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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  • I am so happy with Kristina. My previous dog trainer retired and found Kristina by Google reviews. The Google reviews are correct - Kristina is excellent and perfect energy for us. Supportive, kind and fantastic at explaining things. We are making huge progress with Gwenny already. Highly recommend Kristina

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  • I recently adopted a little Shelter dog, who was a real bossy bully of a dog, and walking her turned into a stressful event for both of us. But Kristina help me learn how to pick-up on my dog's body cues/language and help guide her past trigger dogs (i.e. anything bigger than her) in a calm, firm manner. She so much more relaxed on our walks now and I can't thank Kristina enough for her patience and knowledge. She is an excellent trainer and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a dog trainer.

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  • Kristina is a very experienced trainer who also provides thorough notes after each session, which is one reason I find her fee very good value. After just one session, I was able to make substantial progress with my two-year-old rescued terrier. She also checks in between sessions, which I appreciate. Overall, she obviously has a deep love of dogs and is very conscientious about helping their humans understand their pets’ behaviour and how best to change it where necessary. Call me and my dog very satisfied customers!

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  • Kristina has been incredible to work with. She’s thoughtful and takes her time with my pup. She provided detailed notes and homework based on what your dog needs and sends follow ups to check in on your dogs progression. I’ve seen an incredible improvement in my pups behaviour and I definitely attribute that to the help I got from her!

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  • Kristina is super knowledgeable and has helped our Benny immensely! He's amazing and so sweet but was initially very reactive to dogs and humans alike. Kristina takes the time to work with you to establish a better relationship with your dog, and gives you homework so that you have things to work on independently between sessions! Benny no longer pulls on walks and is so calm around other pups. Thanks Kristina!!

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  • Working with Kristina on our dog's reactiveness to new visitors entering the home, and her comfort level with her walker, has been massively helpful. She's armed us with confidence and the right training tools to work on these specific issues. Our dog has completed multiple grades of obedience training, but we were missing guidance on what to do in specific circumstances that trigger our dog's anxiety. Having the ability to have Kristina over to our home to replicate the problems we're having in our home environment has been invaluable. We are grateful for the progress made to date and look forward to our future sessions!

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  • Kristina is a knowledgeable trainer and resource. From the video call that I had with her, she was able to provide multiple training exercises to help with leash reactivity, setting home boundaries, and teaching 'settle' to my rescue dog. At the end of the session, she provided a detailed email covering the training exercises we had discussed during the call. She even followed up a few weeks later to see how we were doing! I would recommend her services to anyone!

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  • I had a great experience working with Kristina to train my puppy Alfie - she was thorough, king, patient and incredibly encouraging! She was flexible with the spring weather and sent extensive follow up emails to help with my training at home. She could even check in on how things were going in between our sessions, and always answered my random questions as well. Couldn't recommend her more! Such a great help to me.

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  • Kristina is a kind and compassionate trainer with a soft spot for international rescue. What is most impressive to me is her drive to continue to stay on top of her education. She has invested a lot of time and money into constantly learning more to help her students achieve the best possible outcomes with their dogs.

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  • My 2 yorkies used to love each other, but two months ago they started fighting every day, it was a stressful situation at home. Kristina was the second trainer to try to fix this dog agression situation. She solved 70% of my problem in ONE DAY. Check the picture of my yorkies, they are together in the same room without killing each other!!!!! It happened literally 2 days after we started doing what Kristina told us to! I am looking foward to the next session, I am really confident that they will become the most polite dogs in the world

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