On this page you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions, as well as links to outside educational resources.
If your question is not here, or you would like more information, please never hesitate to reach out!
If your question is not here, or you would like more information, please never hesitate to reach out!
What is Positive Reinforcement (R+) Training?
Positive reinforcement is the addition of a reinforcer (treats, toys, praise) to mark and encourage the repetition of a desired behaviour. It operates on the principal that rewarding behaviours are repeated, and ignored behaviours will diminish.
Below is a link to an easily digestible article breaking down R+ Training:
www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/02/what-is-positive-reinforcement-in-dog.html
Positive Reinforcement Training is science based. Read the 'why' at the link below:
www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/04/new-literature-review-recommends-reward.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR1OyfFONizXrxQSi_kjgIUiMfcRjbCWb1P0sCnrgf_OSH4Wf5ujUhW9QSw
Positive reinforcement is the addition of a reinforcer (treats, toys, praise) to mark and encourage the repetition of a desired behaviour. It operates on the principal that rewarding behaviours are repeated, and ignored behaviours will diminish.
Below is a link to an easily digestible article breaking down R+ Training:
www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/02/what-is-positive-reinforcement-in-dog.html
Positive Reinforcement Training is science based. Read the 'why' at the link below:
www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/04/new-literature-review-recommends-reward.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR1OyfFONizXrxQSi_kjgIUiMfcRjbCWb1P0sCnrgf_OSH4Wf5ujUhW9QSw
|
|
|
Operant Conditioning
or ABC Model (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) Operant conditioning is learning through consequences (the rewards and punishments that follow a behaviour). It is the work of psychologist B.F. Skinner that concluded that behaviour could be shaped using these four quadrants by either rewarding or punishing behaviour. Read more: https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html During classes you will learn how to utilize positive reinforcement, and to a much lesser extent negative punishment. In context, this includes removing potential reinforcers such as our attention in response to dogs jumping, and forward motion in response to pulling. These are always followed by R+ to ensure that your dog is learning in a proactive way that doesn't lead to frustration. |
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is the process of learning through association. The famous "Pavlov's dog", where something that was previously neutral (a sound like a bell or clicker) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food or praise). After this association is learned, the sound becomes a conditioned stimulus, and hearing the sound will show the same response in the dog that the food or praise. Read more: https://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html |
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
For successful training and behaviour therapy, we always need to reflect on whether or not our dogs needs are being met, and address any deficits. Read more at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
For successful training and behaviour therapy, we always need to reflect on whether or not our dogs needs are being met, and address any deficits. Read more at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
What do I need to bring to class?
In addition to your dog and a positive attitude, you will need a standard 6 foot leash, a flat buckle collar, and treats.
Additional gear that is recommended is a bait bag and a well fitted harness. Training collars such as prong, electric, or slip are not permitted in class, and such aversive tools are never recommended. Chain and retractable leads are also not suitable equipment for classes, and we do not recommend their use, in or outside of classes.
If you would like support choosing the appropriate gear, please reach out, we are always happy to help!
In addition to your dog and a positive attitude, you will need a standard 6 foot leash, a flat buckle collar, and treats.
Additional gear that is recommended is a bait bag and a well fitted harness. Training collars such as prong, electric, or slip are not permitted in class, and such aversive tools are never recommended. Chain and retractable leads are also not suitable equipment for classes, and we do not recommend their use, in or outside of classes.
If you would like support choosing the appropriate gear, please reach out, we are always happy to help!
Do you ever use aversive tools in your training such as prong or e-collars?
No. Science has shown that the use of these tools is not only linked to behavioural issues, but go against what we strive for in our fear free training philosophy that revolves around teaching/reinforcing the behaviours we want, instead of simply masking the behaviours we don't.
Please check out the links below disproving 'Alpha Theory':
www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/debunking-the-alpha-dog-theory/?fbclid=IwAR385EU-brgTGPB5nAUXtbjkgVFollVr5lXp6BtGjelWqyaRyK0lSYa6jLs
www.animalhealthfoundation.net/blog/2017/10/the-myth-of-the-alpha-dog/?fbclid=IwAR0wrMiurlQyxAYp5xabDFuuM19aiuUvZMNjx0g0axOJvYPX6hfQrk4-PpU
No. Science has shown that the use of these tools is not only linked to behavioural issues, but go against what we strive for in our fear free training philosophy that revolves around teaching/reinforcing the behaviours we want, instead of simply masking the behaviours we don't.
Please check out the links below disproving 'Alpha Theory':
www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/debunking-the-alpha-dog-theory/?fbclid=IwAR385EU-brgTGPB5nAUXtbjkgVFollVr5lXp6BtGjelWqyaRyK0lSYa6jLs
www.animalhealthfoundation.net/blog/2017/10/the-myth-of-the-alpha-dog/?fbclid=IwAR0wrMiurlQyxAYp5xabDFuuM19aiuUvZMNjx0g0axOJvYPX6hfQrk4-PpU
Am I always going to require treats?
Yes, but not at the same rate of reinforcement. As your dog becomes more fluent in the behaviours you are requesting, you will be able to wean down the number of food rewards to focus on the strongest offered responses. That said, these reinforcers are your dogs paycheck, and we all like to be paid for our hard work.
Yes, but not at the same rate of reinforcement. As your dog becomes more fluent in the behaviours you are requesting, you will be able to wean down the number of food rewards to focus on the strongest offered responses. That said, these reinforcers are your dogs paycheck, and we all like to be paid for our hard work.
Board and Train
I am often asked about Board and Train options. Whether this is something I offer myself (no), and if I know of anyone I trust and refer to (also, no). The majority of local board and train kennels utilize methods and tools that I consider inhumane. Many of the dogs that come to me for behaviour therapy, do so after experiencing one of these programs. Below are links to a couple of well written articles explaining why.
The Other End of the Leash - Board and Train: Good Option or Not?
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB
The Whole Dog Journal - Dog Boarding and Training Facilities
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
I am often asked about Board and Train options. Whether this is something I offer myself (no), and if I know of anyone I trust and refer to (also, no). The majority of local board and train kennels utilize methods and tools that I consider inhumane. Many of the dogs that come to me for behaviour therapy, do so after experiencing one of these programs. Below are links to a couple of well written articles explaining why.
The Other End of the Leash - Board and Train: Good Option or Not?
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB
The Whole Dog Journal - Dog Boarding and Training Facilities
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
What if I miss a class?
If you miss a class, you are welcome to make it up during the next suitable session if there is space to accommodate your dog. If the class was cancelled by the instructor, it will be rescheduled for a later date. If you would prefer to transfer to a private session, you are welcome to pay the difference to facilitate that.
If you need to reschedule a private session, please give at least 24 hours notice. No shows will not be refunded, and if a package was purchased, it will count as a full lesson. Please understand that with small class sizes and private sessions, not providing notice doesn't allow time to fill the space that was held for you with another student either on a waitlist, or on the cancellation list for a private session.
If you miss a class, you are welcome to make it up during the next suitable session if there is space to accommodate your dog. If the class was cancelled by the instructor, it will be rescheduled for a later date. If you would prefer to transfer to a private session, you are welcome to pay the difference to facilitate that.
If you need to reschedule a private session, please give at least 24 hours notice. No shows will not be refunded, and if a package was purchased, it will count as a full lesson. Please understand that with small class sizes and private sessions, not providing notice doesn't allow time to fill the space that was held for you with another student either on a waitlist, or on the cancellation list for a private session.
What is your refund policy?
Once you have submitted registration and payment for a class, it is non refundable. If you are unable to attend your class session for any reason, you are welcome to transfer to another suitable program if numbers allow, or apply the amount to other services at Mapleton Bark's sole discretion.
Please understand that your place in a class has been held for you, and with small class sizes many potential students are often redirected into other programs, or placed on cancellation lists. If your place is able to be filled, then you will absolutely have the option of transferring to another group. If not, we simply cannot absorb the loss while maintaining our goal of accessibly priced courses.
Mapleton Bark reserves the right to cease services and remove students from class if deemed necessary for the continued safety of other participants, dogs, and the maintenance of a supportive learning environment. This includes instances of harsh treatment and poor handling of their own dog(s), the use of aversive tools, fear, intimidation, or excessive force. With few exceptions, students at risk of being removed from class or their services cancelled for breach of registration agreement will be given notification and the opportunity to address their behaviour. In the event of safety risk or incident that immediately jeopardizes the mental or physical wellbeing of those around them, no notice is required. No refunds or transfer of services apply here.
Once you have submitted registration and payment for a class, it is non refundable. If you are unable to attend your class session for any reason, you are welcome to transfer to another suitable program if numbers allow, or apply the amount to other services at Mapleton Bark's sole discretion.
Please understand that your place in a class has been held for you, and with small class sizes many potential students are often redirected into other programs, or placed on cancellation lists. If your place is able to be filled, then you will absolutely have the option of transferring to another group. If not, we simply cannot absorb the loss while maintaining our goal of accessibly priced courses.
Mapleton Bark reserves the right to cease services and remove students from class if deemed necessary for the continued safety of other participants, dogs, and the maintenance of a supportive learning environment. This includes instances of harsh treatment and poor handling of their own dog(s), the use of aversive tools, fear, intimidation, or excessive force. With few exceptions, students at risk of being removed from class or their services cancelled for breach of registration agreement will be given notification and the opportunity to address their behaviour. In the event of safety risk or incident that immediately jeopardizes the mental or physical wellbeing of those around them, no notice is required. No refunds or transfer of services apply here.
Do you offer virtual classes?
At this time we are offering virtual consultations, but have not adapted classes to an online format.
At this time we are offering virtual consultations, but have not adapted classes to an online format.
Additional Resources:
Enrichment
shaysdogblog.com/2018/03/11/10-ways-to-improve-your-dogs-life/?fbclid=IwAR35iHzH3jX7XEly-ujsGPS6lYDFkHw4KHqHwn4l9dkFQn3IHxZEajXw5BI
www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fellow-creatures/202004/why-dogs-happiness-not-obedience-is-what-counts?fbclid=IwAR1l0o8yXR_mwsmLG2aOWfXGaaADNcnrZh7hjHKjJDKgjkYcIDbFc5GJ58Y
thebark.com/content/dogs-chasing-laser-pointers?fbclid=IwAR0a2YijE2fAkqksPZZJrVhVEqMGxRAOherNqSnGbRUU7B8yLdvzU7rpbJI
Studies on Early vs Delayed Spay and Neuter
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00472/full
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full
Before Getting a Dog
www.behaviormatters.academy/blog/2020/7/25/kids-and-dogs-scenarios-to-consider?fbclid=IwAR35iHzH3jX7XEly-ujsGPS6lYDFkHw4KHqHwn4l9dkFQn3IHxZEajXw5BI
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fellow-creatures/202008/you-arent-dog-and-other-surprises-dog-ownership?fbclid=IwAR36imT--8MmDVRk3ag79IWN0qMDGBRkmP_mW3AwWoktKbm7EZ2EMj2FvBk
Enrichment
shaysdogblog.com/2018/03/11/10-ways-to-improve-your-dogs-life/?fbclid=IwAR35iHzH3jX7XEly-ujsGPS6lYDFkHw4KHqHwn4l9dkFQn3IHxZEajXw5BI
www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fellow-creatures/202004/why-dogs-happiness-not-obedience-is-what-counts?fbclid=IwAR1l0o8yXR_mwsmLG2aOWfXGaaADNcnrZh7hjHKjJDKgjkYcIDbFc5GJ58Y
thebark.com/content/dogs-chasing-laser-pointers?fbclid=IwAR0a2YijE2fAkqksPZZJrVhVEqMGxRAOherNqSnGbRUU7B8yLdvzU7rpbJI
Studies on Early vs Delayed Spay and Neuter
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00472/full
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full
Before Getting a Dog
www.behaviormatters.academy/blog/2020/7/25/kids-and-dogs-scenarios-to-consider?fbclid=IwAR35iHzH3jX7XEly-ujsGPS6lYDFkHw4KHqHwn4l9dkFQn3IHxZEajXw5BI
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fellow-creatures/202008/you-arent-dog-and-other-surprises-dog-ownership?fbclid=IwAR36imT--8MmDVRk3ag79IWN0qMDGBRkmP_mW3AwWoktKbm7EZ2EMj2FvBk