Thread by @bunsenbernerbmd

Not that long ago it was accepted that hurting a dog with training was the best way for them to learn.
The science says otherwise, as do our hearts.
Learn why on The Super Pawesome Science Thread.
#TSPST

Before we get too deep into the thread, let’s just make it clear that nobody decades ago should feel bad about using punishment training.
It was something that was widely accepted, shown on T.V., and modeled by respected dog trainers.
Today, these methods are debunked.

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement means adding something after an action to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.
This could be a treat, a kind word , a toy, or a kind touch.

So what does the science say?
Well to be blunt, dogs can be trained with punishment.
If a dog doesn’t do the thing, they could get shocked, poked, slapped, or choked.
This method was a way of teaching dog training because it worked.
It has terrible consequences though.

Dogs trained with punishment compared to dogs trained with rewards show a very worrisome trend.
Punishment trained dogs don’t learn new skills as quickly or retain them as long.
BUT most importantly dogs associate negative feelings of fear and anger towards their handler.

The Data Keeps Coming In:
We could post dozens of studies in this thread that show comparing punishment training to reward training just isn’t as good.
Here is one:
frontiersin.org/articles/10.33…

While they may be very, very specific applications where it could be the preferred method, the evidence each time they are put head to head in a scientific study fails to show punishment training is better.

The dog brain has evolved to trust humans from birth.
Dogs WANT to do what the humans asks them to do, most of the time.
Dogs don’t speak Human.
They don’t experience life like a human.
They do respond to kindness.

Quickly rewarding a dog with a treat when they do the thing takes practice.
It may be initially slower than punishment training.
Be patient.
Be kind.
Your dog will learn, and adore the time with you, doing the thing.
Love (and food) is a powerful motivator.

That's a wrap!
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