There are many terms that describe a trainers’ methods that can be confusing. Here is a little break down:
- Purely Positive: This method is when a trainer uses only positive reinforcement/negative punishment (adds or removes reinforcers to increase or decrease behaviors and manages behaviors that aren’t able to be fixed with food).
-LIMA (Least intrusive/Minimally Aversive): this method is when a trainer uses mostly positive reinforcement, but allows for punishment at the discretion of the trainer.
-Balanced: this term is a loose description for trainers who use all 4 quadrants, but not balanced trainers created equal.
What Does This Mean?
Aside from the science part of teaching skills, there is another equally important factor to consider – relationship. Over the past few years, a shift has happened and a new breed of trainer has evolved. “Positive First” was coined by Australian trainer Glenn Cooke, of Canine Evolution which describes trainers who start with and use positive reinforcement (food or play) as the preferred method so long as it remains effective, then adding negative reinforcement (such as leash or e-collar pressure) to create clarity, with correction (punishment) used only when necessary for ignoring known commands.
As an industry, “Positive First” trainers have expanded our knowledge base and are making great strides in helping many dogs and people that ‘purely positive’ or ‘punishment’ training has failed. We believe through fair progressive training techniques that most dogs can be integrated into our lives, without medication, rather than euthanized due to unwanted behaviors.
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