A couple of months ago I wrote PART ONE to this article. I discussed the LIMA principle, introduced you to the components of the Hierarchy while placing it into the context of dog training. Again, I am proud to say these concepts are at the core of our training program.
The last number of years have witnessed a movement within the dog community from trainers who refer to themselves “positive reinforcement trainers”. The public hears this and thinks it is a good thing…and for the most part, it is a step in the right direction. However, it does have it’s inherent issues.
1. Anybody can call themselves a "positive reinforcement only trainer" but use methodologies which do not support that claim. In this case, the title is a marketing gimmick, nothing else. It is an illusion. From the persepctive of a client if something is “positive” it must mean it is better.
2. It also has the potential of ignoring a set of completely useful valid techniques which can be an important piece in any trainer’s repertoire.
Disagree with that statement? Review the concepts contained in the Hierarchy. Research the principles behind extinction, negative reinforcement and negative punishment particularly when used with the LIMA concept. They can be a very valid, useful and HUMANE training tools especially when everything else has been exhausted. One of the problems I see with many trainers who claim they are "positive reinforcement only" trainers is that they have little to no understanding of these concepts. Alternatively, they often incorporate some of the concepts into their training but hold up the label of “positive reinforcement only” as a badge of honor with no actual substance behind it.
I can hear some of the neighsayers out there now sharpening their pitchforks and screaming “see…Ken says he believes in positive reinforcement but he cannot if he is also criticising it”
Oh Boy!!!!
To that I respond…
“READ what I wrote again in part one and part two of this article. Read the other articles on the site. I do believe in positive reinfocement training. Capturing, luring, modeling and shaping are invaluable tools in the dog training process. The principles behind Learning Theory are completely ingrained in what I do. However, I do believe one needs to use the Heirarchy as it is meant to be”.
And for those that still want to burn me alive, that is ok. it is your prerogative. I can state I am in good company though. Dr. Ian Dunbar, the father of modern day dog training, the man who developed the first reward based courses, the man who wrote the manual on clicker training...feels the same as I do.
Here is a quote from him…
"Some advocates of reward based training will tell you that punishment is scary, and will refuse to punish at all, while other trainers claim that punishment has to be painful or scary in order to be effective. Both statements are incorrect. Punishment doesn’t have to be painful in order to be effective, nor should it. You don’t want to make learning an unpleasant experience for your dog…”
and another
"Yes, we have to teach owners to eliminate undesirable and dangerous behaviors, otherwise they will become frustrated and most likely resort to imitating some very stupid things that they see on television, such as forcing a dog on to its side (alpha rolls) Do that, and you’ll end up getting bitten! What are you going to do, for example, if your dog runs into the street, or jumps onto a child? We have to teach people how to reduce and eliminate undesirable behavior via means that are neither painful nor scary.”
For a full read on that interview: “Interview with Ian Dunbar"
So how does one choose a quality trainer? How does one distinguish a knowledgable trainer from one that throws around these terms with only a superficial knowledge of the same?
Research your trainer.
I wrote an article a number of years ago on finding the right trainer. Much of the information contained in that article is valid and still holds true today.
A trainer should have a website where they discuss their training techniques. Ensure there is substance behind what they are saying. If that is unavailable, ask them. If a trainer cannot talk comfortably about the principles of classical and operant conditioning, applied behavior analysis, counter conditioning, and systematic desensitization..concepts that are at the core of behavior modification, this is not a quality trainer.
Notice I said, “talk comfortably”.
I do not mean just being able to throw out the terms. The trainer should be able to give concrete examples on how, when and why these concepts are used in the real world. The trainer should know the difference between positive and negative reinforcement and positive punishment. If they do not, take your training needs elsewhere.
A good starting place is if the trainer knows about the Hierarchy and has adapted it into their practice.
Another good place to start is to look for the following:
This certification was originally designed for veterinary professionals however was opened to others as well. It is becoming more popular among quality dog trainers and we will hopefully see it become a standard in the future in most of the dog world.
I am proud to offer the programs and services I do. My training practices are always evolving. I try to incorporate new training strategies and use evidence based practices in my work. The work I do today is much better than the work I did 10 years ago. My aim is to look back in 10 years time and say the same.