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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This could be a touchy subject for some, but the facts don't lie.
Here are FIVE reasons, based on science, that you should keep your cat inside
---THREAD---
1. Your cat won’t get killed by stuff
Outdoor cats are at risk to be hit by cars, mauled by dogs, eaten by coyotes, and other predators.
Cats could be poisoned by humans OR eat stuff that could kill them.
Or shot.
Outdoor cats die all the time from being outside.
2. Your cat won’t get diseases.
Outdoor cats will come in contact with other cats that are known to carry dangerous diseases.
Even a tiny bit of contact can transmit parasites and diseases like Feline Leukemia and Distemper.
Not great.
The advice in this thread will make you unrecognizable in 30 days.
You owe it to yourself to read it. Trust us.
🧵
Pet One Dog:
Petting a dog will release feel good hormones, decrease your heart rate, and bring a sense of calm into your life.
You will become 10% more efficient.
Pet Two Dogs:
Petting two dogs will release feel good hormones, decrease your heart rate, and bring a sense of calm into your life.
You will be 17.2% more efficient and you will be able to hold your breath for 1 minute.
What makes a dog so friendly?
Is it training?
Is it the breed?
One theory is....love.
Find out why on The Super Pawesome Science Thread!
#TSPST
This story and theory are from the book Dog is Love by Dr. Clive Wynne (@caninecognition) and research by Bridgett vonHoldt.
Shoutout to the scientists that made this wholesome thread pawsible!
Let’s get into it! clivewynne.com/book-1
@caninecognition Science is pretty unanimous when it comes to dogs.
They are unique in how they interact with humans.
A good many scientists feel dogs can understand us in ways other animals can’t.
They can follow a point and hold our gaze.
This is coded in their DNA.
A fluffy giant puppy was the happiest thing in our lives.
One day he had an injury.
Everything turned out ok but we learned harsh lessons.
We hope this story gives potential pet owners some advice.
Bunsen was this adorable, happy puppy.
Every single day was the BEST day of his life.
He was adventurous, always smiling, and attracted a crowd.
Then he broke his toe.
Badly.
To this day we don’t know HOW he broke his toe.
He just started limping and crying.
The happy go-lucky little fuzzball was in pain.
Hey!
Can you tell if you cat is happy?
YEP!
Here are FIVE ways to tell if your cat is happy!
--THREAD--
1. What your cat sounds like!
If you’ve ever had a conversation with your cat, it’s a sign that they are happy!
Sure, they may be DEMANDING things of you, but it shows they are content and comfortable to be vocal with another species!
While the pitch of a meow is TOUGH to make a conclusion about, a higher pitched meow is associated with a happier cat, while a low pitched meow could be annoyance or frustration.