Why Positive Reinforcement?
MaKayla Smith 
Why should you choose positive reinforcement methods over punishment-based methods
In the dog training world, there are 2 main training methods. Balanced and Positive Only. Also known as R+ or force-free. Balanced trainers use all 4 quadrants of dog training: R-, R+ P- and P+. These include physical punishment like harsh leash corrections, shock collars, prong collars, etc. The scientific community has proven that, not only there is no need for aversive methods and punishment, but that they can actually have negative impacts on the dog's behavior long term. Things like increased reactivity, lower self-confidence increased fear. The force-free, R+ community believes that using positive reinforcement exclusively can have more benefits long term for the dog and they help build the dog's confidence. It encourages them to engage in the training rather than comply with commands. This is a very simplified overview of these 2 methodologies. If you are interested in learning more, there are many research topics on the subject. But why did I choose to go force-free and R+? Since I became and certified dog trainer I have been working to learn more about how different training approaches impact the dog's life and their mental, emotional and physical health. I have seen how much positive reinforcement can do for dogs and have watched fearful or reactive dogs come out of their shells and the gain the confidence needed to be able experience the world without fear or pain. I wanted my clients and my own dogs to willingly engage in the training sessions and enjoy making choices to work out the solutions to training obstacles. Look at it like this: Imagine being in a different country where you don't know the language. People are telling you to do things that you don't understand. You are nervous and scared and you're just trying understand what they are wanting. You try different things but every time you try something that they don't like you get hit, yelled at, shocked, etc. How long would it be until you just stopped trying solutions and shut down to avoid the pain? So why do we expect dogs to learn this way? In schools we try to foster learning in a way that makes it fun. Makes it so that the kids WANT to engage in the lessons. It is much more effective when they want to participate and when they aren't punished for trying a solution to a math problem, but rather show them another approach. Dogs learn a lot like kids so why make it painful for them when they make a mistake during the process? Personally, I find R+ dog training to be so rewarding when I can watch so many dogs not only gain the confidence to engage in their surroundings when they were previously afraid to, but to learn how to enjoy participating in the training and foster a deeper bond with their families. Not to comply with commands, but to enjoy the process and enjoy engaging with their owners. There are many reasons why I chose to specialize in positive reinforcement. But I would say the main one is because I believe learning should be fun and rewarding. It should not be painful to make a mistake when you don't understand the language of the person trying to teach you.