Why I Use Positive Reinforcement - And Why It Matters

There’s a reason I’ve spent over 20 years using and teaching positive reinforcement. It’s not just because it feels better. It’s because it works. It’s backed by science. It protects the relationship between dog and owner. And—most importantly—it supports the emotional wellbeing of the dogs we live and work with.

Photo by Chris Arthur-Collins on Unsplash

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Let’s break it down.

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement means adding something the dog likes to increase the chance of a behaviour happening again. In everyday life, that might look like giving a dog a tasty treat or a game of tug when they come when called. The dog learns:

“When I do X, something good happens.”

This isn’t fluffy or vague—it’s behavioural science. Animals (and humans) repeat behaviours that are followed by positive outcomes. That’s why your dog keeps sniffing that one patch of grass (they once found a sandwich crust there), and it’s why you might keep going back to your favourite café (good coffee, warm welcome).

But What About 'Balanced Training'?

Lately, I’ve noticed a rise in trainers who describe themselves as “balanced.” It’s a clever rebrand. The word sounds fair, reasonable—even appealing. But let’s be clear: in many cases, it actually means using punishment alongside rewards.

And yes, punishment can stop behaviour—if it’s harsh enough, timed perfectly, and the dog is sensitive enough. But that approach comes with a risk. If the punishment is misunderstood or too much, you can damage trust, increase anxiety, and create defensive behaviours.

The Hidden Costs of Punishment

The dog may appear to behave “better,” but often, they’re walking on eggshells, unsure what might trigger a negative response. Learning is still happening—but it’s learning driven by fear and self-protection—not confidence.

“It Never Did Me Any Harm” – Really?

Many people still believe that punishment works because they turned out okay. But that view overlooks the ones it didn’t work for.

In my 20 years’ experience—especially in rescue—I’ve seen the damage punishment can cause. Some dogs shut down and can’t engage. Others become defensive or frightened. In some cases, punishment has contributed to dogs being labelled “aggressive” and ultimately put to sleep.

The method often escapes blame—and the dog pays the price.

Respect or Fear?

Punishment-based trainers often say they’re teaching “respect.” But if you learn how to read a dog’s body language, what you’ll often see is stress, uncertainty, and appeasement—not trust.

Respect means mutual understanding and choice. Fear is something else entirely.

A dog that responds out of fear isn’t showing respect. They’re trying to avoid punishment. That might look like obedience on the surface—but it’s fragile and emotionally costly.

It’s no different from a person being polite to someone they’re afraid of.

It’s not respect. It’s survival.

Appeasement Behaviours Are Often Misunderstood

Understanding Your Dog's Signals

“But he loves me and is always pleased to see me!”

Dogs are incredibly socially intelligent. When they feel stressed or threatened, they use appeasement behaviours to calm the situation—like lowering their body, yawning, licking, or even wagging their tail.

These behaviours often get mistaken for happiness or friendliness. But they’re not about joy—they’re about staying safe.

Recognising these fine details is essential to understanding your dog’s emotional state—and building trust that runs deeper than surface behaviours.

When Positive Reinforcement “Doesn’t Work”

You might hear: “We tried positive reinforcement—it didn’t work.” But often, it’s not the method that’s failed—it’s the understanding of how to use it.

Positive reinforcement isn’t just giving a treat when your dog sits. It’s a thoughtful, structured approach to communication and learning. And while the core principles might sound simple, the reality is more complex—because every dog is an individual, and there are many variables at play.

Here are a few essentials:

Understanding What Motivates Your Dog

Motivation changes with context, mood, and environment—and recognising this is key to successful training.

Meeting Your Dog’s Needs

Needs aren’t just physical—they include emotional and behavioural needs too. A dog who doesn’t feel safe or secure won’t be in a state to learn well.

Getting the Timing Right

Rewarding too late (or too early) makes it harder for your dog to make the right connections.

Clear Communication

Dogs thrive on consistency. Mixed messages create confusion and stress.

The Flexibility of Positive Reinforcement

And here’s the thing: when positive reinforcement doesn’t quite land, you can refine it without harming your relationship. It’s safe to experiment and adjust.

No fear. No damage. Just learning and having a go.

The Role of Good Coaching

Positive reinforcement takes more than good treats—it takes practice, timing, and support. If you’re feeling stuck, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you could use a guide.

That’s where I come in. I can help you understand how to apply it clearly and confidently—so it works for you and your dog.

Support Without Pressure

No pressure. Just support.

The Bottom Line

Trainers can make punishment look effective. It’s easy to stop a behaviour in the moment—but that’s not the same as building lasting results, confidence, or trust.

The emotional environment we create shapes how dogs learn—and how they feel while doing it. Positive reinforcement supports both learning and wellbeing. It encourages dogs to engage, builds their confidence to try again, and helps create genuine connections with the people around them.

I use it because I want dogs to feel safe, understood, and free to learn without fear. Just like us, dogs need to know it’s okay to make mistakes.

And if that’s the kind of relationship you want with your dog—then you’re in the right place.