The Effects of Positive & Negative Influences
If your dog training is done only with positive reinforcement influences, it can raise the level of your dog’s character to the point where he is uncontrollable. Dog training methods in this positive only manner can create a dog that becomes very weak in responding reliably to your commands, particularly in the presence of distracting situations. A dog trained only in the positive reinforcement manner may develop such a dominant, inflated opinion of himself that later attempts at controlling his behavior may bring on aggressive and defensive tendencies.
Positive influences can be:
- Verbal Praise.
- Encouraging or Playful Actions.
- Food.
- Toys.
- and Other Reward Based Materials.
If you’re trying to correct dog behavior only with negative influences, it can produce a dog that is extremely subdued or intimidated. A dog trained in this manner can exhibit obvious signs of stress and can exhibit lack of interest or resistance in performing. The same dog may develop such a fear and resentment that attempts at controlling his behavior may bring on aggressive and defensive tendencies.
Negative influences can be:
- Your Verbal Corrections.
- Your Leash or Collar Corrections.
- Threatening or Intimidating Actions (Including Swatting or Hitting).
- Withdrawal of Positive Influences.
Avoid Extremes From Either End
So as you can see, either extreme of these dog training methods can create an aggressive and defensive dog. The dog might be directing this aggression only at the person who is giving those influences, or to everyone. This is where BALANCE plays a huge role. There is a middle ground where training your dog is most effective. Whenever the desired behavior is shown, it is very important to acknowledge that with positive rewards. If a negative influence is used to discourage an unwanted behavior, it should be done with calm and control (never hitting or swatting). Please call us to schedule a session for help with simple strategies to get your dog on the right path!
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