The essence of the positive training method is to train and reinforce offered wanted behaviour with positive reinforcement whilst discouraging the unwanted behaviour, not by positive punishment, but by negative punishment.
Positive reinforcement is introduction of pleasurable outcomes whilst negative punishment is removal of pleasurable stimulus. It must not be confused with positive punishment, eg shouting, yelling, hitting, use of leash jerks or correction collars.
Examples of positive reinforcers are treats, toys, walks and attention
Examples of negative punishment are withdrawal of attention (ignoring/not responding), time out, removal of treats or toys, stopping moving forward on a walk, no click.
Where there is exhibited unwanted behaviour, it is important that the behaviour is not inadvertently reinforced by attention. When the term “ignore” is used, this does not mean turn a blind eye. There must be consequences to unwanted behaviour and the favoured intervention is removal of attention. However, it must be remembered that the wanted behaviour HAS to be reinforced. It is all too easy to focus on the unwanted behaviour and ignore the dog when it is behaving well. This is a crucial point to take on board and I can’t emphasise it enough.
Simply speaking, all behaviour, "good or bad", must be reinforced in order for it to continue. In addressing unwanted behaviour, it is essential to determine what is reinforcing the dog to continue with that particular behaviour. Once the reinforcer has been identified and removed, then the behaviour over time will become extinct (extinction) assuming you teach an alternative incompatible behaviour.
A quick word about reinforcement. Reinforcers (or motivators), such as treats, praise etc can be delivered in many different ways. The most effective form of reinforcement is by a variable reinforcement schedule. This is where the dog, once he has totally learned the appropriate behaviour, is reinforced at variable time periods. This is sufficient to ensure continued wanted behaviour. However, this is also sufficient to ensure continued UNWANTED behaviour. If an unwanted behaviour is reinforced even once a blue moon, this is enough reinforcement for the dog to continue, ie pulling on a leash. Behaviour that is reinforced by variable reinforcement schedules is the most difficult to change as it is so effective, hence why it's great for dog training.
I describe wanted behaviour as good dog manners. As a nation of dog lovers, we seem to allow our dogs away with BAD MANNERS. After all, would we tolerate being welcomed to a house by a child or even an adult for that matter, jumping up at us, slamming into us with their body, shouting at us, licking us and trying to clamber all over our heads? No! So why do we allow our dogs to do this?
Where aggression is displayed.... dogs bite for several reasons. The most common reasons being fear or anxiety. Another reason can be resource guarding. This is natural to a dog but is not necessary or acceptable in the domesticated situation. A dog can guard food, toys, humans and space. Dogs can be bullies too. Whatever the underlying reason, it is essential that the dog learns that expressed aggression is not acceptable or necessary in your household. You have to teach it to respond in a different incompatible way.
PS I am always grateful of the dog who exhibits warning signs that they are uncomfortable. As I once read: Growls, hard stares, fresh air snaps are dogs' polite way of asking for more social distance! Ignore them at your peril.
In order to have a relationship built on trust, there has to be consistent but fair ground rules. This is where the firm foundation of obedience training comes into play. It is imperative that your dog(s) understand you.
I teach and train using a clicker. This is by far the most accurate and fastest way to train your dog.
Dogs are not humans, humans are not dogs. However, both species are sociable. Both species have different languages. Lack of communication is where most problems arise from. Confused dogs behave erratically. Inconsistent approaches increase that confusion. Our interactions with a dog need to be understood. Learning what your dog is telling you and learning how to respond is the key.
Let me teach you!