FAQ

What is the difference between traditional/punishment based training and reward/positive training?

The difference lies rooted in the fact that reward/positive training methods are derived from known scientific knowledge about how learning takes place. In reward training desired behavior is reinforced and in punishment training unwanted behaviors are punished. It is a known fact that all species learn more and are happier learners with reward based training.

Read what Dr. Sophia Yin has to say about leadership without force

Does this mean NO punishment is ever used?

The reward trainer will follow a hierarchy of principles working from positive reinforcement down to positive punishment. So my goal is to find appropriate alternate behaviors to reinforce and prevent the unwanted behaviors from being exhibited. Punishment, if any, is minimized.

What is Behavior Analysis?

Behavior Analysis is a scientific method of predicting and changing behavior. We can change behavior using what we actually see going on rather than unobservable, preconceived notions or labels. The trained individual can see how the environment sets up the behavior to happen and how the consequence will reinforce the behavior. Changing these variables correctly and then add new desired behaviors and unwanted behavior is changed.

Click on this link to learn more about this fascinating branch of science.

What is Behaviorism?

Behaviorism is the systematic approach to animal behavior to understand it better. It takes into account Genetics, Reinforcement/Punishment history for that individual and all the factors of the current environment along with motivation of the animal. We cannot psycho-analyze dogs but can use Operant conditioning very effectively.