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'Positive reinforcement training is anything which, occurring in conjunction with an act, tends to increase the probability that the act will occur again'. 'Don't Shoot the Dog' Karen Pryor
MUTTS WITH MANNERS offers ‘Whole of Life’ Programs aimed at taking your dog from puppy hood through to a happy, well mannered adult.
The training methods we implement follow scientifically proven methods of positive reinforcement and operant conditioning. A powerful example of how these methods are applied is the training of exotic and marine animals. Training using these methods enables the trainer to survive! If a killer whale can be trained to jump through a hoop, I’m sure you can train your dog to sit in the lounge room without the use of coercion! “In positive reinforcement training, the relationship between dog and owner is a partnership of mutual empowerment”. (Pat Miller – The Power of Positive Dog Training 2001). Using this method, the dog learns a way to control his environment by engaging in the behaviours you have selected to reward – a win/win situation for dog and owner.
One of the fundamental differences between reinforcement based training methods versus traditional training is the mind set of the trainer. Where traditional training focuses on looking at what your dog is doing ‘wrong’ and punishing it, reinforcement training focuses on setting our dogs up to succeed. By implementing management strategies, we in fact set up a high number of behaviours that can then be reinforced. The dog learns how to choose to do the ‘right’ things, (through a strong reinforcement history & good management), rather than only learning how to avoid the ‘wrong’ thing, (through leash corrections/punishers). While both methods of training can produce well trained dogs, you need to be aware that whatever training methods you decide to implement will have a fundamental effect on the relationship you will build with your dog, how successful / reliable training will be, the level of motivation you obtain and the mental & physical impact on your dog. The question is; What type of mind set are you? If still in doubt, just put yourself in your dogs place for a moment and ask yourself which kind of learning you would prefer.  If your interested in developing your dog's learning potential,
would like further information or just require some help with your pooch, then please contact us.
Happy Training!
All our instructors are fully qualified, DELTA Accredited Behavioural Trainers (Certificate IV Canine Behaviour) and only use positive, motivational, reward based training methods.
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