In the world of dog training, terminology can be confusing and abstract at times. Traditionally, training methods were categorized into two main types: Positive (Adding) and Negative (Removing) Reinforcement. However, as our field has expanded to examining more of the inner-workings of the canine brain, so too have our approaches to training.
The Evolution of Dog Training
As dog training has advanced Dog Behaviour and Dog Psychology have emerged to take dog trainings to a deeper, more cognitive level. Behaviourists educate dog owners with tools to modify unwanted reactions by examining the dog’s mind, and while this is a step further than Positive Reinforcement training which looks at base-level cognition, Dog Psychology delves even deeper than both. Dog Psychologists explore not just the reactions of the dog, but the underlying energies that could influence them as well.
In recent years, there’s been a strong emphasis on Positive Reinforcement training, with the assumption that anything outside of this realm equates to Negative Reinforcement. However, it’s important to recognise that various training methods serve different purposes. At Full Moon, our mission is to educate dog owners about the different types of training styles and how Dog Psychology can re-wire a dog’s brain for lasting changes in their reactions and empower owners with a deeper understanding of their furry family members in a calm, positive environment.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Full Moon’s core goal is to help re-wire a dog’s brain, enabling them to remain calm in the presence of triggers such as other dogs, bikes, runners, cats, ….Dog Psychology varies greatly from Positive Reinforcement dog training techniques, with Clicker Training being a clear example. Clicker Training involves rewarding a dog with treats or affection after they successfully performed a desired action in response to a command.
While clicker training is effective with commands, it often falls short when it comes to changing reactions. You have probably seen a dog stopped on a track and while the dog is looking up at their owner, they are being fed treats. You may also hear a click and then when the dog looks up at their owner, they are given a treat. This puts the dog into a state of Avoidance. The goal of Avoidance is for the dog to be looking away from the trigger that would cause them to have an unwanted reaction, and if they do so, then they are rewarded with either treats or physical/verbal affection to incentivise them to continue those responses in the future. This method works well if the dog is in a mental state and environment where they can listen to a command and follow through, but what if they are reacting to the point where they physically can’t hear your command or the click?
Taking it Beyond Avoidance
Simply rewarding a dog for looking away doesn’t eliminate the underlying reaction. A dog may physically avert their gaze from a trigger, but if you observe their body language—such as upright ears—they are still reacting, just not to the same degree as if they were staring at the trigger. When a dog receives a reward during this moment, they are, in essence, being rewarded for their current mental state, which will reinforce unwanted reactions rather than resolve them.
At Full Moon, we practice establishing Avoidance in our dogs as a first step, but then move them beyond into a state of calm so that each time they see the trigger, their association has changed fully. The ultimate result is that the dog can look at their triggers and will react with calm. The reason our techniques don’t require reinforcement with rewards is because they simply feel the tension of their reactions dissolve so they can feel the calm. Calm feels much better to them, so that in-turn it encourages the calm reactions instead. This shift not only benefits the dog but also fosters a more trusting relationship between them and their owners.
A Shift in Terminology
We advocate for a shift away from the simplistic labels of Positive and Negative training. Instead, we suggest using more specific terms such as Obedience, Psychology, and Behaviour Training. This nuanced language better captures the complexities of canine motivation and training methods.
Transform Your Trainings
Discover how Full Moon’s techniques can help you connect with your dog on a deeper level, addressing their psyche through calm training techniques. Embrace a more comprehensive approach to training and witness the transformation in your dog’s behaviouur.
For more insights on understanding canine motivation, stay tuned to our blog and explore the resources available at Full Moon Dog Psychology!