During this presentation we will answer the question why we propose food and rewards for dog training.
Food does not spoil our dogs, nor does it damage the bond with our dogs. Instead, we can use it to positively reinforce wanted behaviors, efficiently train up wanted behaviors, and to inform the dog about what he is getting right. Food, however, is not the only reward we can use in dog training – we will look into other rewards, and how and when we can use them for training.
Aversive methods and punishment follow the same learning principles as positive methods do. These methods work just as well, but they come with a bunch of pitfalls that we will look into.
Why do we need either reinforcement or punishment? The answer is ‘motivation’. A little more clarification of what is motivating to dogs, both positively and negatively.
We will also spend some time de-mystifying the reason why some dogs seemingly do not need any motivation to please their people.
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About the instructor:
Sylvia began her career working as an Animal Care Associate at the San Francisco SPCA in 2008, where she was responsible for the complex needs of shelter dogs, matching dogs to prospective adopters and overseeing adoption councils. Under the tutelage of the SF SPCA dog trainers, she continued her passion and study of dog behavior and training. In 2009 she began working part-time as a dog walker and as a dog handler for a small dog day care.
Sylvia regularly attends seminars on dog behavior and training. In 2010, Sylvia began assisting in formal training classes, socials and private dog training. Last year, she graduated with honors from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers and became a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Sylvia is now a full time dedicated dog training professional, teaching classes for SmartyPup and dogEvolve, and offering private training.
Sylvia lives with her two guys, her husband Jan and their little Terrier Mix, Fonzie, in the Sunset.
