30/06/2025
I found this video very interesting & believe it'll help explain what I talk to my clients about all of the time on why positive reinforcement only/management training versus a multi-quadrant/balanced approach is more effective many times. In the video, the dog is a) behind glass, b) wearing a muzzle (this part is a HUGE factor in why he might be non-reactive in this vid) & c) not LEASHED which could cause a huge difference in any behaviors that are/aren't presenting themselves. Dogs are opportunistic...& the dog clearly knows he has a muzzle on, can't access the trigger, & the noise/excitement is distracting the dog to the point it's not truly focused on making a better decision. Food is being used as the primary behavioral reinforcer, but as I tell clients, it should NEVER be the primary, rather, it should ALWAYS be secondary...that confusion is why so many people seem to fail/have issues with training their dogs. In order to have true, consistent success, you MUST make the primary reward the FUNCTIONAL reward...meaning...whatever the dog desires most should be the reward. So, if it were me training in this behavioral modification case, I would a) do better simulating real-world experiences by having the dog on-leash & outside, b) have correction for undesirable behaviors instead of distraction/vocals/treats, c) use the dog's desire to actually have the dog/people move AWAY from him by waiting until he is calmer & then the trigger(s) would leave. **Most people would see this vid & assume he just wants to go to the trigger, but in all actuality he has more than likely found out the joy of being highly reactive will make that trigger disappear/move away, so there is his primary/functional reward.** By just distraction, management, baiting/begging/coaxing & food you will NEVER achieve full success. So that's just my opinion 😋 have a great week!
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1276739217787302&id=100063537063855
