Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work“ #297

Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work“ #297

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Have you heard the news that positive reinforcement doesn't work? The truth about the dog training success enjoyed by positive reinforcement-based dog trainers comes down to application, and I'm sharing examples that will be familiar to everyone with a dog. Whether you're dealing with a reactive dog, struggling with agility training, or want to improve your training skills, I've got practical insights based on real-world scenarios to help everyone with a dog succeed.

📝 Read the transcript: https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-297/

🐾Key Episode Moments:
00:00 Surprising news! Reinforcement-based dog training does not work.
03:20 Real world examples of using positive reinforcement-based training to help dogs with motion sensitivity, reactivity, distractions, and engagement for working with you.
05:12 Triggers and why to avoid masking a dog’s emotions with things like balls or food.
05:21 The bunny farm and what that means for dog training.
07:48 The importance of Desentisation, Counterconditioning and Operant Conditioning to ensure positive reinforcement-based training works for any dog.
08:38 Distance is your friend.
09:40 Reverse Conditioning and why to avoid it.
12:06 Counterconditioning and relationship-building.
13:00 Operant Conditioning - ABCs of dog training. (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence)
15:34 The downfall of cookie-stuffing and what to do instead.

Resources:
1. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7&si=PdviN3sGRJ3DcU0P
2. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog’s Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together - https://youtu.be/uHBLvBj0Jqo
3. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy&si=nPW9b53Hamc2hne0
4. Podcast Episode 165: Why Do Dogs Bark In Cars And How To Stop It - https://youtu.be/XVnjKYoz5WA
5. Podcast Episode 146: Balanced Dog Training: Does It Really Exist? - https://youtu.be/WtGjhPRQWoo
6. Podcast Episode 202: Getting A Happy Well Behaved Dog With The ABCs Of Training - https://youtu.be/UD6TJidqVTM
7. Shaping Success Book by Susan Garrett - https://dogsthat.com/product/shaping-success-2/
8. Podcast Episode 141: Average Or Better Dog Training Question: What Did You Just Reward? - https://youtu.be/5i6DYIsK4OI
9. Blog Post: 6 Keys to Shaping Behaviour - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/12/6-keys-to-shaping-behaviour/
10. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe&si=EivXPja8RBbPxkgH
11. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg
12. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/DogsThat/
13. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=hSJefg4tMy5Cfirf
14. YouTube Video: 5 Tips for Dog Trick Training with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hmLXI_qcC8
15. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=SM44kBxl4q6C3nIn

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