Mastering Pet Training: The Power of Positive Reinforcement with Angelique de Kock

• What are the key principles of positive reinforcement in pet training?
• How does positive reinforcement compare to traditional training methods in terms of long-term behaviour change?
• Can you share some effective examples of rewards that work well for different types of pets?
• How can pet owners identify what motivates their pets for successful training?
• What common mistakes do pet owners make when using positive reinforcement techniques?
• How can positive reinforcement be applied to address specific behavioural issues, such as barking or jumping?
• What advice do you have for pet owners who may be struggling to implement positive reinforcement in their training routines?

Training your pet can sometimes feel like a challenge, but Angelique de Kock, the owner of Treat to Train, is here to show how it can be both enjoyable and rewarding. As an advocate for positive reinforcement, Angelique shares her expert tips on using rewards, timing, and creativity to bring out the best in your furry friend. Whether you’re addressing specific behaviours or simply strengthening your bond, her advice is practical, kind, and easy to follow.

What are the key principles of positive reinforcement in pet training?

I think if we look at the scientific definition, positive reinforcement is adding something positive to make sure a behaviour is repeated or increases in frequency. Typically, people know this as rewarding with a treat or a toy. But it’s literally anything that increases a behaviour’s incidence. So, let’s say it’s rewarding for my dog to go out the back door. You could ask for a sit and then open the door, and that’s a reward. Technically, that behaviour was positively reinforced. It’s predominantly what science says is the best way to train, whether it be with pet dogs, working dogs, or even zoo animals. There’s debate, but for anyone who has read the studies, it’s clear that it’s the most efficient and best for an animal’s welfare.

How does positive reinforcement compare to traditional training methods in terms of long-term behaviour change?

Traditional methods, like punishment with choke chains, don’t address the underlying reasons for the behaviour and can create fear and stress, which can actually worsen the behaviour. They might suppress unwanted actions temporarily, but they don’t teach the animals what they should do instead. Positive reinforcement is more sustainable because it addresses the root cause of the behaviour and focuses on rewarding desired actions. This builds a stronger bond between pet and owner based on trust and cooperation, leading to longer-lasting behaviour change.

Can you share some effective examples of rewards that work well for different types of pets?

I’d actually say it’s more about finding what works well for the individual animal, rather than just focusing on different types of pets. You can do preference tests to find out what your specific pet finds most motivating.

For example, many pets love food, and it’s a very easy reward to use in training. You can test different treats by putting two options in separate bowls and seeing which one your pet chooses. The treats they consistently pick are likely high-value rewards. Remember that preferences can change, so it’s good to retest regularly. Meatier and more aromatic treats tend to be popular with dogs. Just be mindful of using human food as it’s often too salty or seasoned for pets.

Beyond food, you can use other things your pet enjoys. Tug toys, flirt poles, or even tearing up a cardboard box can be great rewards. If your dog loves sniffing, let them explore a new area as a reward for good behaviour. If they enjoy off-leash time, walking nicely on a leash can be rewarded with playtime. The key is to be creative and use what your pet finds most enjoyable and motivating.

How can pet owners identify what motivates their pets for successful training?

The top thing is to observe your dog. Look at things they do naturally. If you want, write down a list of things they enjoy doing. If they enjoy swimming, that goes on the list because we can use that as a reward. If they enjoy sniffing, you can do that. I’m not saying they should work for everything. But you can be creative with the rewards you use. Look at the things they beg for, even though you might not want to give it to them. They’re begging at the table when you have steak, but they’re not begging if you’re eating noodles. That steak is probably something that you could reward with.

What common mistakes do pet owners make when using positive reinforcement techniques?

A common mistake pet owners make when using positive reinforcement, similar to those who use punishment (which I don’t advocate for), is not being quick enough with the reward. Timing is crucial. Ideally, you should reward yourself within three seconds of the desired behaviour. If you wait too long, the connection between the action and the reward is lost.

How can positive reinforcement be applied to address specific behavioural issues, such as barking or jumping?

You can address specific behavioural issues with positive reinforcement by first understanding why the behaviour is happening. For example, if a dog jumps up, it might be because they’re excited and seeking attention. Giving them attention while they’re jumping reinforces that behaviour. If you’re not okay with the jumping, you shouldn’t reward it. Instead, find alternative behaviours to reward, like sitting or having all four paws on the ground.

The same goes for barking. Figure out why the dog is barking and reward them for being quiet or doing something else instead. It’s about rewarding an alternative behaviour that’s incompatible with the unwanted one. For example, a dog can’t jump and sit at the same time. Find that alternative behaviour and reward it consistently.

What advice do you have for pet owners who may be struggling to implement positive reinforcement in their training routines?

If you’re really struggling, reach out for help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist. There are also many online resources available, like Karen Pryor’s clicker training or Dogmantics‘ YouTube channel. You can also practice training techniques without your pet present to improve your timing and consistency. Lastly, just be mindful of when and what you are rewarding.