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Positive reinforcement or correction based training: Which is the better method?

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Reinforce
71% 107 votes Total: 150 votes
Correct
29% 43 votes
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Reinforce

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in the environment, not with the behavior you are trying to extinguish.

No reward markers ("No", "Oops", etc) can be used as conditioned negative punishers, a signal that the dog has just lost a reward. However, I do not advise using these constantly, as they could become positive punishers (if your tone increases in intensity). Besides that, timing for no reward markers has to be impeccable, too. It is better to consider what you want the animal to do. Instead of punishing the wrong behavior, reward the correct behavior. Likewise, give the dog an alternative. If you do not want your dog jumping up on you when you arrive home, ask it for a sit before it jumps. Shower it with attention when it sits! Eventually, it will realize that it will receive a desired resource (your attention) if it sits. The sits should become more prevalent. If the dog continues to jump sporadically, you could say "Oops" and turn your back to the dog (No reward marker). Wait for the dog to sit before you show it any attention. This should be a more positive experience for both you AND your dog (versus punishing).

In my opinion, the best strategy for training is positive reinforcement. I have seen both methods in action, and I have had the most success training with positive ways. "Most success" meaning that inappropriate behaviors actually become extinct (since they do not work for the animal), and the offering of correct behavior increases rapidly and enthusiastically. From my experience, dogs trained with positive methods seem happier. I would much rather see a dog excitedly offering "sits", "stays", etc, versus one that looks fearfully at it's owner as it sits. As trainers, we should all desire to have happy, trusting, and obedient animals (it IS possible!).

References:

Donaldso n, Jean. "The Culture Clash." James and Kenneth Publishers, 1996.

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Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Positive reinforcement or correction based training: Which is the better method?

Reinforce
Correct
  • 1 of 2

    by Judy J. Lehrman

    Correct or Reinforce? I don't see how anyone could "train" a dog, or any other animal for that matter, without BOTH!

    read more

  • 2 of 2

    by Christine Bennett

    My side of the debate took some thinking about because actually this side the correct' side could also be on the reinforce

    read more

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