Lesson 2: Why I Train the way I do

Explaining why I market myself as a positive reinforcement (R+) trainer

I am sharing this free video so anyone can watch it, all about my approach to dog training and why I am a positive reinforcement trainer.

Positive reinforcement training is based on learning theory, and it means we focus on rewarding the behaviours we want rather than correcting the ones we do not. In practice, that means using positive reinforcement, adding something good, and negative punishment, removing access to something good, without using negative reinforcement or positive punishment like leash corrections or verbal scolding.

The reason for this is simple: we want to create dogs that are happy, resilient, and that trust us.

There are several peer-reviewed studies showing that dogs trained with aversive or correction-based methods are more likely to

• Experience stress and show adverse behaviours

• Look to their owners less for guidance

• Associate training with negative emotions

• Show fear responses to training cues

If we are trying to raise a healthy, well-adjusted pet, adding stress only undermines that goal. Behaviour is communication, and when a dog behaves in a certain way, they are telling us something. Our job is to understand and respect that message, and then guide them differently if needed, rather than punish them for it.

It is also important to remember that what is aversive to one dog might not be to another. Just because someone else’s dog seems fine with a certain method does not mean yours will be. Every dog is an individual, and their experience matters.

That is exactly why I created this training series, which is available for just a couple of pounds a month. It is built as a step-by-step programme that is science-based, supportive, and designed for owners to follow at their own pace.

So please feel free to watch this little intro clip about my training approach, and if it resonates with you, I would love for you to subscribe and join our growing community of people who care so deeply about their dogs’ wellbeing!

This is in line with my qualifications with the IMDT, DTC and other qualifying bodies and is supported by leading charities like Dogs Trust.