Positive Reinforcement Training: Why Reward Beats Punishment

Like most people who've always had dogs, I regret some of the ways I've approached dog training in the past. For a long time, I just couldn't believe that positive reinforcement dog training really works better than "show 'em who's boss" methods.

But once I tried it, my rescues quickly took to training with treats and dog bones. Now, whether we're at the hiking trail or a priceless street art display, I trust they know how to behave.

So, last weekend, I was at the park with Pixie and Bruno when I saw a guy trying to train his German Shepherd.

Or at least, that’s what I think he was trying to do.

“Sit!” he barked. The dog sat for half a second before popping back up. I could tell they had been working on this. But the Rin-Tin-Tin: K9 Cop lookalike just wasn't getting it.

“No!” The guy yanked the leash. The dog crouched, ears back.

I cringed. I could see the man was so frustrated, not to mention the dog, so I walked up casually to see if they might be open to trying a different approach. With the okay, I helped him teach the dog to sit with positive reinforcement training.

And in around 5-10 minutes, his dog was already following the command pretty consistently.

What Is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

It works like this:

✔ Your dog does something good → Reward them with high-value dog treats.

✔ They repeat the behavior because good things happen when they do.

✔ They keep repeating the behavior even if they don't get a reward every time because it feels good.

✔ People keep telling you how well-behaved your dog is and asking you what your secret is.

And your dog may or may not become Instagram Famous.

Why Positive Reinforcement Works

Positive reinforcement is how people and dogs learn naturally in real life. When we feel rewarded by something we do, we want to do it again. Eventually, it becomes a habit.

We have a neurotransmitter (sometimes called a hormone) named dopamine. It's a feel-good chemical that helps the brain create a pathway between a trigger (like a dog command) and an action (like a dog trick)

Positive reinforcement training leverages this natural habit-forming process to teach dogs "good habits."

For example, you can teach your dog to feel good about walking beside you on a walk instead of yanking you down the sidewalk.

In dog training, we use irresistible treats, praise, pets, belly rubs, and clicks to communicate with dogs that they're doing something good. Dogs can learn some really advanced skills this way. And eventually, you don't even have to give them a treat every time.

These skills become habits. And you have one well-behaved dog.

This is easier than you may think. But it does take some patience, consistency, and, of course, the best training treats.

Dogs aren't stubborn or untrainable, as we often say. Rescues aren't too damaged to learn. You just need a way to communicate with them what's "good" and acceptable behavior.

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement

• Build trust — it goes both ways. They trust you to act a certain way, and you trust them to follow commands.
• Strengthen your bond — Your dog learns that pleasing you earns them treats and praise. They become cooperative, and you can do more bonding activities together, like going to a dog-friendly cafe or hiking off-leash at the trail.
• Keep them safe — You can effortlessly recall them in dangerous situations, and they listen when you tell them not to chase that squirrel across the busy street.
• Mental health — You and your dog spend less time feeling frustrated or anxious. You understand—and respond to—each other constructively.
• Build confidence and self-esteem — Dogs learn how the world works and grow into confident, independent, well-behaved pups. They don't cling around your feet. They can explore the world when you take them out to the lake and come back when it's time to go home. This is incredibly freeing for your dog and you as someone who wants your dog to get to be a dog.

Honestly, it's been over 10 years since I started using positive reinforcement training with dogs. And I can say that being a dog mom has been 10 times more fun and rewarding since I've learned this secret. It's better for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement vs Punishment

Punishment training uses fear and discomfort to teach a dog. Sure, it can work. But you can also end up with a dog who's fearful and anxious, with a bit of dog PTSD.

I understand that people with aggressive dogs may feel this is the only option. But I'd much rather have a friend in the end and not someone who obeys because they're afraid of what I'll do to them.

Punishment attempts to teach a dog what not to do. But in most cases, yelling, yanking, and hitting just make you seem erratic to your dog.

Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Positive reinforcement is definitely that!

How to Use Positive Reinforcement the Right Way

1. Reward at the Right Time

Dogs need to learn what the treat rewards, so timing matters. Give them the treat as fast as you can when they act. Praise them at the same time or a little before so they associate the praise with the treat with the action.

For more complicated commands, it's helpful to use a clicker. A clicker is a cheap dog training tool that allows you to precisely mark (with a click sound) the moment a dog performs the command.

2. Use the Best Training Treats for Dogs

Dogs work harder for better rewards. Pretending a kibble is a treat won't cut it. Yeah, I tried that too. My dog just stared at me like I just did a trick for this?!

The best training treats for dogs:

• Small and bite-sized – So you can reward often.
• High in protein – Fuels energy and muscle health.
• Nutritious overall — So you can feel good about giving them.
• Irresistible – Because a boring treat won’t motivate them.

K9 Connoisseur’s beef lung bites are a single-ingredient, all-natural training treat that dogs go crazy for—no fillers, no junk, just real protein.

3. Reinforce the Right Behaviors

Now, sometimes you just catch them being good. You'll want to reward that.

So, if they're...

• Sitting politely instead of jumping? Give them a Treat!
  
• Lying calmly while you work? Praise!
• Coming when called? Jackpot reward!

I'm not saying this replaces formal dog training. It certainly does not.

But it helps them begin making the connections between good behavior and treats.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques That Absolutely Work

Instead of yelling, try redirection.

So, if they're chewing on something they shouldn't, don't scream. Distract them so it doesn't look like you're rewarding destructive chewing. Then, offer them a meaty, marrow-filled dog bone instead.

Instead of leash yanking, try a reset.

So, if they’re pulling on walks, stop walking until they refocus on you.

Instead of scolding, try ignoring.

Controversial...I know. Ignoring can be seen as a form of punishment. But it sends the right message and opens up the opportunity for rewarding better behavior.

So, if they’re jumping for attention, turn away until they stop. Then, reward calm behavior.

To learn more about training with positive reinforcement, don't forget to sign up for the 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.

Available On:

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we trust and believe will benefit you and your K9.