Positive Reinforcement Training
Executive Summary
Positive Reinforcement Training, abbreviated R+ Training, is a subset of Operant Conditioning (click here to read more).
In this method, target behaviors are built through the exclusive use of positive reinforcers such as treats, play, or affection. Punishment techniques, such as pain or discomfort are off-limits.
Example: Obedience Commands
- Sit: Luring the animal with treats is preferred, instead of physically placing the animal into position.
- Recall: Attraction is encouraged through the use of escalating-rewards, instead of issuing an electrical shock or pulling on a long-line.
- Cues: Rewards are preceded by a reward-cue such as “yes” or “good”; warning-cues are forbidden, such as the tone before an electric shock
- Shaping Behavior: Instead of punishment or “correction”, behaviors are shaped through the delay of reward (i.e. they don’t get a treat until the behavior is “just right”).
Because of it’s low barrier of entry, and the increase of Force-Free initiatives, this method of dog training has become highly popularized.
Example Case: Jasmine
Imagine that you are working with a client named Jasmine and her puppy, Milo.
Jasmine has enrolled in your training class for basic obedience, and has a 16-week old puppy that is bursting with energy.
You, being a well-trained R+ Trainer, are happy to help her with this task and are excited to get started working with her – puppies clients are the most fun!
Pre-Session
Two weeks before group class, you let Jasmine know that she will need some training supplies in order to participate:
1. Equipment
- Leads and collars must be gentle and comfortable to wear and use.
- Training devices that are, or are perceived to be, pro-punishment are forbidden.
2. Treats
- As many as you want!
- Bring a set of regular treats, and a set of high value or “super tasty” treats.
- You can also use dog food as your training treats.
3. Toys
- Bring toys that won’t disrupt other dogs (no squeakers!).
- Toys that promote bite-and-shake are not allowed.
Training
As you conduct your group class, you bring Jasmine aside and show her the basic practices of R+ Training:
1. Luring
This is how to get the dog in the correct position. To properly lure the animal, hold a treat in front of their nose. Using their head as a guide, lure them into the desired position:
- Up-High: the dog will sit.
- Down-Low: the dog will sniff, then lie down after a time.
- Far-Out: the dog will walk.
2. Commands
Commands should be bright, welcoming, and consistent. Follow these rules:
- Tone – Should be high pitched, fun, welcoming, warm.
- Loudness – Loud enough to be clear, but don’t disrupt your classmates!
- Consistent – Say your dog’s name, then the command.
- Timely – Give your dog some time to react to the command, before repeating it.
3. Timing and Reward
Rewards must be given immediately after the target behavior is complete. This should be accompanied by a reward-cue such as “yes!” or “good!”.
Shaping Behavior
As the weeks go by, you see Jasmine and Milo progressing nicely. Jasmine encountered a few punishment-based pitfalls, but they were sorted out relatively easily:
1. No Corrections (Punishments)
In the beginning, Jasmine would say “ah-ah” to indicate that Milo didn’t do something properly, or give him a “pop” on the collar to get him to listen.
You explained that these techniques can be averse, and that’s not what R+ Training is all about. Instead, you taught her to say “Milo!” in an excited voice, and give him a reward when he is attentive.
2. No Physical Manipulation
Jasmine would occasionally help Milo to sit by pushing on his back-end. While you didn’t find this technique to be disruptive, per se, you made sure to give Jasmine extra training on how to lure Milo into position.
After he learned “sit” you told her that she simply ask for the command again if he didn’t sit properly. She could delay the reward until he did it right – but you warned her not to go overboard, otherwise he might think that he won’t get the reward, even if he tries.
3. No Harsh Commands (Tone)
When training the recall, Jasmine would have to call Milo multiple times. Each subsequent command was louder, and she began to sound frustrated by the end.
You reminded her that commands, particularly the recall command, should be happy, exciting, and welcoming. In addition, you encouraged her to use high-value treats, and perhaps his favorite toy, to entice him.
Conclusion
Over the next few months, Jasmine continued to participate in your group classes, and they graduated with a “Good Dog!” certificate – it even comes with a cookie (and information about your advanced classes!).
Jasmine feels that she understands how to make Milo’s life enjoyable, fun, and welcoming; and, in turn, Milo has become a happy, politely-mannered dog.
Great job, you!
Operant Conditioning
In essence, Operant Conditioning is the basis for Positive Reinforcement Training. While we have an entire article on Operant Conditioning, it may prove useful to have a small overview.
The method relies on the basic assumption that there are four categories that shape our behavior:
1. Positive Reinforcement (R+):
- The presence of a positive stimulus immediately following a behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future.
- Example – Giving a treat to a dog immediately after it sits when asked. The treat serves as a positive stimulus and reinforces the sitting behavior.
2. Negative Reinforcement (R-):
- The removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus immediately following a behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future.
- Example – If a dog is trained to sit, and you stop pulling on its leash as soon as it sits, the removal of pressure serves as negative reinforcement for sitting.
3. Positive Punishment (P+):
- The presence of an aversive stimulus immediately following a behavior, which decreases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future.
- Example – Giving a verbal correction or a leash correction when a dog jumps on a person. The aversive stimulus is intended to decrease the jumping behavior.
4. Negative Punishment (P-):
- The removal of a positive stimulus immediately following a behavior, which decreases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future.
- Example – If a dog is playing with a toy and becomes too rough, removing the toy for a short period can serve as negative punishment. This is meant to decrease the behavior.
Controversy
This wouldn’t be a complete article without addressing the war between dog training philosophies!
Unfortunately, it has become commonplace for trainers to disparage and discredit one another. Because of this, it is hard to find a consistent answer – no matter what technique you research, there is a cohort of trainers (and veterinarians) that will tell you how it is complete and utter garbage. It isn’t helpful!
It is very important to understand that there are many routes to success. Positive Reinforcement Training is simply one route you can take – a single tool in your toolbox. Use it when you deem it necessary.
In addition there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the context highly influences the tools you will need. Our advice? Learn them all; deep dive into every single one. There is something useful to be gleaned in every training philosophy.
Resources
We highly suggest heading over to our article on Operant Conditioning, to learn more about the other three quadrants.
While we do not recommend any book that focuses solely on R+ Training, Steven Lindsay’s textbook series called Applied Dog Behavior and Training, and Dogs For Dummies are a good place to start. A link to these books can be found in the recommended reading section.
