Q. WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
A. Positive Reinforcement (R+) training is a term used in animal learning theory that simply means: focusing on using a rewards based system in teaching dogs what they need to know in our human world. Showing dogs what TO DO (instead of what not to do, aka punishing them) is scientifically proven to be a more effective way to teach dogs (and anyone for that matter!).
The more you reward your dog for wanted behaviors, the more likely they will keep doing them.
Teaching your dog through the R+ system to understand and perform several skill sets will be instrumental in helping you both cope with challenging situations. I also focus highly on managing the environment (setting them up for success) and predicting when behaviors are likely to occur so you can anticipate and provide instruction/enrichment to meet the dogs needs while simultaneously teaching them the “good manners” integral to harmonious living with humans.
Q. WHY POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
A. There’s a wonderfully expansive body of humane research being conducted in Applied Animal Behavior programs across the globe, studying how dogs learn and the behaviors that are specific to their species (vs outdated/never empirically proven models of wolf behavior mistakingly and harmfully being applied to the very different species of domesticated dog).
I advocate for structure and clarity in teaching our pups the ways we want them to integrate into our human world; with a strong emphasis on trust building and developing a mutual relationship based in compassion and consistency. I am SUPER STOKED to see the places that animal training is traveling to in this day and age, which is focusing on Fear Free/Force Free practices, giving animals agency and asking for consent. It feels 100% in line with my intersectional feminist values, and my long held conviction in treating animals ethically.
Q. IS MY DOG TRYING TO BE ALPHA OR DOMINATE ME? DO I NEED TO BE THE PACK LEADER?
A. NO (please see this informative article: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training-dominance-alpha-and-pack-leadership-what-does-it-really-mean. That said, your dog IS your dependent, and your role is parent/teacher/guide/guardian/protector etc.
Q. WHAT ARE THESE ACRONYMS ABOUT? CPDT-KA? SAPBC? FDM?
A. These are certifications that I hold: CPDT-KA= Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (ccpdt.com for more info), SAPBC=Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant (julienaismith.com for more info) and FDM=Family Dog Mediator (familydogmediation.com for more info).
Q. WHAT DOES SPECIES & BREED SPECIFIC ENRICHMENT MEAN?
A. I like to talk about this by using the analogy of zoos that practice welfare-driven enrichment programs - you may have noticed that some zoos try to emulate a specific species natural environment, and within that environment also offer opportunities for that species to exhibit and access activities they would do in the wild - such as how that animal would be finding and foraging it’s food (instead of placing food on the ground for a giraffe, placing food up above the giraffe’s head to mimic the natural foraging in trees). Roughly 80% of dogs in the world are not kept in homes (aka free roaming) and we can observe what their “natural” behaviors and enrichment needs might look like through studying them and then offering our captive pups a version of this . Considering your dog’s overall welfare will mean adding opportunities for those natural dog behaviors/needs/foraging instincts etc - thinking of the species, then the breed (when applicable) and then the individuality of your dog to develop a comprehensive enrichment plan that also fits into your family’s needs.
Q. WHAT DOES FORCE FREE & FEAR FREE MEAN?
A. For me it means that in my intention setting and training practice I aim to tackle behavioral modification & teaching basic skills to dogs by eliminating the use of tools & methods that rely on fear, pain or force. I believe life for your dog will, like for any of us, on occasion be scary, painful and forced situations will be non-avoidable, so why add to that when you can, in fact, actively work to eliminate or reduce that? It is an ideal that I strive for with my own dogs and for my client’s dogs too. Again to return to the zoo analogy - in welfare oriented zoos it is now standard practice to train animals to participate in their own health care needs - trainers use positive reinforcement AND the ability for the animal to “opt out” of procedures by essentially teaching them how to say yes and how to say no. We can train our dogs, in what is referred to as “Cooperative Care”, to be a willing or at least tolerant participant in the kind of things they are generally forced into (health and grooming needs in particular). Because dogs in our homes are living captive lives, I think we need to really think about what welfare means for them, and choice, bodily autonomy, a sense of agency is tops on that welfare list.
Q. MY DOG ISN’T TREAT MOTIVATED, WHAT DO I DO?
A. Your dog IS treat motivated! Unless they have an underlying health condition, your dog is treat motivated! All dogs are unique and have food preferences, experiment and find some options that your dog says yes to. Another key is making sure you aren’t asking too much in a training task or environment! Some environments are too exciting, distracting, scary etc for dogs to pay attention to food. Most dogs enjoy novel treats (especially in the meat and dairy forms), variety is the spice of life so switch your treats up! Of course you can use play, toys, access to desired activities as rewards as well, but don’t give up on treats!
