What is R+ Training? What you Need to Know About a Positive Reinforcement Approach.

If you're a dog owner, you have probably heard the terms "R+ training" or "positive reinforcement" thrown around in conversations about how to train your pup, but what do they actually mean and how are they beneficial for you and your dog?

What is R+?

First, let's review the 4 quadrants of operant conditioning dog training.

The 4 quadrants of operant conditioning.

R+ means that you are adding a positive stimulus (treat, toy, etc.) in order to increase a desired behaviour.

P+ means that you are adding an aversive stimulus (leash correction, scolding, etc.) in order to decrease an undesired behaviour.

R- means that you are removing an aversive stimulus in order to increase a desired behaviour.

P- means that you are removing a positive stimulus in order to increase a desired behaviour.

Essentially, the reinforcement quadrants (R+ and R-) are used in order to increase a behaviour, and the punishment quadrants (P+ and P-) are used in order to decrease a behaviour.

What Does R+ (Positive Reinforcement) Mean?

R+ is the shortened term for positive reinforcement, but is also known as force-free and reward-based training. Positive reinforcement is the idea that when your dog does a desired behaviour, good things happen, increasing the chance of them repeating that behaviour. For example, if your dog sits and you give them a treat, you have reinforced that behavior and they are more likely to sit in the future.

The core principle of R+ training is that dogs learn best when they are motivated by rewards. It’s about rewarding good behavior, not punishing bad behavior.

How Does R+ Training Work?

1. Identify the behaviour that you want to enforce. This can be anything from sit, down, recall, or walking on a leash.

2. Reward your dog. All dogs have a different hierarchy of rewards, so it's important to pick a reward that your dog finds highly motivating. This can be treats, toys, or affection.

3. Repeat. The more your dog is rewarded for a behavior, the more they will perform it in the future. Consistency is key!

And that's it! Three simple steps (with lots of repetition) is all it takes.

Benefits of R+ Training

There are so many benefits of R+ training, so I'll give you my top 3.

1. It helps build a stronger bond with your dog. R+ training encourages communication, trust, and mutual respect between you and your dog. I have personally seen time and time again how much stronger your bond can get, even with your own dog!

2. It gives long-term results. Unlike other training methods, your dog will continue exhibiting the behavior long into the future, hoping for a reward, even if you slowly phase out the rewards.

3. It's fun! R+ training is a fun way for both you and your dog to learn new things. You are creating a safe learning environment for your dog, meaning that they will be open and excited to learn more throughout their lifetime.

Why Not Use Other Training Methods?

When you use R+ training, you are teaching your dog through positive outcomes, meaning they will be comfortable training with you and there is no risk of escalating negative behaviours. Other training methods teach obedience through pain, discomfort, and fear. Fear is a very powerful emotion for dogs and can have a detrimental effect on your relationship with your dog, as well as their mental well-being and confidence.

Negative reinforcement involves punishing a dog for exhibiting undesired behaviour, but it does not address the reason for the behaviour or teach your dog what to do instead.

If a dog is exhibiting a behaviour because they are stressed or anxious and are then punished for that behaviour, they are learning "bad" ways to cope with that emotion without learning "good" ways to cope. This often leads to increased stress or anxiety, which can lead to aggression.

To Sum it all Up

R+ (positive reinforcement) training is a great way to teach your dog new behaviours, while also strengthening your relationship and having fun with your dog. It is the most effective training method and will result in learning that will last a lifetime.