The effectiveness of positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement has to do with how dogs react to stimuli. Animals adopt a submissive attitude when they are filmed, which does not allow them to learn.
There are two methods when it comes to punishing dogs: let’s talk about positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.
The first focuses on reward and the second on reprimand. Some trainers say you need to use both. In this article we will talk about positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement versus negative reinforcement: educating or punishing your dog?
A dog is a full-fledged member of the family and, for this, needs limits, which is to know what he can do and what not.
Discipline is essential for the animal to understand how to behave.
But sometimes dogs have behavior problems due to the fact that they have not been trained properly since puppies .
The main “shortcomings” are: digging in the garden, barking too much, breaking objects in the house, trying to bite people or other animals and go to the toilet in forbidden places.
In order for the dog to learn to behave well, he must understand who is the leader of the pack. Do not forget that dogs are descended from wolves, and that the alpha male or beta female is in charge of them.
If the animal believes that it is in charge, it is more difficult for it to obey the orders of a subordinate.
Aggression and unwanted behaviors are typical signs that your dog considers himself an alpha.
To solve this problem you can use positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement to punish your pet
In reality, this type of training is not based on punishment, but on rewarding good deeds.
Positive reinforcement is a technique that consists in rewarding with pats, loving words, snacks or games when the dog obeys an order.
This process is undoubtedly more fun and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. All dogs would rather receive a snack as a reward than be punished and tied to a chain.
The benefits of positive reinforcement are many, which is why it is recommended by trainers and veterinarians.
Among other things, it allows you to strengthen the dog-owner bond, makes the animal feel loved and respected and serves to resolve some past trauma.
It is very important to make the dog understand that he is being rewarded because he has obeyed orders.
The downside to positive reinforcement is that you can’t give him a snack or caress him if you don’t give him an order he has to obey, because he won’t understand why you are rewarding him.
Negative reinforcement to punish your dog
Still many trainers and pet owners use this method, as they think it is the most effective. However, it is considered by many to be a form of mistreatment.
Many people confuse negative reinforcement with beating or inflicting pain, but that’s not the case.
This method is based on giving an unpleasant stimulus to educate him. Along with constant practice, the animal will learn and no punishments will be needed.
Consider that punishing a dog – be it a Boxer or a Yorkshire – is not a good idea when you train him. Why? Because the animal is subjected to a situation of generalized stress and this makes it so that it does not remember what it has learned.
The next time something like this happens, it will act the same way. It will be a vicious circle in which you will punish him for doing something wrong, the animal will be traumatized and will not pay attention to your order, and so on.
Also, you need to know that when the dog does something bad, he will show submission because you will get angry and scold him. This fear will not allow him to understand the reason for the punishment.
Therefore, using negative reinforcements is not the solution to your four-legged friend’s behavior problems.
Take the time to teach him what’s right and then reward him. You will see that you will get better results.
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