Like many, it was a learning journey to choose positive reinforcement as my training method of choice. In my early days with dogs, punishment-based methods were the norm.
My first attempts at training were pretty rough. My first instructor told us to hang our dogs from their choke chain until they complied. I tried everything from old-school punishment methods to mimicking Caesar Millan’s techniques. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon clicker training that things started to click (pun intended).
With clicker training, I found a more effective and humane way to train my dogs. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I faced challenges, especially with a behaviorally difficult dog and his medical issues. Desperate for solutions, I was talked into a board and train with e-collars and pinch collars and honestly, it just felt yucky.
It wasn’t until I had a consultation with the now world renown, Dr. Chris Pachel that I that I really started to learn about behavior. I decided to jump in feet first. And when I attended an IAABC conference about, my positive reinforcement world cracked WIDE OPEN. I ended up at a table with Parvene Farhoody and Bob Bailey and asked the question: What is Operant Conditioning? After Parvene graciously answered, I was hooked. I’ve attended Clicker Expo, four chicken workshops: Discrimination, Cueing, Criteria & Chaining, countless seminars & sought out sports expertise from the best in the country.
Today, positive reinforcement is at the core of my training philosophy. While I’m not perfect, I’ve seen the transformative power it has on my dogs and our success in dog sports.
Change isn’t easy, but with time and patience, anyone can embrace positive reinforcement and see the difference it makes in their relationship with their dogs. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey to positive reinforcement—we’re here to support each other along the way.