Philosophy

How Dogs Learn

Consequences of a behaviour determine whether it is likely to be repeated. Those consequences must be immediate. Training changes the probability of a behaviour being repeated, it does not transmit knowledge. Good and bad consequences will end up being associated with other things present at the moment of the consequences as well as affecting the probability of the behaviour. Positive methods of training build a bond between you and your dog that is based on trust and cooperation.

Benefits Of Positive Reinforcement

• Foster confidence and trust.
• Becomes associated with the person delivering it.
• Positive reinforcement provides your dog with specific information about the behaviour that is desired.
• Positive reinforcement is fun to give and to receive.

Problems With Punishment

• Can cause aggression.
• Becomes associated with the person giving the punishment.
• Does not provide your dog with information about what you want him/her to do instead.
• Has to be strong enough to be effective but without causing physical damage. There are few times in training when the benefits of punishment outweigh the problems. Punishment may be appropriate reinforcement if there is risk to your dog's safety if he/she does not comply with training.

K9 Intelligence

• Dogs are amoral. They do not have an innate ethical sense of right and wrong.
• Your dog will not feel guilty for chewing your favorite shoes.
• Dogs are masters at reading body language.
• Your dog will know that you are upset and will react to your mood.
• Dogs can discriminate fine differences in their environment.
• Your dog may know not to chew shoes when you are home but enjoy them while you are away.