Balanced Dog Training vs Positive Reinforcement

Are you caught in the perpetual debate that permeates the online realm? The battle between balanced dog training vs positive reinforcement rages on, with strong cases for both sides.

 

Personally, I believe in what works best for our furry companions. There’s no need for division among dog lovers worldwide just because we prefer one method over the other. If it works for you and your dog, then it’s a win in my book.

 

When dealing with a fearful pup, treats can work wonders, coaxing them out of their shell and guiding them forward. When trying to teach your new puppy to sit, stay or lie-down, treats and positive reinforcement can be a God-send! And using a toy or some food in agility training, that hypes up your dog to get them to the level of excitement they need to run around that course is amazing. 

 

But positive reinforcement training isn’t a solution for every situation, and won’t solve all of the unwanted behaviours that your dog develops over time. 

 

 

Balanced (or neutral) dog training is the practice of using calm and confident energy to show your dog the right choices to make in life. It’s about projecting consistent calm (neutral) energy, whilst being assertive with, and not giving up on your instruction for your dog.

 

Balanced dog training encompasses the art of utilising both positive rewards and discipline. Observing the dynamics of dog packs and wild canines, it becomes evident that leadership plays a natural role in establishing a state of tranquility. Hence, it makes sense to draw from these insights and incorporate leadership in our training approaches.

 

Alpha 1 was named as such to empower dog owners to move past their anxieties, towards calm, confident and consistent leadership – not only for their dogs, but for themselves! At Alpha 1 we teach owners about the importance of ‘living in the now’, breath and energy transfer, and how your own emotional tendencies affect your dogs behaviour. The goal of Alpha 1 is to teach owners how to communicate with, and fully understand and fulfil their dogs needs, so that the dogs we love can stay balanced and happy in a human world.

 

Becoming an Alpha 1 Pack Leader, for a lot of people, is a lifestyle change and it takes time and work. You’ll need to learn to neutralise your energy and provide consistent leadership for you dog (setting rules and boundaries).

 

You can learn more about how to be a pack leader, and practice the kind of leadership your dog needs on the Alpha 1 YouTube channel – hit subscribe and be one of the first to see new content, tips and real case studies from upcoming clients. 

 

 

Your dog training success also comes down to the tools that you are using through the process. Some tools encourage unwanted behaviours, like using a harness on a Siberian husky – a dog bred to pull for long distances, while expending small amounts of energy.

 

When it comes to fear-based leash walks, my experience has taught me that the right leash makes all the difference. The slip leash, combined with a calm yet assertive energy, can do wonders, surpassing the effects of treats in this particular situation. Positive reinforcement truly shines when it comes to teaching tricks, obedience, and desired behaviours. However, it may not always be the key to maintaining a calm state of mind in our canine companions.

So, where do we stand in the balanced dog training vs positive reinforcement battle? 

 

 

Let your dog’s needs guide your decision! Should behavioural issues arise, ensure consistent and confident leadership. Without a strong pack leader, your dog may assume the role themselves, resulting in territorial guarding and fear-based behaviours. 

 

 

If you are struggling with reactivity, contact Chris Brown at Alpha 1 Dog Behaviour & Training to help you reset your relationship with your dog.