Our methods are commonly confused with "positive reinforcement" or "reward-based training" methods …that is a slang term for the current trend in training programs. The use of the word "positive" is in the laymen's term meaning something good, rather than the academic definition, which means to add something to the environment. These programs are often based on subject earning or getting something desirable as enticement rather than as a consequence of an appropriate behavior.
Therefore the word "reinforcement" is misused as the word defines itself, and its definition is describing a consequence not an antecedent.
We use Reinforcement training methods… rewards, like reinforcements, are intended to increase the frequency and intensity of a specific behavior, they are meant to be consequences. When training THE THIRD WAY, "rewards are reinforcers and are consequences for appropriate responses.
“Reward based” training is based on subject receiving reward and desirable things as enticement for appropriate behavior. Emphasis on respondent rather than operant responses, and generally compliance to human wishes depends upon subject being in an aroused or elated emotional state. Much of the stimulus control is based on contextual rather than verbal or signal cues.
We use a “Leading Gesture” which is a teaching technique to entice a dog to perform voluntarily a targeted response. Food or an enticement object is placed in front of a dog’s nose. The dog is briefly allowed to investigate the object. Once the dog is interested, the object is moved away from the dog. It is moved in a way that will assist the dog in performing the targeted response. The dog must do something in order to get the object.
Unlike “luring” which allows the dog to nibble at the enticement while being manipulated, a "leading gesture" results in the dog having to do something in order to earn the reinforcer. We do not use "luring" because it creates food dependency problems and only succeeds in teaching the dog to concentrate on and follow the food bribe. The dog does not learn the targeted response; rather she learns only to follow the food.
