Updates On 26th Aug 2013

At the SPCA, we believe in positive reinforcement training. But for the uninitiated, what exactly is positive reinforcement? Kang Nee, a certified professional dog trainer who works with us to help the dogs in our shelter, shares more.

Positive Reinforcement Training…

What it is:

Motivating a dog to make good choices, and rewarding it when it does. The reward reinforces the good behaviour that we want, and the dog is more likely to repeat that same desired behaviour in another similar situation. With consistent practice, the dog becomes more reliable and fluent in making the desired choice. Take for example the case of a dog that’s reactive to another dog. We train the reactive dog to look at its owner when it sees another dog, instead of barking and lunging at the other dog. Whenever it does so voluntarily, it gets rewarded with a treat. Eventually, the dog learns and makes the conscious choice to check back with the owner whenever another dog is around. With positive reinforcement, the dog learns the skill of coping with a potentially stressful situation and is able to make a good choice instead of reacting negatively.

What it is not:

In the same situation of a dog that’s reactive to another dog, it is NOT positive reinforcement when we force the reactive dog into a sit or down position whenever another dog is nearing. It is also NOT positive reinforcement when we use a head collar to turn the dog’s head away from the other dog, or jerk its leash and run away in the opposite direction. One should not repeatedly expose the dog to such a situation, and then deliver a treat when the dog becomes too exhausted to be reactive towards the other dog. This form of training is an aversive method, using punishment and flooding, with treats thrown in as a ‘disguise’ for positive reinforcement. Aversive training is often an inappropriate method for dogs that are fearful and/or aggressive, and may even escalate the reactivity further.

Visit Kang Nee’s website at http://cheerfuldogs.com/ to find out more on how to train dogs the kind (and right) way

(Photo courtesy of Alex and Blayne Peacock, who adopted Doug (previously known as Cody) from us!)

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151636888138155&set=a.283797778154.142068.262947298154&type=1&relevant_count=1

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SPCA Singapore

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Singapore) is the first registered animal welfare organisation in Singapore. The two main objectives of SPCA Singapore are: to promote kindness to animals and birds, and to prevent cruelty to animals and birds.

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