Positive vs. negative reinforcement

Posted by dogblog

Posted: November 2, 2009 - 12:48 pm

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How do you feel about the use of negative reinforcement in dog training? Do you still use it? Do you use it less than you did, say, 5 or 10 years ago?

I only became interested in organized dog training 5 years ago, but even in that short time it feels like the pendulum has swung even more toward positive training methods. In our first obedience classes, sharp "pops" on the leash were encouraged as corrections. A couple instructors recommended prong collars to keep my Yorkie from pulling. I was also encouraged to use my hands to manually put my dog in sits or downs. I'm not criticizing those methods in general, but they weren't right for my little dogs.

I started with the corrections but wasn't happy with the result. Walks weren't fun for either of us. I found an instructor who encouraged more positive techniques. That's not to say I don't use negative reinforcement. I will stop abruptly on walks and let the dogs correct themselves. I just try to minimize it.

I'm not at the point where I would criticize those who use more negative techniques. I've seen too many well-mannered and seemingly happy dogs who were trained with a more authoritarian hand.

I'm just wondering where others stand on this issue. Is it something you give much thought to, or do you follow the same techniques you've always followed in training your dogs?

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