We’ve all seen it. So many trainers using “science based dog training” as a reason to use one program over another, IYKYK. What they don’t tell you? All dog training is science based dog training.
So… what’s the difference? Should you go with “purely positive” trainer or a “balanced” trainer? What do these titles even mean?
I’m all about honesty, so I’ll just say right now I’m a balanced trainer. However, purely positive or R+ dog training is great! I apprenticed under an all positive trainer. She was very patient and once told me that after 2 years of stopping every time the leash was taught, her first Akita was finally able to walk on a loose leash.
I met another woman who’s dog used to be reactive to other dogs on leash. After a year of giving him treats every time he looked at another dog, she was able to be within 10 feet of other dogs and he would glance at another dog and then look at her.
I’ve also met a lot of dogs who positive training failed for one reason or another.
You will not receive any judgment from me for choosing that path. I’m simply here to give you the whole picture.
Balanced training basically means trainers who use multiple quadrants of operant conditioning. A scientifically backed method, in fact it’s the exact same scientifically based method used by pure positive trainers.
No balanced trainer does everything the exact same way. Everyone has methods, techniques, and tools that they prefer.
I’ve seen balanced trainers rehabilitate aggression cases, I’ve also seen balanced trainers create aggression cases.
I’ve seen fully off leash, and incredible dogs trained by balanced trainers. I’ve also seen dog abusers claim to be balanced trainers.
Make sure you do your research before hiring any type of trainer for your dog.
The only thing balanced trainers have in common is the fact that they’re willing to admit they use multiple quadrants in operant conditioning.
So… what are these quadrants?
1. Positive Reinforcement- Giving the trainee something they like to increase the likelihood of that behavior occuring.
Ex. Giving your dog a treat for sitting.
Desired behavior- Sitting
Desired reward- Treat
2. Negative Reinforcement- Removing something in order to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring.
Ex. Applying pressure to get the dog into a sit.
Desired Behavior- Sit
Stimulus- Pressure
*The will try try to escape the pressure by sitting and then avoid further pressure by sitting more quickly if pressure is applied.
3. Positive Punishment- Adding something the trainee doesn’t like in order to decrease the likelihood of the behavior occurring.
Ex. Bitter spray to stop furniture chewing.
Decreased Behavior- Chewing on furniture
Punishment- Bitter spray
4. Negative Punishment- Removing something in order to decrease the likelihood of the behavior occurring.
Ex. Stopping every time your dog pulls on the leash.
Decreased behavior- Pulling
Punishment- Not walking
There is a more indepth explanation here.
Notice I said trainee, not dog because operant conditioning is also used on humans.
Examples:
PR- Giving a child a gold star for being nice.
NR- Taking away toys if they don’t clean up after themselves.
PP- Making them apologize for misbehaving.
NP- Taking away a toy when they throw it at you.
Operant conditioning comes down to consequences. Adding or subtracting to increase or decrease behavior.
Whatever path you choose, you deserve to know the entire truth. Hopefully this article illuminates the science behind dog training to help you make that choice.
Contact us if you need any help finding a trainer to match your needs.