Brains Trainings for Dogs

What is positive reinforcement dog training?

Positive reinforcement means adding something the dog values right after a behaviour, so that behaviour becomes more likely. It is the approach most veterinary behaviour organisations recommend first.

What is positive reinforcement dog training?

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Quick answer

"Positive" means adding something; "reinforcement" means the behaviour increases. In practice: decide what you want, mark the instant it happens (a click or "yes"), deliver a reward the dog values within a second or two, and set the environment up so the dog is likely to get it right. It avoids pain, fear and intimidation, which research links with more stress and worse outcomes.

The four consequences, briefly

Learning theory describes four ways consequences change behaviour. You only need the first to train well:

  • Positive reinforcement: add something good, behaviour increases (treat for a sit)
  • Negative reinforcement: remove something unpleasant, behaviour increases (lead pressure released when the dog yields)
  • Positive punishment: add something unpleasant, behaviour decreases (a lead correction)
  • Negative punishment: remove something good, behaviour decreases (attention withdrawn for jumping)

Reward-based training leans almost entirely on positive reinforcement, with a little negative punishment (briefly withholding a reward). It avoids positive punishment and heavy negative reinforcement.

Why the research supports it

  • Surveys and controlled comparisons associate confrontational and aversive methods with higher rates of fear and aggressive responses during training
  • Studies of electronic-collar versus reward-based training for recall and chasing found reward-based training at least as effective, without the stress indicators
  • Reviews conclude that aversive methods put welfare at risk and offer no efficiency advantage
  • Reward-based training also builds a dog that offers behaviour and engages with training, rather than one that works to avoid correction

This is why the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and comparable bodies name reward-based training as the standard of care.

Is it permissive?

No. It still uses clear rules, management, and consequences: mainly withholding rewards for unwanted behaviour. It just does not use pain or fear to get there. A well-trained reward-based dog has plenty of structure.

Do you have to use food forever?

No. Food is the most practical reward while teaching. Once a behaviour is fluent you reward intermittently and bring in life rewards: sniffs, play, doors opening, greetings. Food becomes an occasional top-up. See dog training rewards.

How to start

Charge a marker (click, treat, twenty times), pick one behaviour, mark the instant it happens, reward within a second or two, and repeat. Full mechanics on positive reinforcement dog training, with worked examples on positive reinforcement examples.

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FAQ

Related guides

References

  1. Ziv G (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs: a review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 19, 50–60.
  2. Vieira de Castro AC, Fuchs D, Morello GM, Pastur S, de Sousa L, Olsson IAS (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE 15(12), e0225023.
  3. China L, Mills DS, Cooper JJ (2020). Efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars vs. a focus on positive reinforcement. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7, 508.
  4. China L, Mills DS, Cooper JJ (2023). Reevaluating the effectiveness of electronic shock collars: prevalence of adverse effects and comparison with positive reinforcement. PLOS ONE.
  5. Herron ME, Shofer FS, Reisner IR (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 117, 47–54.
  6. Hiby EF, Rooney NJ, Bradshaw JWS (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. Animal Welfare 13, 63–69.
  7. Blackwell EJ, Twells C, Seawright A, Casey RA (2008). The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 3, 207–217.
  8. Rooney NJ, Cowan S (2011). Training methods and owner–dog interaction: links with dog behaviour and learning ability. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 132, 169–177.
  9. Deldalle S, Gaunet F (2014). Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog and on the dog–owner relationship. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 9, 58–65.
  10. Arhant C, Bubna-Littitz H, Bartels A, Futschik A, Troxler J (2010). Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 123, 131–142.
  11. Fernandes JG, Olsson IAS, Vieira de Castro AC (2017). Do aversive-based training methods actually compromise dog welfare?: a literature review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 196, 1–12.
  12. Casey RA, Loftus B, Bolster C, Richards GJ, Blackwell EJ (2014). Human-directed aggression in domestic dogs: occurrence in different contexts and risk factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 152, 52–63.
  13. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (2021). Position Statement on Humane Dog Training. View source
  14. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on the Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals. View source
  15. American Animal Hospital Association (2015). Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines. View source
  16. WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee (2018). Global Welfare Guidelines for companion animal practitioners. Journal of Small Animal Practice.

These references describe dogs and training in general. They are not evidence about any specific commercial program. This page is general information, not a substitute for individualised veterinary or behaviour advice. Last reviewed: 30 August 2026.