I wish people would sit down and read B.F. Skinners’ book “The Behavior Of Organisms”, it’s an eye opener. If you want a copy, contact me and I’ll send a pdf to you. Read the man himself instead of trainers interpretation of it. Again, Skinner defined “positive reinforcement” as the removal of “negative reinforcement” and he is very correct. But “positive reinforcement” needs to be understood from the dogs point of view. Case in point, from Skinner himself – direct quote from the aforementioned book.

Bear is a great example – when I enter her yard, I am a “negative reinforcement”. I fully understand that Bear is going to want “positive reinforcement” and she wants to remove me – the negative reinforcement. Bear can “fight” – forcefully remove the “negative reinforcement”. Bear can “flight” – remove herself from “negative reinforcement”. But there is a 3rd choice that is open to her – and that is socialization. Making this “negative reinforcement” “not a big deal”. That is what I want her to choose – to make me not a big deal.
She can only flight so far, she’s contained to the yard. So, she chooses mostly to fight – the barking, the bluff charges and at some point, she is pushing hard and is capable of nipping.
All I want from the dog is to calm down. That’s it. Get it out of your system, and calm down. Then choose to come invade my space in a calm and respectful fashion. It typically starts with fight or flight – but I’m offering a third choice. Socialization. Once she is leashed – flight is removed. The fight is gone, she’s tired. And now she chooses to calmly invade my space.
I am not a big deal anymore – She’s still getting “positive reinforcement”. By remaining calm, showing respect, and showing her that I’m not scared – I’m becoming a positive reinforcement. The removal of negative.
tracie 6 May 2023
I have been reading your site. Can I email you with some questions?
monty 6 May 2023 — Post author
sure. email me at robert@roberthynesdogtraining.com. I’ll see if I can provide answers.