Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it Important to Hire a Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainer?
What is Puppy Socialization and why is it so important?
What to do if my puppy seems to be regressing in training
Why is it Important to Hire a Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainer?
Positive reinforcement training builds a stronger bond between you and your dog, fosters confidence, and leads to faster, more reliable, and lasting results without using fear or punishment. This method teaches a dog what to do by reinforcing desired behaviors, which is a more effective way to train compared to methods that rely on force, fear, or punishment.
The concept commonly referred to as “fight or flight” is more accurately described as a sequence: freeze, flight, fight. This discussion will emphasize the ‘freeze’ component. When an individual perceives a threat, their limbic system activates in preparation to address the situation. Hormonal responses are triggered, and certain bodily functions deemed nonessential at that moment—such as the neocortex responsible for higher-order thinking—are temporarily suppressed. For instance, complex problem-solving is not prioritized during this response; rather, immediate action takes precedence. Similarly, dogs experience a comparable physiological reaction. Once a dog’s limbic system is activated, its cognitive processes are largely inhibited, creating an environment unsuitable for effective learning. As a result, training takes longer.
Additionally, positive reinforcement training teaches a dog what to do by rewarding desired actions, which is more effective than simply telling them what not to do. There are countless ways a dog can get it ‘wrong’ but only one way to get it ‘right’. You know what you want your dog to be doing in any given context, why on earth would you keep it a secret by only punishing the behaviors that you don’t want?
Finally, we never want to bribe or create a “show me the money” dog. When I work with clients, they quickly learn how to phase out the use of food (if that’s the chosen reinforcer) while increasing reliability of all obedience cues.
For more information, click here
Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position paper about positive reinforcement training here
And of course, you can always reach out to me through the contact portal on this website or by phone (516) 672-6280 or email johnvisconti@hotmail.com
What is Puppy Socialization and why is it so important?
The initial 12 to 14 weeks in a puppy’s life play a crucial role in shaping its development. In the same way puppy vaccinations protect against future physical diseases, a carefully managed socialization program serves as a vaccination against future behavioral problems—including resource guarding, separation anxiety, and fear of strangers—during adulthood.
The main reason dogs are given up to shelters is because of behavioral problems. These issues, rather than infectious diseases, are also the leading cause of death for dogs under three years old. Behavioral veterinarians advise owners to safely introduce young puppies to a wide range of experiences and stimuli so they can adapt to everything they’ll encounter in life.
Early and appropriate socialization, coupled with positive training programs, are essential for preventing behavioral issues and strengthening the bond between humans and dogs. Although the initial three months represent the most critical period for puppy socialization, it is advisable for owners of older puppies to continue exposing them to diverse individuals, animals, and environments whenever feasible. While “socialization” specifically refers to the period up to 12–14 weeks of age, behavior modification remains possible beyond that stage. The primary distinction lies in adaptability; younger dogs are generally more receptive to socialization practices.
While I wrote this column for dog trainers, you can gain a deeper understanding about the important of puppy socialization here
And of course, you can always reach out to me through the contact portal on this website or by phone (516) 672-6280 or email johnvisconti@hotmail.com
What to do if my puppy seems to be regressing in training
Regression often results from unrealistic expectations. Whether working with puppies or adult dogs, learning is rarely a linear process—just as it is with people.
If, after extensive practice, you were able to perform Clair De Lune on the piano flawlessly, but subsequently made an error during a later attempt, it would not be accurate to conclude that your piano skills are regressing. Instead, such variations are generally regarded as an inherent aspect of the learning process.
Everyone experiences ups and downs, and your dog is no exception. Instead of worrying about occasional setbacks, remember that progress should be assessed over an extended period rather than by single incidents.
It is advisable to vary the type of food used as a reward for positive performance, as offering the same treat repeatedly may diminish its effectiveness. To maintain your dog’s interest, consider rotating different reinforcement options and ensure that the items used as rewards are distinct from your dog’s regular meals.
Prolonged training sessions may result in diminishing returns. It is important to monitor your dog’s body language and recognize signs of fatigue or distraction. Conclude each training session on a high note.
I discuss the topic of regression further in my interview with PETCO here…Puppy Training Regression | Petco
And of course, you can always reach out to me through the contact portal on this website or by phone (516) 672-6280 or email johnvisconti@hotmail.com