Is Your Dog Struggling to Behave? 🤔😥😰 We may think we’re doing right by our dog when training them, but this is actually conditioning - even if it’s positive reinforcement. Instead, we should strive to allow our pups the freedom to make their own decisions and choose right behaviors willingly, without being prompted by conditioned responses. But how will this work, and what are the negative consequences of positive reinforcement? ⁉️➡️➡️ Positive reinforcement requires a certain level of blackmail - it requires constant reinforcement to produce the desired behavior. For example, if your pup tends to struggle past other dogs on walks, a positive reinforcement trainer might suggest feeding treats or playing with a toy until the distraction passes. However, this isn't sustainable as you can’t always have treats at your fingertips- why should you reward your furry friend for just normal behavior? 👀🙉🙉 Pavlov’s famous experiment shows that over time this type of response will disappear if stimuli isn't continuously reinforced. The bell would no longer result in food so salivation wouldn't follow - thus losing motivation and reverting back to old habits. 🔔💦🐶 The only way we can build harmonic bonding with our four-legged friends is by giving them autonomy and freedom to choose right behaviours because they want to belong in our family - these steps are easier than you may think! We simply need to learn how to speak their language and show them that they don't need take charge or decision making - once trust is established through four rituals (feeding, departing reuniting, play-time, walking), natural order is restored with dogs choosing the right behaviour each time! 💛💛😁 To find out more about these rituals or schedule a free consultation with Sasha click on the link below! ⬇️📲