Often times folks worry that with positive reinforcement we are making animals “work” for food which they think isn’t kind. In fact, the opposite is true. There is a scientific term called, “contrafreeloading” which indicates that even if food is readily available in abundance, animals will often choose to obtain food via operant conditioning such as pushing a lever to get food or via a food puzzle.

According to Inglis, Forkman, & Lazarus this phenomenon appears “to contradict a basic tenet of most learning.” However, it has been concluded that “working” for food allows animals to gather information about their ever changing environments. Which, in the long term can result, under natural conditions, as  “adaptive” thus serving the purpose of seeking rather than just finding their meals.

Does Zoro look happy to be working for his kibble? Notice his body language-waggly body, swinging tail. Judge for yourself!

Day NINETEEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

According to Victoria Stilwell (television celebrity & positive reinforcement trainer), “As it turns out, it’s scientifically sound advice to be nice to your dog.” This is great news!

Educating & training learners is most definitely one area where the end does not justify the means. This is true especially when there are better, more effective, ethical means to reach your goal. So, the fact that science & behavioral experts also concur that the best methodology is to positively reinforce behaviors makes it a win/win situation & the choice easy.

The question for some folks comes in via the fact that punishment does work. However, it only works to suppress behavior. It does not work to change behavior, nor does it instruct the learner what you want them TO do.

In addition, in order for the punishment approach to continue to function, it must continue to escalate. Moreover, it is reinforcing to the punisher, which is a dangerous slippery slope. Punishment/correction serves to increase aggression, increase apathy, increase escape/avoidance tendencies, & increase generalized fear.

Fortunately, reward based training has none of the above side effects. Instead, we can foster relationships built on trust & love rather than fear & dominance. Which, ultimately, works much better!

ACTION: Think about a time when you may have corrected (even saying, “No!”) or punished your dog. Now consider the evidence. Did this behavior stop for ever & ever? Did you ever have to repeat this punishment/correction (thus it was ineffective)? Now think about-even try this part out!-how you could instead look for some behavior to reinforce? Good luck building up that relationship!

Please note that Milo the dog is reading Karen Pryor’s, “Don’t Shoot the Dog”-a great resource!

Day EIGHTEEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

It can be tricky figuring out just where you can find good, reliable answers to your dog behavior questions. There are many “pseudo” experts in all fields who can seem convincing online. As such, I’d suggest the following (this is not a complete list, but a good spot to begin) for some great information from valid, science based sources:

• PAW-sign up to get regular updates!  positiveanimalwellness.com
• American Association of Veterinary Medicine position on “dominance”: http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/dominance_statement.pdf
• Why Punishment Fails: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/data/articlestandard//vetmed/382008/550620/article.pdf
• Dr. Sophia Yin on Dominance vs Leadership in Training: http://www.veterinarybehaviorclinic.com/downloads/DominanceFinal.pdf
• Dr. Susan Friedman, BehaviorWorks on Applied Behavioral Analysis http://www.behaviorworks.org/index.html
• Body Language of Fear in Dogs: http://www.okawvetclinic.com/sites/site-2547/documents/Sophia%20Yin/Body%20language%20of%20fear%20in%20dogs.pdf
• Children and Dogs: http://www.okawvetclinic.com/sites/site-2547/documents/Sophia%20Yin/How%20kids%20should%20interact%20with%20dogs.pdf
• Types of Barking: https://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/APDT_Barking.pdf
• Chewing: https://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/APDT_Chewing.pdf
• 10 Top Training Tips: http://www.deerrunanimalhospital.com/sites/site-3302/documents/10TipsHandout_v2Proof32.pdf
• The Pet Professional Guild-for Force Free Professionals (connecting Pet Lovers and Pet Professionals): http://www.petprofessionalguild.com
• Crate Training: http://bestfriends.org/dog-crate-training.aspx , http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_1/features/Crate-Training-Basics_20167-1.html
• Karen Pryor Academy: https://www.karenpryoracademy.com
• Doggone Safe: http://www.doggonesafe.com

 ACTION: Choose three of the above resources & get reading this week! You might be surprised what great information, tidbits, & usable tricks you find to help enhance your relationship with the learners in your world!