What is positive reinforcement?
You may have heard the term “positive reinforcement” and possibly some descriptions of what it means. The term actually has two meanings: it’s a process that helps dogs (actually, all pets) learn new skills, and it’s also used to identify a group of trainers who use positive reinforcement as their primary method of training. training.
Compared to other methods, positive reinforcement strengthens behavior, builds trusting relationships between pet owners and their animal companions, and protects the behavioral health of pets.
Simply put, reinforcement is a process that strengthens a behavior. There are two categories of reinforcement: positive and negative.
Positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
The “positive” in positive reinforcement does not mean “good.” It means “added”. Reinforcement means to make something stronger. When you use this method to train a puppy, you add something immediately after the behavior that will strengthen that behavior throughout the dog’s training. What we add is usually something the dog likes or wants, like a treat or a tummy rub. If the behavior does not occur consistently over a period of time, positive reinforcement has not been achieved.
An example would be potty training your dog outdoors instead of on your new hardwood floors. When your dog begins to relieve himself, he waits quietly until he is finished. Once they do, provide them with some yummy treats and verbal praise. This will create a desire for them to do their business outside and collect their prize. This should happen now more because it is being positively reinforced.
If you are training your dog and the desired behavior does not occur more frequently when asked, then you are not successfully using positive reinforcement. “Positive reinforcement doesn’t work” is a statement that isn’t actually true. It is more accurate to say that “positive reinforcement has not occurred”, which means that there is something wrong with the performance.
The dog also decides what has a reinforcing effect and what does not. For example, a dog who has just eaten a full meal might not find food as comforting as access to the outdoors or play to burn off the energy from his food. On the other hand, a dog that has been exercising for an hour and has not been fed in several hours may find food very comforting.
negative reinforcement
The concept of negative reinforcement, a complex component of learning, also leads to similar confusion. “Negative” does not mean bad; It means “abducted”. Positive and negative reinforcement are similar in that they both strengthen the behavior.
Positive reinforcement means to add something immediately after a behavior occurs and negative reinforcement means removing something immediately after the behavior occurs. With negative reinforcement, the “something” that is removed or taken away is usually something that the dog does not find enjoyable and would like to avoid. For example, if something happens that the dog thinks is scary, such as a person running up to it or trying to pet it, it may hit the dog. If the scary thing stops or disappears, the snap may have been negatively reinforced.
Negative reinforcement is a complicated process. It is often confused with punishment, and when used traditionally, it is not a humane way to train your pet. This is because they have to face something they want to avoid, something they perceive as painful, scary, intimidating, or threatening. The moment a person adds something negative to a pet’s environment, there are consequences. The three main consequences of using negative reinforcement are:
Positive reinforcement is also a movement
Positive reinforcement is also a movement based on the philosophy that as professionals and pet parents, we should focus on reinforcing the behavior we want to see, rather than reacting to and punishing the behavior we don’t want to see.
Due to the way punishment is often used, it comes with multiple potential consequences, such as a statistical increase in fear-based behaviors and the likelihood of aggression. Training is a tool that should serve as a fun and rewarding way to communicate with your dog.
How is positive reinforcement used?
When you train your dog with positive reinforcement, you give a physical or verbal cue for a behavior, wait for the dog to complete the behavior, and give it something the dog wants. Repeat this process several times to assess the change in behavior. Does the dog sit more reliably, more often, or faster?
It’s not enough to say, “I gave my dog a treat after he sat down, so I used positive reinforcement.” He may have done this, but if sitting on cue doesn’t happen more often, he hasn’t positively reinforced the behavior.
Bookmarks are also a useful tool. Clickers are one of the most popular markers used in training. They help communicate to the dog exactly what they did to earn the reinforcer. It is used to mark the exact moment the dog has completed the task and just before the reinforcement is delivered. For example, if you ask your dog to sit, wait for the moment when your dog’s bottom touches the floor, and then immediately use the marker to “mark” that moment. Then deliver the treat. Working with a certified professional trainer can get you clicking in no time.
Tips on Using Positive Reinforcement
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Make sure you’re actually using it: Track your training so you know you’re getting better at what you’re working on. That is, when you ask your dog to sit, does he sit immediately every time you ask him to?
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Training environments: Make sure there is very little distraction when practicing a new behavior with your dog.
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Select your boosters carefully: In a structured session, wear something that you know will satisfy your dog. Remember, they decide what gets reinforced and what doesn’t.
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Use a bookmark: Marking the behavior works as a secondary reinforcer as long as the marker (click or word) is paired with the primary reinforcer.
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Sessions should be short and fun: Select a skill, work on it for 5 minutes, add verbal praise to your main reinforcer, take breaks, and end the session while the dog is still enjoying it.
Most importantly, have fun!
