Dog Training Terms

Training Marker
A 'marker' is a tool used to indicate good behaviour. For instance, a dog clicker serves as a marker to signal positive actions before a treat is given! You can also utilize the sound feature on your electric collar to mark desirable behaviour.

Dog Training Reinforcement
This concept is widely understood, but it's essential to mention it for clarity, reinforcement means strengthening a behaviour you appreciate or the chances it will occur again.

Positive Reinforcement
This psychological term applies to both humans and dogs. The 'positive' aspect refers to the addition of something to encourage the behaviour. For example, giving a tasty treat for a job well done exemplifies positive reinforcement.

Negative Reinforcement
Many dog owners misinterpret this term, thinking 'negative' implies something painful or unpleasant! In this context, 'negative' means something is removed to reinforce behaviour. For instance, stopping the buzz vibration from an electric collar when your dog obeys a command is an example of negative reinforcement, as the vibration is taken away, making it more likely the dog will comply faster next time.

Dog Training Aversive
An aversive is something unpleasant for your dog that causes discomfort, used to deter unwanted behaviour. For example, using bitter apple spray or a spray bottle filled with water to stop your dog from barking would be considered an aversive.

Positive Punishment
The previous examples of aversives fall under positive punishment, meaning something is added (positive) to reduce unwanted behaviour. This shows that 'positive' doesn't always equate to 'good.'

Negative Punishment
This involves removing something undesirable to lessen the chances of unwanted behaviour occurring again.

Conditioning
Conditioning is fundamental to dog training! It’s how your dog learns through repeated actions or behaviours, leading to more frequent repetitions. There are several types, but two are particularly common in dog training.

Classical Conditioning
You may be familiar with the 'Pavlov’s Dogs' experiment from psychology classes. In classical conditioning, dogs develop involuntary responses to certain stimuli, learning through associations. For example, Pavlov’s dogs learned that the sound of a bell meant food is coming, causing them to drool at the sound even before seeing or smelling the food.

Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning involves learning through rewards or consequences. When your dog performs well, they receive a treat. Conversely, if a dog pulls on a prong collar, they experience a pinching sensation as a result. Operant conditioning is voluntary, while classical conditioning involves involuntary responses.