Answering Critics
Critics say that positive dog training “bribes” dogs into behaving or that we”re too permissive or wishy-washy with our dogs. That isn’t the case. People who use reward-based dog training set all kinds of rules for dogs to follow. Just a few examples:
- Sit to put on leash or eat
- Sit to come inside or go outside
- Do not visit people or dogs without permission
- Only calm dogs with all four feet on the floor get attention
The difference between positive reinforcement training and old-school, punishment-based training lies in our method and motivation. When dogs get it “wrong,” we don’t punish them. We simply don’t reward them. And, if it’s a really annoying thing, like attention-seeking behaviors (pawing at us, trying to crawl in our laps), we get up and leave the room or give a dog version of “time out.”
You see, when dogs learn that good behavior earns our attention, then withdrawing that attention in a non-confrontational, non-emotional way is a very powerful learning tool.
In some cases, however, dogs need a bit more help to succeed. So rather than force dogs into situations where they cannot behave (a method called “flooding”), we adjust the environment and our expectations until they can. Then, we reward them for their effort.