The Positive Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement Sides of Dog Training

            No matter the breed, size, or gender of one’s canine companion, training is crucial. Though there are many methods and techniques used to train dogs they fall into one of two categories, positive or negative reinforcement. Both techniques can be effective; however, they condition the dog’s mind and behavior in different ways.

 Positive and negative reinforcement training is effective. It is the owner’s responsibility to train and raise a dog into a balanced and well rounded canine member of society. One should become familiar with the different types of training methods and choose what is best suited for the owner and dog. Positive and negative reinforcement creates a stimulus for the dog. Positive reinforcement is a pleasant stimulus that the dog receives at the exact moment of the desired action or instantly after the action, such as the dog sitting. This pleasant stimulus can be many things, most often a verbal praise such as the word “good”. While negative reinforcement is used to correct an undesired behavior. An accident on the carpet may be punished by rubbing the dog’s nose in it. It creates an undesirable stimulus.  

            Positive reinforcement comes in many forms and can be used in many ways. It is often used along with reward based training methods. The goal of positive training is to teach the dog that good things happen when they comply with the trainer’s wishes. A popular and effective training tool is a clicker. A clicker is a small, plastic device with a thin strip of metal inside. When pushed, a click is produced. The sound of the click is used to mark the exact moment the dog has done the desired action, such as the dog lying down. When a dog hears the click it triggers the pleasure center in the brain.  Follow this with a reward such as a treat, praise, or toy and the dog will associate the sound of the click with a reward. They will begin to understand that the click only happens when they have done what the trainer has asked. The key to positive training is to figure out what the dog enjoys and use it. If the dog loves food, reward with a treat. If the dog has a particular toy they love, such as a tennis ball, let that be the reward.

            On the other hand, negative reinforcement training is an older technique that has been practiced for many years. The point of negative training is to create an unpleasant stimulus for the dog when they have done something undesired. These adverse methods can include: hitting, yelling, shock, prong and choke collars, rubbing a dog’s nose in urine or feces, and dominating the dog in any physical way. It also consists of leash corrections, anti-pull harnesses, and muzzles. These tools are often viewed as cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary. This instills into the dog’s mind that when it does certain actions unpleasant things will happen; thus it will comply with the trainer’s wishes.

            Cesar Millan has become a well know trainer through his television show “The Dog Whisperer.”  “Despite the positive aspects of Cesar Millan’s dog training aspects, there are also aspects of his methods that are more controversial.” (Huston, Lorie). He is an example of a trainer who uses negative reinforcement techniques such as leash corrections, prong collars and physical domination. He uses adverse methods to force dogs into submission and compliance; thus becoming the pack leader. Whereas Victoria Stilwell star of “It’s Me or the Dog” is an advocate for positive reinforcement training. “Stilwell is passionate about using positive reinforcement training methods that enhance a dog's ability to learn while increasing confidence.” (APDT). She uses positive stimulus combined with rewards to earn the dog’s trust and gain its respect to become the pack leader.

Both methods are effective and seemingly produce the same effect, an obedient dog. Look closer however, and they actually produce two very different types of dogs. Negative reinforcement produces a dog that obeys out of fear of punishment. These dogs are unstable and have not truly been trained and freed of the bad behavior. The behavior still lurks beneath the surface waiting to reappear, yet out of fear, it remains dormant. Alternatively, positive reinforcement earns the dog’s trust, teaches that when the dog follows the trainer’s commands something pleasant happens in return. This produces a dog that is stable and balanced and one that is willing to behave out of anticipation of a reward. Positive reinforcement has consistent, long lasting results; whereas, negative reinforcement leaves room for slip ups and reoccurrences in the future.  

Often it is not a clear cut choice between positive and negative techniques. Mixtures of both positive and negative methods have been proven to be effective. Positive reinforcement teaches the dog a correct behavior, such as heel. The command may need to be followed with a negative reinforcement tool, such as an anti-pull harness to teach the dog to continue the behavior even in the presence of distractions. In some cases, such as many of the difficult dogs Caesar deals with, negative techniques may need to be used; although they should also be paired with positive techniques and rewards. However it is possible, perhaps a bit more challenging though, to use solely positive methods to control a difficult dog. Victoria illustrates this beautifully.

Despite which techniques or methods are used, dogs must be trained in order to be balanced, happy, and stable. Dogs are pack animals and if one does not provide a leader for them they will take the role upon themselves. This creates problems for both owner and dog alike.  Negative and positive training methods are effective; however, one must determine which methods work best for themselves and the dog. Each dog is an individual despite their breed and must be trained in a manner which works for them. Dogs, like people, learn in different ways and at different speeds.  It’s about patience, consistency, and effort on the part of the handler. As the dog’s owner, one must take the time to evaluate the dog and its situation. Carefully considering the many training methods and techniques as all do not mentally produce the same type of dog.