How Positive Reinforcement (reward based) Dog Training Works
- Canine Training Co.
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 8
What Is Positive Reinforcement Training?
Positive reinforcement is a scientifically proven training method that teaches dogs to repeat behaviors that are followed by a rewarding consequence. This method focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors, making the dog more likely to choose them again.
It comes from the behavioral science principle of Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner), where:
Positive means adding something.
Reinforcement means increasing the likelihood of a behavior.
So if your dog sits and you give them a treat or praise — you’re using positive reinforcement.
How Positive Reinforcement Actually Works
1. The Dog Offers a Behavior
Your dog naturally performs a behavior, like sitting, walking calmly, or making eye contact.
2. You Mark the Moment
A marker (like a clicker or a verbal “Yes!”) tells the dog exactly which behavior earned the reward. This creates precise communication.
3. You Give a Reward
Within seconds of the behavior, you give a reward — usually:
High-value treat
Toy or play
Verbal praise or affection
4. The Brain Makes the Connection
Reward activates the dopamine and reward centers in the dog’s brain, especially the amygdala and nucleus accumbens. This creates emotional memory — the dog remembers not only the action but how it felt.
5. Behavior Gets Repeated
Because the dog felt good and understood why, they willingly choose the behavior again next time.
Why Positive Reinforcement Works So Well
Scientific Reason | What It Means for Dogs |
Dopamine release | Creates motivation and happiness during training. |
Builds emotional memory | Dogs don’t just learn commands — they learn how training feels. |
Strengthens owner–dog bond | Dogs trust and look to their humans for guidance, not fear. |
Increases problem-solving | Dogs become thinkers, not robots. |
Lowers anxiety and reactivity | Because training feels safe, not stressful. |
Rewards Don’t Have to Be Treats
Positive reinforcement isn’t only about food. Great trainers use a mix of:
✅ Food rewards (fast, clear, and effective)✅ Life rewards – going outside, sniffing, greeting people✅ Toys & play ✅ Praise, affection, freedom ✅ Release of pressure (especially in leash training or training working dogs — yes, this still fits within reward-based systems)
Common Myths About Positive Reinforcement
❌ Myth | ✅ Truth |
“My dog will only listen if I have food” | Only if rewards never get phased out. Good training switches to random reinforcement and real-life rewards. |
“Positive reinforcement means no rules or discipline” | It does include boundaries — it simply doesn’t rely on fear or pain. |
“It doesn’t work for aggressive or strong-willed dogs” | Science-based trainers successfully use it with working dogs, rescues, and severe behavior cases. |
“Dogs should do it to please us, not for treats” | Dogs don’t understand morality — they understand consequences. |
The Canine Training Co. has been specializing in dog training for over 17 years. Offering training for Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs NC and surrounding. Visit our website wwww.caninetrainingco.com for more information.
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