What is Positive Reinforcement Training?

Positive Reinforcement Training works on the scientific principles of operant conditioning, and is a highly effective way to train your dog and improve your bond. Basically, using positive reinforcement means that you reward your dog for the behaviours that you want repeated; by helping your dog understand the connection between visual/audio cues and a reward, you will find that he responds to you quickly and consistently regardless of what is happening.

But using positive reinforcement doesn’t mean that you will always have to “bribe” your dog with a cookie or treat to get them to do something. First of all, a reward doesn’t have to be food; toys and petting also work. Furthermore, once your dog gets a behaviour down, you slowly fade the treat away. Thus the reward is a tool that helps to shape the behaviours you want from your dog, not a bribe. Think of it more as a paycheck that your dog has earned after he has completed his “job”- whether it be sitting nicely when guests come over, or performing a cute trick.

The advantage of this training method is that your dog will be doing what you want not because he’s afraid, but because he knows and understands what to do. More importantly, you will both want the same behaviours because they are rewarding for both of you. Learning the appropriate household behaviours should not be painful or harmful for you or your dog; positive reinforcement has been scientifically proven to be the most efficient and effective way to train.

Our goal at the Cairo Canine Academy isn’t to simply train your dog to sit or walk nicely. We want to help you understand how your dog thinks and operates, and have the tools be able to train your dog far beyond basic commands and situations.

Still have questions or doubts? Don’t take our word for it. Check out the following books, blogs and organizations that advocate for positive reinforcement.

"The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs", by Patricia B. McConnell

"Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training", by Karen Pryor

"The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs", by Jean Donaldson

"The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training", By Paul Owens

Truly Dog Friendly

R+ Dog Training Blog

The Humane Society of the United States

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies