VIDEO. Progressive Zoos Never Use Punishment—Should you? Linda Michaels
Photo: DogPsychologistOnCall.com
PROGRESSIVE ZOOS NEVER USE AVERSIVE PUNISHMENT -- SHOULD YOU?
The benefits of using Positive Reinforcement training with our companion animals are pretty much the opposite of the drawbacks of using aversive punishment. Today, all progressive zoos and wild animal parks use management and positive reinforcement alone even with large and potentially dangerous animals. Surely, we can train our pet dogs, whatever the task, without the use of aversive punishment. There is no is no excuse, rationale, or reasoning that justifies punishing our beloved dogs, anymore than we would intentionally inflict harm on captive zoo animals… or a child.
A convincing benefit derived from engaging in strictly Positive Reinforcement interactions is that they commonly trigger both a hormonal and neurotransmitter release of “feel good” oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphin cascades of “happy chemicals” for both the dog AND the handler. How wonderful is that! Of primary importance is the value of an Enhanced Relationship the pet parent nurtures with their dog – which is after all, what most pet parents are seeking when they bring a dog into their family. Using Positive Reinforcement, instead of instilling fear and potentiating aggression, we nurture and develop social skills and confidence. Happy dog, happy pet parent! In addition, +R/Positive Reinforcement is Safer, and generally more Effective and more Reliable, significantly so when taught with good technique. Positive Reinforcement training is also EASIER for pet parents to learn. It never requires the pet parent to hurt their dog psychologically or physically -- so there is no cause to feel guilty…only joy!
SAN DIEGO ZOO AND ANIMAL PARK CONVERSATION WITH LINDA MICHAELS FROM THE ABOVE VIDEO
Linda Michaels: Because progressive zoos use only management and positive reinforcement, for their very large and even potentially dangerous animals, why do you think that people use shock collars and dominance training with pet dogs?
Zoo Trainer: That I couldn’t tell you. -- [Positive reinforcement] allows us to build a really good relationship with them. All of our relationships are trust-based. So we’re not introducing anger or fear into a situation, which is where you can get a lot of aggression. And at the end of the day— that is a jaguar, she’s not going to do anything she doesn’t want to do! So if I’ve done my job and created a good relationship with her, and developed a really good rapport…
Linda Michaels: I train wolfdogs, too— strictly with positive reinforcement.
Zoo Trainer: Yeah, the thing that I particularly appreciate about positive reinforcement is that when you bring punishment into a situation you are also bringing in fear and anger. And when you have those two emotions in a situation, it’s already going to be negatively charged. And that is what can lead to an aggressive situation
Linda Michaels: It can cause aggression?
Zoo Trainer: Yes.
Linda Michaels: Thank you!
Zoo Trainer: With positive reinforcement, it allows us to sort of remove those from the situation and work from a place of trust with the animal.
Linda Michaels: That’s so great that you use all positive reinforcement and management. Thank you.
Animal Park Trainer: Yeah, positive reinforcement is really the most successful way to address behavior. -What it boils down to in training is you reward what you want and ignore what you don’t want. -Yes, in training, again, it’s true for absolutely everything. -Again, whether it is an elephant right here that has a lot more potential of physical harm than a wallaby, the principles are still there.
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To learn more about Positive Reinforcement/Do No Harm Dog Training, pick up a copy of Linda Michaels book, The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook, today!
Learn more about separation anxiety and its treatment in The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook.