In the world of dog training, positive reinforcement has proven to be an absolute game-changer in shaping our dogs' minds. If you've been wondering what positive reinforcement training is, or know about it and are yet to try it, to see how it can transform your relationship with your four-legged friend, you're in the right spot.
Over the years, we've searched high and low for some of the best positive reinforcement training books for dogs. We hope this list of recommendations helps you in your journey of positive dog training as we detail the features of these dog training books, why positive reinforcement works and how it stacks up against correction-based training methods.
What is Positive Reinforcement Training?
Before we dive into our book recommendations, let's clarify what positive reinforcement actually training is. Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding a dog for desirable behaviour, which increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. For example, if your dog looks back at you when a trigger is present, you reward them. Rewards can range from low to high-value treats and toys, to excited praise and affection. This method focuses on encouraging good behaviour rather than punishing bad behaviour, creating a positive learning environment for dogs and building a stronger bond between you and your pup.
The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
Positive reinforcement training for dogs has numerous benefits. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances your dog’s willingness to learn. Perhaps the best aspect of positive reinforcement training is that as a method, it can be used to teach a variety of behaviours, from basic commands, desensitisation from triggers, a positive association with crates, and more.
Why Positive Reinforcement Works
So, why does positive reinforcement work so well? First, it taps into the natural learning processes of dogs by reinforcing the different components of their hardwired behaviours. By consistently rewarding good behaviour, our pups learn to associate those behaviours with positive outcomes, making them more likely to repeat them.
In a recent study comparing different dog training methods, the findings clearly favoured a reward-focused training regime. During the study, 'Control Group 2', which utilised positive reinforcement training, outperformed both the E-collar group and Control Group 1 across all significant measures of efficacy. For reference, 'Control Group 1' were dogs trained by the same trainers who worked with the 'E-collar Group', using a mix of food-rewarded positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement, such as lead pressure.
Notably, the learning outcomes in Control Group 1, which also avoided E-collars, were comparable to those using the E-collar, suggesting that effective behaviour modification does not require aversive devices. The study concluded that E-collars are unnecessary for effective recall training and potentially harmful to a dog's well-being, emphasising that positive reinforcement methods not only achieve better results but also avoid the risks associated with aversive device use.
Top Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Books
Reaching the Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is a pioneer in the world of punishment-free animal training. While this book is over a decade old, it is still considered somewhat of a dictionary for learning the basics of positive reinforcement training. Reaching the Animal Mind will motivate you to understand and reinforce the details necessary to be a better trainer and leader for your dog.
One key takeaway from this book is how positive reinforcement can be employed in all aspects of our daily lives. For example, the following exercise truly outlines the favourable impact of positive reactions:
During the day, make a point of noticing something someone else is doing that you like... It need not be something unusual. It could be something you already expect the person to do. At the end of the day, find time to tell the person he or she did that thing right. Avoid the word I. ‘I liked the way you...' is all about you, not about the behaviour. Just name the behaviour. ‘It's good that you finished your homework.' ‘You handled that phone call well...' Then do it again the next day, for a different behaviour. (Reaching the Animal Mind, page 255).
Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy by Zazie Todd
What is the thing we love most about Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy? Well, it's the solid evidence-based analysis that simplifies that science in positive reinforcement training and reduces essential elements of training into practical, replicable activities.
Did you know dogs are more pessimistic if their owners use two or more aversive training methods? Well, this study involved 100 dogs, matched by breed, age, and sex. The dogs were tested using a spatial judgement bias task to measure their responses to ambiguous stimuli, and the results demonstrated that dogs trained with aversive methods were slower to approach ambiguous locations, indicating a more pessimistic mood state.
In line with the above, Zazie Todd takes all of the scientific data and condenses it into a well-written and digestible book that immensely favours the happiness of our dogs. Seriously, this is such a good read and we highly recommend checking out Wag.
Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0 by Grisha Stewart
We've discussed Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0 (BAT 2.0) before as it's undeniably one of the best positive reinforcement training manuals on the market today. Grisha Stewart provides actionable training methods that focus on the behaviour modification and remodelling of our dogs' brains.
BAT 2.0 explores several case studies of dogs that have undergone behaviour adjustment training, demonstrating their results and the logic behind the methods used. It's an easy read with sensible chapters that flow through the process of behaviour adjustment training, including additional recommended tools and tips for owners who are new to the world of positive reinforcement training.
The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell
Patricia McConnell is an ethologist and certified applied animal behaviourist who has consulted with cat and dog lovers for more than twenty-two years. In The Other End of the Leash, she combines a thorough understanding of the science of behaviour with several years of practical, applied experience.
Importantly, The Other End of the Leash demonstrates how the slightest changes in your voice, how you present yourself and your demeanour, can help your dog understand what it exactly is that you want. It not only focuses on teaching our dogs but on teaching us about our behaviour from the perspective of our dog. Many things that are considered your pup's disobedience are actually just miscommunications.
As Patricia has stated, the research is overwhelming that training with positive reinforcement builds trust, reduces stress, and is effective at teaching new and desired behaviours to our pups.
Dog Training: Positive Reinforcement vs. Correction
Understanding the difference between positive reinforcement training and correction-based (or aversive training) training is crucial.
Correction-based training and aversive methods rely on some type of punishment to reduce unwanted behaviour in our dogs. While it can be effective in the short term, it often leads to fear and anxiety in dogs. Evidence shows that there is a negative impact on our dogs from aversive-based methods, which range from short-term anxiety to long-term wellness issues. This study concluded dogs in the Aversive Group training sessions displayed more stress-related behaviours, were more frequently in tense and low behavioural states, panted more during training, and had higher cortisol levels than the positive Reward Group. In addition, dogs from the Aversive Group were considered more pessimistic in the cognitive bias task than dogs from the Reward Group.
It's clear that positive reinforcement builds trust and encourages a dog to willingly comply with what we want. This contrast highlights the real advantages of positive reinforcement training for dogs over correction-based methods.
What if Positive Reinforcement Dog Training is Not Working?
Sometimes, you might find that positive reinforcement training isn't providing you with the results you're expecting. This is an unfortunate part of dog training. It can be due to a myriad of factors, such as inconsistency in training, not using high-value rewards or there being an underlying behavioural issue.
In such cases, seeking professional help from a dog trainer who specialises in positive reinforcement can be invaluable. If you're struggling, it’s worth considering that positive reinforcement dog training not working might just need a bit of an expert's experience and tweaking.
Finding Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs Near Me
While there are various online options for dog training, we understand that you may prefer in-person training sessions. If you do prefer in-person training sessions, you might wonder, "Where can I find positive reinforcement training for dogs near me?" Many professional dog trainers and training centres offer classes and private sessions focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. A quick online search in Google or asking for recommendations from your vet can point you in the right direction.
Wrapping Up: You Should Embrace Positive Reinforcement Training Resources for a Happier, Healthier Dog
As discussed throughout this blog, positive reinforcement training for dogs is a highly effective and humane approach. Studies continuously demonstrate the efficacy of positive reinforcement training and by focusing on rewarding good behaviour, you can build an indestructible bond with your pup.
The books mentioned above are all highly recommended, and excellent resources to get you started on your positive reinforcement training journey. Whether you're a first-time dog owner, trying to help your reactive dog or even an experienced training professional, these books will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you and your dog succeed.
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