Balanced Reward Dog Training System
The Balanced Reward Dog Training System customizes each dogs training program so that they learn faster, learn with less stress and maximize each dogs success in training. Customizing each training program also provides dog owners with the fastest possible results. Each dog is able to reach its fullest potential since the techniques used are determined by what each individual dog is receptive to. The core concept behind the Balanced Reward Dog Training System is that truly effective training is based on a healthy working relationship between a dog and its owner.
Just about every dog trainer you talk to has their own special method for training dogs. While there are certainly many legitimate dog training methods and philosophies, there are two dominant schools of thought:
1. Postive Reinforcement Only (generally treat based and excludes "negative" reinforcement).
2. Balanced Reinforcement (utilizes both positive and negative reinforecement)
Positive Only Method
Historically the majority of dog trainers used some version of the balanced reinforcement training method. However, in recent years the Purely Positive method has become very popular and for dogs in these types of training programs the primary source of motivation is food/treats. Many trainers believe that it's popularity stems from the fact that generally dog owners treat their dogs like humans. The thought of motivating a dog with treats and never having to correct negative behavior appeals to them.
This method does not use negative reinforcement, or "corrections", to dissuade a dog from behavior that the dog knows is wrong. Often trainers employing this method will simply use a toy to distract a dog that is doing something wrong rather than making a correction. Those using the positive only method, including some popular Temecula dog trainers, teach that establishing a leadership role with your dog is not necessary and is actually unhealthy. In many cases they try to explain that the pack instinct and social structure, commonly known as 'dominance hierarchy', does not exist and that people who try to establish a dominant/leadership role with their dog are unevolved, unenlightened and abusive.
Since dog trainers using positive reinforcement exclusively seem to be in the majority they have become very vocal in their criticism of dog trainers who use both positive AND negative reinforcement. In fact, one Temecula dog trainer says, "In the dog training profession, positive reinforcement is the only acceptable method for training family dogs". This wine country trainer goes on to infer that dog trainers who use negative reinforcement are not "evolved"and that they "intimidate" dogs by acting like "alpha dogs".
As a trainer who takes a balanced reinforcement approach I neither use nor condone techniques such as the "alpha rollover". "Positive only" trainers try to associate balanced reinforcement trainers with these and other more sensational methods like shock collars in order to falsely label them as "abusive" and "unevolved". I believe that establishing a relationship with your dog wherein you are the leader or "alpha" is neither intimidating nor unhealthy for the dog. On the contrary, any dog trainer who doesn't work to develop the leadership skills of their client, as it relates to their dog, is ignorant and irresponsible.
In the world of dogs you either lead or you follow. If you don't take the initiative in leading your dog then it's a sure bet that it will assume the leadership role and its obedience will be inconsistent at best.
I am currently working with several dogs who have gone through training programs with one particular "positive only" trainer. The obedience and behavior modification results they achieved were almost non-existent and the techniques the dog owners were taught to use to solve problem behaviors were completely ineffective. In the case of a young labrador retriever that was jumping and mouthing aggressively the owners were taught techniques that actually fueled the dogs bad behavior rather than correcting it!
Balanced Reward Dog Training System
The most effective training program is one that uses both positive and negative reinforcement, is developed for a specific dog and is customized based upon what the individual dog is receptive to. This is the type of program offered by Dog Pro. If you want your dog to be more motivated by a treat than by your own verbal and physical praise then you should start working with one of the local "positive only" trainers. If, on the other hand, you want to have a dog that fully motivated by its desire to please you then get in touch with a trainer who uses a balanced reinforcement training method.
Regardless of what I or any other dog trainer thinks about the various training methods, we all have to have to work within the world of the dog. We have to establish relationships with dogs based upon the social structure that exists naturally within the mind of each dog. The social structure for domestic dogs and their wild ancestors is most commonly known as "dominance hierarchy". This social framework is clearly displayed in wolf packs and in the relationships between dogs and their human families. This truth is clearly seen in litters of puppies where pecking orders are developed as early as 3 to 4 weeks of age.
Only when we have a clear understanding of why dogs do what they do and how they fit into our world can we help them reach their fullest potential through training.