What is Balanced Dog Training?

Simply put, balanced dog training uses both positive reinforcement to increase the likelihood of a behavior repeating and positive punishment to discourage unfavorable behaviors. However, like anything simplified, you don’t get a full view of the nuances of balanced dog training, which is what makes this method truly successful. Balanced dog training utilizes all four quadrants of B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning, making it a balanced approach to training.

When we think of the words “positive” and “negative,” “good” and “bad” are often the first things that come to mind. However, in the context of Operant Conditioning, that is not the case. “Positive” means to add something, and “negative” means to subtract or take something away. “Reinforcement” means you’re trying to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior happening again, while “punishment” is the opposite. You are trying to decrease the likelihood of a less favorable behavior happening again.

The Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning

Positive Reinforcement (R+)

Add something to increase the frequency of a behavior. Example: You reward your dog with a treat when they sit.

Negative Reinforcement (R-)

Remove something to increase the frequency of a behavior. Example: The handler asks a dog to sit while applying upward leash pressure on a slip leash. Once the dog sits, the pressure is removed.

Positive Punishment (P+)

Adds something to decrease the frequency of a behavior. Example:  Handler administers an e-collar stimulation when the dog goes after a squirrel on the trail in order to call them off the squirrel.

Negative Punishment (R-)

Removing something to decrease the frequency of a behavior. Example: If your dog jumps on you, then you remove your attention from them until they stop jumping.

Balanced dog trainers use both reward based techniques and corrections to teach dogs a desired behavior.

Balanced vs. Positive Training

Balanced dog training and positive-only dog training are two distinct approaches to training dogs, each with its own philosophy and methods. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or toys, while balanced training uses corrective techniques that can include mild aversive tools, like a leash correction or an e collar, to discourage unwanted behavior.

Positive-only training aims to build a strong, trusting bond between the dog and handler by using methods that make the learning process enjoyable and non-punitive. Positive dog trainers rely exclusively on positive reinforcement—such as treats, verbal praise, or toys—to encourage behaviors they want to see repeated. This approach often emphasizes clear communication, patience, and consistency, and believes that all behavior issues can be resolved without the need for punishment.

The key difference between these two approaches lies in how they handle unwanted behavior. While balanced training may use corrective measures to address undesirable actions, positive-only training seeks to prevent bad behavior through rewards for good actions and by redirecting the dog’s attention away from negative behaviors.

Aversive tools are what scares many dog owners, but it’s important to highlight that what is aversive to a dog can vary. For example, one of my client's dog doesn't like it when air is blown into her face. It doesn't cause pain in any way, but she dislikes it so much it can be used as a correction to stop her from jumping on guests. On the other hand, another client's dog doesn't mind air being blown in his face at all and loves to fall asleep in front of a fan or space heater. Although aversive tools are simply tools to communicate clearly with your dog, it's important they are used properly with the guidance of a trainer.

Balanced Dog Training Techniques

Leadership is a central concept in balanced dog training, reflecting the belief that dogs naturally seek guidance and structure from their human companions. In the dog training world, this would be considered "pack mentality" with the human acting as the leader of their pack.

Establishing Clear Boundaries

One of the primary roles of a pack leader is to establish and maintain clear boundaries for the dog. This involves:

• Setting consistent rules for behavior in the home and during interactions with people and other animals.

• Defining areas where the dog is and isn't allowed, such as furniture or certain rooms.

• Establishing routines for daily activities like feeding, walks, and playtime.

By providing these clear guidelines, the pack leader helps the dog understand their place in the family structure and what behaviors are expected of them. I like to think of this as starting a brand new job. You quickly learn what you should be doing and what you shouldn't be doing.

By establishing clear boundaries, you get a better sense of what is expected of you and have more confidence in your day-to-day responsibilities.

For example: Let's say you get in trouble at work and your boss gets upset, but that's it: you only get a warning. Later, let's say you accidentally make this mistake again, and your boss acknowledges it but shrugs it off and says it's fine. Now you're confused at work and second guessing not only yourself, but also your boss. If you want to be a good pack leader, you need to be clear with what you're trying to communicate to your dog and set them up for success.

Controlling Resources

In balanced training, the concept of resource control is often emphasized as a way to reinforce the human's leadership role. This doesn't mean depriving the dog of necessities, but rather:

• Requiring the dog to perform a desired behavior (like sitting) before receiving food, treats, or toys.

• Initiating and ending play sessions on the human's terms.

• Controlling access to high-value items or areas of the home.

This approach is based on the idea that in canine social structures, leaders control access to valuable resources. By mimicking this dynamic, humans can reinforce their leadership position in a way that dogs instinctively understand.

In the human world, this would be the equivalent of a child asking their parent for permission to have ice cream, play with their friends, play video games, etc.

Providing Consistent Guidance

Effective leadership in balanced dog training also involves providing consistent guidance and direction. This includes:

• Giving clear, concise commands and following through on them.

• Offering guidance in new or challenging situations.

• Consistently reinforcing desired behaviors and discouraging unwanted ones.

By being a reliable source of direction, the human leader helps the dog navigate their environment with confidence and clarity. Back to the example with the new job, consistency goes hand in hand with establishing clear boundaries and with anything in life, consistency is what reaps results. Consistency is what makes things that are initially hard much easier over time with practice.

Balancing Affection and Discipline

A key aspect of leadership in this training approach is striking a balance between affection and discipline. This means:

• Providing ample love, praise, and physical affection when the dog behaves well.

• Implementing fair and consistent consequences for unwanted behaviors.

• Avoiding excessive coddling or permissiveness that might undermine the leadership dynamic.

The goal is to create a relationship where the dog feels secure and loved while also respecting the human's authority and guidance. Many dog owners (including myself) struggled with this because well, dogs are so cute and cuddly and you can't help but to melt when they want to nuzzle you, but like parenthood, you can't always be your child's friend. There will be lots of instances where you have to step up, be the parents and enforce rules.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Dog Training Methods

Balanced dog training is a multifaceted approach that aims to provide a holistic framework for canine education and behavior modification. By incorporating elements from various training philosophies (such as positive reinforcement training) and utilizing a range of tools and techniques, balanced training seeks to offer a flexible, individualized approach to dog training.

However, as with any training methodology, it's crucial for dog owners to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances, their dog's specific needs, and their personal values and comfort levels. Here are some key points to consider when deciding on a training approach:

1. Every dog is unique: Different dogs require different things and what worked for one dog may not work for another. Consider your dog's temperament, history, and specific behavioral needs.

2. Education is crucial: Regardless of the training method you choose, proper education and understanding of canine behavior and learning principles are essential.

3. Consistency is key: Whatever approach you decide on, consistent application of training principles across all interactions with your dog will yield the best results.

4. Professional guidance can be valuable: If you're unsure about how to address specific behavioral issues or implement training techniques, seeking help from a professional trainer or behaviorist can be extremely beneficial.

5. Be open to adjusting your approach: As you work with your dog, be prepared to adapt your training methods if you're not seeing the desired results or if your dog seems stressed or unhappy with the current approach.

6. Prioritize your relationship: Regardless of the training method, the bond between you and your dog should always be the top priority. Training should enhance, not detract from, your relationship.

7. Stay informed: The field of dog training is continually evolving as we learn more about canine cognition and behavior. Stay open to new information and be willing to adjust your approach as new evidence emerges.

Ultimately, the goal of any dog training approach should be to create a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog who is a joy to live with. Whether you choose balanced training, purely positive methods, or another approach entirely, the most important factors are your commitment to your dog's well-being and your willingness to put in the time and effort required for successful training.

Remember, training is an ongoing process and a key part of your lifelong relationship with your canine companion. With patience, consistency, and love, you can help your dog become the best version of themselves, enhancing the special bond you share. If you think balanced training is what you need or if you're curious to learn about the training program, contact us to schedule a consultation.