Over the years, dog education and training has constantly changed and evolved and new techniques have been discovered that have little to do with those used in the past.
There are many methods of training dogs and it is very important to know them well and choose the most beneficial one for our best friend. Below, we tell you all about positive and negative reinforcement and punishment. Take note!
Also, complete this information with our guide to socializing your dog . We give you the best tips for a happy and fear-free life!
What is reinforcement and punishment?
Before talking about positive and negative reinforcement, it is important to know what exactly the words “reinforcement” and “punishment” mean .
Reinforcements are stimuli that increase the likelihood of a specific behavior being repeated through association; they are used to help the dog learn good behavior. On the other hand, the main objective of punishment is to contribute to the elimination of a behavior. It is used to discourage unwanted behaviors and to get the dog to avoid repeating them.
| What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment? |
|---|
| -Reinforcement helps a behavior to be repeated. -Punishment helps a behavior to be eliminated. |
Positive and negative reinforcement in dogs
Below, we will tell you the main differences between these two concepts and give you some examples to help you understand them better.
Difference between positive and negative reinforcement
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement encourages the repetition of a behavior by rewarding it with something pleasant for the dog, whether it be a treat , a pet, praise, a toy or a walk. This increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.
What is negative reinforcement?
Negative reinforcement also encourages the repetition of a behavior, but in this case, by eliminating something unpleasant for the dog.
This method is based on the principle that by relieving the dog of something uncomfortable or unwanted, the likelihood of the dog repeating the positive behavior is increased. It is important to apply negative reinforcement consistently and accurately so that the dog clearly associates the desired action with the removal of the unpleasant stimulus.
Examples of positive and negative reinforcement
Below, you will be able to better understand how these stimuli or actions work through some very simple examples and the different ways of dealing with them.
Teaching your dog to sit
| Positive reinforcement: | Negative reinforcement : |
|---|---|
| You reward your dog with a treat when he sits so that he learns the command. | You press your dog’s bottom with your hand to get him to sit and you stop pressing when he has sat. |
In both ways we will get the dog to sit and repeat that behavior; however, in one we add something good (the treat) and in the other we remove something bad (the pressure).
Correcting barking at the door
| Positive reinforcement: | Negative reinforcement : |
|---|---|
| You reward your dog with a pet and a kind word when he doesn’t bark when the doorbell rings. | You stop emitting a shock from his electric collar when he stops barking. |
Positive and negative punishment in dogs
We continue with two other approaches: positive punishment and negative punishment. Read on to learn the essential differences between these methods and discover practical examples of how they are applied in the education of our four-legged companions.
Difference between positive and negative punishment
What is positive punishment?
To apply a positive punishment, an unpleasant stimulus is used or added in order to eliminate a behavior : scolding, yelling, punishing, locking the dog up, etc. Unfortunately, some trainers resort to rough handling or use choke or electric collars, generating learning based on pain or fear on the part of the dog.
This method can cause stress, anxiety and affect the relationship of trust between the owner and his dog.
It is essential to reflect on ethics and humanity in dog training, opting for methods that strengthen the emotional bond with our furry friends instead of generating fear or discomfort.
What is negative punishment?
Negative punishment is characterized by the withdrawal of a pleasant stimulus to eliminate inappropriate behavior . In other words, it is equivalent to the absence of positive reinforcement. This methodology stands out as a more appropriate way to train your dog compared to positive punishment.
This approach seeks to teach the dog that certain actions lead to the loss of something pleasurable, encouraging a natural correction of his behavior.
Examples of positive and negative punishment
Punishment is also part of a friendly and respectful education for the dog as long as it is negative.
How do we teach our dog not to pull on the leash?
| Positive punishment: | Negative punishment : |
|---|---|
| We give the leash a sharp tug and scold him when he pulls. | We stop when he pulls and we don’t resume walking until he stops. |
Both options will slow the dog down and stop him from pulling; however, the first option is achieved by doing something unpleasant and annoying (pulling on the leash) and the second option is achieved by preventing something good (continuing to walk).
It could also be related to using a no-pull harness (negative punishment) or a punishment collar (positive punishment) .
How do we teach our puppy not to bite?
Another very simple example of positive and negative punishment is the options presented when inhibiting bites. Your puppy is playing with a bone and bites you:
| Positive punishment: | Negative punishment : |
|---|---|
| You scold and punish him. | You take the toy away and he can’t play anymore. |
In summary:
- Positive and negative reinforcement aim to repeat a behavior, but they differ in that the first does so by adding something good and the second by eliminating something bad.
- Positive and negative punishment seek to stop a behavior from being repeated, adding something bad in the first case and eliminating something good in the second.
The best way to retain these concepts and not get confused is to relate the word positive with adding and the word negative with eliminating, both for reinforcements and punishments.
