Yes, I almost focus entirely on using positive reinforcement! Using the things your dog LOVES is the best way to encourage them to learn and complete the desired behaviors, from sit, down, and come to behavior modification (reducing and/or eliminating reactivity, etc).

Sometimes negative punishment and negative reinforcement is helpful too. Read more about these techniques below.

No, I do not use aversive equipment like prong, e-collars, etc. Trainers who integrate these tools are called balanced trainers.  Instead, I focus on using positive reinforcement, such as using praise and giving your dog rewards to encourage even the smallest effort closer to the training goal. 

I use verbal prasie A LOT. This is important to communicate to your dog that you like what they are doing when they are doing it.

I also integrate the use of a “No Reward Marker/Punishment Word”, like “Eh”, followed by negative punishment (removal of something the dog likes….like my petting hand, entire body from the space/room, etc.). This is especially helpful with puppies but it can help any dog. However, this word should be used no more than 10% of the time.

Ultimately, we want to set our dogs up for SUCCESS and teach them what to do and make it rewarding*, not frustrate them with “Eh” over and over again. My group classes, private sessions, and online dog training courses go over this in greater detail.

*For some behavior modifications, like separation anxiety training, positive reinforcement (treats and toys) shouldn’t be used and isn’t helpful. However, this does not mean punishment is used…Why would we punish an anxious dog?…We don’t.

For other issues, like reactivity, negative reinforcement is useful. This means that removing something the dog doesn’t like, another dog, the garbage truck, etc, is removed (you walk them away *before* they are reactive).

If you need help treating your dog’s separation anxiety, reactivity, check out my online dog training course (coming soon) and/or reach out today to learn about private training, in-person or online—Start getting your social life back today!