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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  • Kristina helped us with our extremely sensitive dog when he was having some aggression issues. It gave us such peace of mind to actually feel like we had control over our dog.

    Delaire Nicholson Avatar Delaire Nicholson

  • Kristina is very knowledgeable and takes her time to get to the root of the dogs behavioural issues. My dog has become a lot less reactive to on walks since the two sessions we have had with her. Very much enjoyed the sessions and listening to the philosophies of how she approaches dog behaviourial issues. Very helpful in helping me understand my dog better too.

    Aimee Yoo Avatar Aimee Yoo

  • My husband and I had an excellent first meeting with Kristina., with our two dogs. She gave us valuable additional insight and recommendations with how to respond to certain situations. Already, within the first week after the visit we are experiencing significant improvement with both dogs, in their respective areas of need i.e. better walking with one, and less reactivity in the other. Thanks Kristina for a great start, and we will be coming back for follow up sessions!

    SA W Avatar SA W

  • We've been working with Kristina for about one month now and completed two sessions. After our first session, we've seen so much improvement in our little rescue's confidence and obedience. Dobby is really reactive to other dogs and people outside, it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage him when we had to take him out for walks because he would bark or try to lunge at dogs or people even if they were across the street. He was also barking and protective of the home. Kristina has been really helpful with providing us with the tools to help us succeed and build a stronger relationship with our dog. She is really knowledgeable in dog behaviour and not only provides you with the training tools, she explains why the dog is behaving or reacting a particular way. Our relationship with our dog has become so much stronger since we've started, he really is much happier and less anxious. Kristina also provides detailed homework that you can refer back because there are so many things you need to remember. I highly recommend her! She is our second trainer we've worked with and we probably learned more in one session than we did in our previous 3 sessions with our last trainer. We plan to work with Kristina for as long as we can. Thank you!

    Tiffany Avatar Tiffany

  • 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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    Nicoli Ueta Avatar Nicoli Ueta

  • Kristina is like a medium for dogs. As a first time dog owner, I've spent hours reading, scouring the internet, and working with other trainers to try to teach my lil dude, Schnitzel. Alas, his guarding, reactivity, barking, and at times — aggression, has persisted, causing major stress and concerns for his happiness and safety. Cue Kristina — my goodness! Kristina has given me so much insight into lil guy's psyche, and the tools I need to communicate with him. Even after our first session I saw progress. A lot of trainers will apply one philosophy to all dogs — whereas Kristina takes everything you've told her about your dog, and combines it with her extensive knowledge of different breed's psyches/needs to come up with a plan that will work for them — lemme tell ya, it HAS! She just gets them, and makes the training process so much more comprehensive for owners. Thank you so much Kristina!

    Miya Strauss Avatar Miya Strauss

  • 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.

    Sabrina Romero Avatar Sabrina Romero

  • Kristina offered really practical and useful advice for training our 3 month old sheepadoodle puppy. More importantly she was able to explain how a dog may actually interpret our attempts in preventing unwanted dog behaviours. This "dog thinking" has proved to be key in his (and our) ongoing training.

    Kathy Bleyer Avatar Kathy Bleyer

  • We are so very happy to have found Kristina, for us and our very exuberant boxer puppy Lucy ! Walking her has been a challenge because of her endless energy and love for everyone. Kristina has helped us correct our reactions to her and encouraged us how to respond correctly ! After two sessions we have seen a huge improvement with Lucy, even with the 2 week quarantine after her spay. ! Her professionalism shines, she is a competent and most reliable trainer, I would and have highly recommended Kristina as a dog trainer .

    Judi Frost Avatar Judi Frost

  • 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!

    Issa Avatar Issa
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