Positive reinforcement and force free methods
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is a training method using a reward for desired behaviour from your pet. Rewards don’t have to be treats, it can also be praise, toys or anything that your pet finds rewarding. This method has been proven to be most effective and encourages pets to respect boundaries and continue with positive behaviour in the future. For example, you want your dog to stop jumping up, when your dog is doing this unwanted behaviour you can correct them by turning around with your arms folded, make no eye contact and ”ignore” them. When they have all fours back on the ground and are calm, reward immediately the desired behaviour which is this situation is calmness. Positive reinforcement is also known as force free, science based training, reward based training.
What is the Alpha theory?
The Alpha/dominant theory is based on the observation of wolves both in the wild and how wolves in captivity were competing for hierarchy roles within the pack. It was proven to be unnatural behaviour for wolves in the wild. But dogs are not wolves! Using these forceful methods proved to be much more harmful and have negative effects on the dog. Dogs are not performing wanted behaviours because they think you know best and want to please you, instead they would fear you and are often extremely confused.