Good article on positive reinforcement research

[big_dog7777]

I determine a dog knows an exercise when they will perform the exercise consistently in response to a verbal command without distraction of any kind. I issue correction only when my dogs choose to ignore a command they understand to either do something else they'd rather do or just flat out not perform. If a dog offers a different behavior (usually a different trained behavior) then I withhold reward and say "nope" in a matter of fact voice and start again. Offering different behavior is simply a mistake or a sign of confusion from the dog and I don't believe correcting for simple mistakes or confusion fair.

I agree more with the "no stubborn dogs" MUCH more than I disagree with it. If a dog has motivation of any kind (food, toy, pack, etc.) then "stubborn" is a result of training methodology - not genetics.

[Chicagocanine]

Originally Posted By: ZeusGSDI determine a dog knows an exercise when they will perform the exercise consistently in response to a verbal command without distraction of any kind. I issue correction only when my dogs choose to ignore a command they understand to either do something else they'd rather do or just flat out not perform.

If a dog refuses a command, I take a step back and figure out WHY the dog is not responding the way I would like. Most likely the dog has just not learned the command well enough yet and needs more practice/training, or the environment was too distracting and I need to do more work with distractions or more work in that environment.

[codmaster]

deletd

[codmaster]

I can not argue with "positive reinforcement" as all trainers seem to use it. I do have an issue with those who advocate "positive Reinforcement ONLY". i.e. no corrections ever and not even a harsh word or two.

Doesn't work too well I don't believe. You need to tell a dog (or person for that matter) when he/she is doing something wrong as well as when they are doing te right thing!

Remember when you were being shown how to drive a car - how long would it have taken you to learn if you were only praised/rewarded when you did something right and never corrected or told when you did something wrong? How would you have told someone that they MUST look behind at the traffic coming BEFORE you pull out into the traffic lane? How many fender benders are you willing to accept?

A proper correction is not "PUNISHMENT" (or mean either) like so many trainers seem to think. A quick "POP" followed by a number of "GOOD BOY"s when Baron gets it right does not seem to negatively affect him at all!

[norske]

This sure seems to pop up on dog forums on a regular basis doesn't it?

I began using Koehler, Stickland et al techniques as many have and being a handler in the Army, that was the norm. That was 36 years ago and that stage only lasted for a few months until I found a book by Rudd Weatherwax in 1973.

As a retired psychologist I used to teach "positive discipline" techniques for parents in how to raise their children. Having 5 kids of my own I was able to practise what I preached with good results.

Interestingly, how a person views authority and their political make up comes to play with what modalities they prefer to use in training.
There are some fascinating studies that relate to this.

In a nutshell it comes down to this, at least for me. If I can achieve the same or better results using only "positive" methods, why resort to any "negative" or harsh techniques? Not that a firm word doesn't come in handy every now and then. And yes, I've worked with some dandy's in the worst dog dept. Just my sense of things that work for me. Peace