Positive reinforcement: why reward-based training is best for your dog

When you think about teaching your dog new skills, what do you picture? 

Most dog owners want training to be a positive, bonding experience…not a battle of wills. That’s exactly why positive reinforcement has become the gold standard in dog training, and why our team uses the reward-based, science-backed approach in our Long Beach dog training services.

Not only has it been proven to be more effective than correction-based methods, but it also helps you build a stronger, happier relationship with your dog. And what’s better than that?

So, what is positive reinforcement, anyway?

Positive reinforcement is a simple idea: reward the behaviors you want to see more of.

When your dog does something right — like sitting when asked, coming when called or calmly greeting a guest — you immediately reward them with something they love. That could be treats, toys, praise…whatever gets that tail waggin’.

The “positive” means you’re adding something your dog enjoys, and the “reinforcement” means you’re encouraging that behavior to happen again in the future.

Think of it as training that motivates rather than intimidates!

Reward-based vs. correction-based training

For many years, correction-based training methods — like leash jerks, shock collars or scolding — were considered standard. These approaches rely on punishment or pressure to stop unwanted behavior.

While punishment can sometimes stop a behavior temporarily, it often comes with major downsides, like stress, fear, confusion and even a breakdown in trust in the dog/human relationship. 

We often focus on our dog’s “mistakes” (like barking or chewing) while ignoring their good behavior. But the problem is scolding is a form of attention, which teaches them that misbehavior is what gets noticed.

Positive reinforcement flips the script. By focusing on rewarding good behavior, you show your dog exactly what you want and encourage them to repeat it. Instead of worrying about making mistakes, your dog feels confident and motivated to learn.

Why positive reinforcement works

Positive reinforcement works because it taps into how dogs naturally learn. They repeat behaviors that get them something good and avoid behaviors that don’t.

It is also supported by decades of research. Psychologist B.F. Skinner introduced the idea of operant conditioning in the 1930s, showing that animals (and humans!) learn most effectively when rewarded for the right behaviors.

Since then, countless studies have shown that dogs trained with rewards:

• Learn faster and with less stress

• Build stronger, more trusting bonds with their humans

• Retain behaviors more reliably over time

• Are less likely to develop fear or anxiety around training

When dogs associate training with good things, they show up eager to participate, which makes learning that much more enjoyable for the both of you.

How it fits in our training philosophy

Positive reinforcement connects directly with the three other pillars of our training philosophy:

• Engagement: Training should be a joyful experience for both human and pup. We use games, interactive exercises and activities that capture your dog’s interest and encourage active participation. 
  

• Enrichment: A well-rounded dog is a happy dog — why is why we incorporate enrichment activities into our training programs! Activities like puzzle toys and scent work provide outlets for your dog's natural instincts.
  

• Consistency: Clear, consistent rewards help your dog quickly understand what’s expected. And that consistency is key — not just during training sessions, but in everyday life. When you, as the paw-rent, apply these techniques regularly, your dog develops reliable habits and builds a deeper bond with you.

Tips for positive reinforcement training at home

We could talk about positive reinforcement training all day! (Maybe we need a part two to this blog post in the future…)

In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you with positive reinforcement training at home:

• A reward only works if your dog actually wants it. A reward can be as simple as a treat or pet, or more substantial like a rousing game of fetch or sniffari. Find what motivates your dog and use that to your advantage.
  

• When your dog does something you don’t like, redirect them to an alternate behavior they can do instead, like sitting instead of jumping or chewing a toy instead of furniture.
  

• Keep training sessions short and end each one on a successful note.
  

• Be patient and most importantly, have fun!

If you want a training method that’s backed by science, gentle on your dog and proven to get results, positive reinforcement is the way to go. Whether you’re teaching them basic manners, addressing behavior challenges or working on advanced skills, it will help you and your dog succeed (and have a blast while doing it).

Book your dog training session with our very own Melissa today.