the 'good' behaviours and those you wish to see repeated. 

Some tools I use for training include slip leads, figure of 8 leads, Halti's and a normal flat collar and lead. Verbal corrections, removal of attention and 'time outs'. 

I do not use prong collars or E collars, nor condone the general public using these with little to no knowledge. However I do know some excellent trainers who have a vast knowledge of E collars and how these work and have great success with resolving certain extreme behavioural issues. 

Modern based dog training methods focus on reward based training and building a relationship with your dog. The primary focus being on the things your dog does which you want him to repeat. 

Simple balanced measures such as slip leads, head halti's and even a flat collar and lead used correctly, can add/ remove small corrections where appropriate to help our dogs understand what we are asking of them. 

Simply removing attention for an unwanted behaviour can help decrease the likelihood of this being repeated!

By using both all 4 quadrants, we are in effect using a 'balanced' training method.

Older fashioned methods are more likely to instill fear into your dog by using equipment such as prong collars, choke chains and water spray bottles and worse!

These methods are NOT required in modern day dog training and have no place. We should never have to hurt or scare our dogs in order to get then to do what we want!

These outdated methods instil fear and confusion into your dog and damage the bond you have with them in the process.