Positive Reinforcement Training

How positive reinforcement ONLY training is failing the people and dogs who need help the most.

What Is Positive Reinforcement Training?

Positive reinforcement training or R+ training is part of the 4 quadrants of operant conditioning learning theory. It is applied by teaching behaviours using a positive reward. Most often this reward is food, but other positive rewards can also be used including but not limited to toys, positive affection, attention, play etc.

 

The Problem with Positive Reinforcement ONLY Training

While positive reinforcement training should often the first choice, there are situations where it can inadvertently reinforce unwanted behaviors if applied incorrectly. This can hinder the creation of a truly fear-free and harmonious environment.

Example 1: Barking at Squirrels

A dog barks out the window at a squirrel. The owner says “quiet” and rewards the dog with a treat once it stops barking. While this is a classic example of positive reinforcement training, it may not reduce the barking long-term. The dog might associate the pattern as, “If I bark, I eventually get a treat.” This undermines the goal of reducing the unwanted behavior.

Example 2: Leash Reactivity

A reactive dog on a walk may be distracted with treats until another dog passes by. Although this uses positive reinforcement training, it might not change the dog’s underlying emotional response. The distraction doesn’t help the dog learn how to stay calm around other dogs, which is necessary for creating a truly fear-free mindset.

The Key to Effective Dog Training: Relationship Based, Humane Methods

Most dog behavior issues arise due to unclear communication or inconsistency in how they’re handled. While positive reinforcement training is a core part of any training plan, it must be paired with humane training methods that set clear boundaries for the dog in a way that doesn’t cause fear or confusion.

Dog Training Toronto | Hairy Tales | Award Winning Dog Behaviorist

Some people believe that positive reinforcement training is the only humane way to train dogs. However, it’s important to incorporate relationship based training which includes clear communication and humane corrections when needed to guide a dog’s behavior more effectively. Studies show that when dogs aren’t clear on what behaviors are unacceptable, they can become anxious, confused, or even neurotic. A fear-free approach should involve not only teaching the dog what’s desired, but also communicating what is not acceptable.

Kristina Rapson
The Hairy Dogmother

Creating a Fear-Free and Humane Training Plan

For dog training to be truly effective and fear-free, consequences must be part of the learning process—though they should always be humane and never harsh. A simple example: if your dog jumps up on you for attention, withholding the attention and using the leash to guide them off you teaches that jumping won’t get them what they want. This type of consequence is gentle, fear-free, and effective when used alongside positive reinforcement training.

The most effective trainers are versatile, using a mix of positive reinforcement and humane training methods to suit each dog’s specific needs. No single method works for all dogs, especially in cases involving aggression or severe reactivity. If you’re searching for a trainer, find someone who can balance positive reinforcement training with approaches that address behavioral issues without causing fear or confusion.

The Science Behind Leadership In Dogs

Learn more about the science behind the importance of leadership with dogs.

What are Hairy Tales Fundamental Training Principles?

01

Improving Communication & Relationship

Through teaching you how dogs communicate, Kristina will be helping you how to clarify your interactions with your dog so you are sending them the right messages.

02

Learning Techniques

You must learn from Kristina how to communicate what is and is not acceptable. Then you must apply this and teach your dog the rules and boundaries clearly and consistently. 

03

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Once you have the knowledge, skills and tools from Kristina to improve your dogs behaviour, you are to practice every single day. Practice makes perfect!

How to Choose the Right Trainer

Be cautious of trainers who over-promise or suggest extreme measures like euthanasia without exploring alternatives. The best trainers will openly discuss the limitations of positive reinforcement training in certain scenarios and offer a balanced approach. Look for trainers who understand the value of combining fear-free techniques with clear communication to help your dog succeed.
When selecting a trainer, ensure they have experience not just with positive reinforcement training, but also with managing more complex behaviors in a fear-free and humane manner. The right trainer will guide you in creating a balanced environment where your dog can learn and thrive without fear or confusion.

This is where I come in, to help you understand what you might be doing to send your dog messages stating that the dog is in charge. I help you communicate with your dog clearly and effectively to help them understand that they are not the leaders of the household, you are. 

Dog Training Toronto | Hairy Tales | Award Winning Dog Behaviorist
Kristina Rapson The Hairy Dogmother
  • Remember that no behaviour issue can be completely resolved in just one session. It takes time and practice to get over these types of issues. 
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  • We got a rescue dog a little while back and we were having some minor behavioural issues with him and he seemed to have no training as well. Kristina was very professional and patient with not only our dog Willi but also with us, she helped us notice behaviours and explained why he had them and set up an easy to follow training routine for him. Willi has come a long way in the short time we had him. I will continue to use Kristina’s services and I and Willi think she’s great.

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  • Highly recommend Kristina as a dog trainer. We have only done two private sessions and seeing immediate improvement with our 6 month puppy. Already we are seeing big improvements with his obedience, loose leash walking, mouthiness, jumping, reactivity, and overall manners. Kristina works hard to understand who you are, and who your dog is, and works to strengthen your bond and relationship with your dog first and foremost. She is attentive, calm, and very knowledgeable, and has pointed out things that I didn't know were contributing to certain behavioural issues, and more importantly, what I can do to address them. She sends detailed homework which was extremely helpful, and it includes tips and step by step guidance on how to address certain problem areas. Kristina's training philosophy is balanced and works to strengthen the relationship between you and your pup, establish your role and teach you how to better communicate with your dog. This was incredibly important for us, since we tried other training schools and approaches, and dedicated a LOT of time, and it still wasn't working. I'm so glad we found Hairy Tales and Kristina, I am enjoying seeing the positive changes, and most importantly I know I will have a well mannered dog who I can keep safe and happy.

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  • Kristina was a wonderful help with our rescue dog. The best thing we did was book a session with Kristina BEFORE we got our dog. That way we were able to start out on the right foot immediately, and Kristina also had great recommendations for products/equipment to buy. We booked more sessions afterward as well, but booking an introductory/prep session before getting a dog was a game changer. It really helped us create good habits from the get-go. Kristina helped us with many things, including (i) our dog's reactivity around other dogs and people, (ii) loose-leash walking, (iii) setting up healthy boundaries and establishing leadership at home, and (iv) crate training. Kristina was easy to work with, accessible and very knowledgeable. She also sent us fulsome notes after every session, which were really helpful. Could not recommend her more, and we're clearly in good company looking at all of these five star reviews!

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  • Kristina has been a constant resource in my now two-year old puppy's life - both my pup and I love working with her. She's patient, kind, and always willing to go beyond your session to offer advice or help. I've enjoyed working with her and will continue to use her help whenever there is something that needs adjusting. Thank you Kristina from all of us!! 🙂

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  • Kristina saved our dog Gigi’s life. Being a first time dog owner we were very overwhelmed with our dog’s aggressive behaviour. Kristina gave us the skills and tools we needed to work through the behavioural issues. Through our training sessions we learned how to care for Gigi so that the aggressive behaviour was avoided. Thank you Kristina for all your help and professional advice. We cannot thank you enough!

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