Positive Reinforcement Training

Our Day School for Dogs, our training classes, and our private lessons use positive reinforcement training methods. The idea behind positive reinforcement is to give attention to (reinforce) desired behaviors in your dog by using a marker and a reinforcer (something your dog really likes!).

Marking a behavior with a clicker or a word like "yes" and reinforcing with a treat, toy or praise lets your dog know this behavior results in "good things" and he will likely repeat it to get the same good reinforcement.  

In the same way that  giving attention to behaviors you like in your dog strengthens those behaviors, ignoring the behaviors you don't want your dog to demonstrate helps to eliminate or extinguish them.  Dogs only do what works, so if your dog gets nothing for barking or jumping he will realize it doesn't work or get him anything. He will eventually stop this behavior.   
Your dog is using his mind and figuring out what you as his leader wants, not out of fear or control , but because he knows it gets him that positive reinforcement and connection with you.

A note about inadvertent reinforcement: Sometimes  an unwanted behavior gets reinforced when the intention is actually to stop it.Take the example of a jumping dog.  Often when a dog jumps the response is to push the dog off or say, "no jump, get down"  All of this communication with a dog (the talking, eye contact, touching) is reinforcing even though it is telling him no.  Dog's don't understand English so all the dog understands is that he is getting attention through touch and voice.  This is very reinforcing even though the intention is to stop the jumping. If he gets nothing for jumping he will try something else to get reinforcement (keeping all four paws on the ground or offering a sit.) 

• Training classes for puppies and dogs of all ages, levels & interests.
• Day school program offering indvidualized training plans for your dog.
• Workshops & seminars focused on your whole dog.
• Individual lessons & consultations at our center or your home.
• Training tools for you and your dog.
• Lending library including some of our favorite reads!

Puppy and Basic Manners classes starting in February & March

Basic Manners classes starting February 17 and March 1.