Positive reinforcement: how dogs learn

At Terra Canina we work with positive reinforcement and emotional cognition. We want dogs to think, try and learn because it works out well — not out of fear of punishment.

What is positive reinforcement?

It means adding something pleasant (food, play, praise, contact) right after a desired behaviour so the dog tends to repeat it. There's no need to shout or punish — we focus on teaching what we want rather than punishing what we don't.

Basic principles

• Reward at the exact moment (timing)
• Use high-value rewards for your dog
• Short, frequent sessions beat one long session
• Increase difficulty gradually
• Be consistent across all family members

Mistakes that hinder learning

• Repeating commands many times without rewarding
• Punishing after the behaviour has already passed
• Mixing training with extreme excitement
• Changing rules depending on the day

Where to start at home

Start by reinforcing simple behaviours: coming when called, sitting, staying still for a few seconds. When your dog gets it right, celebrate! If you have questions about behaviour issues, our group and individual classes help you apply these principles in practice.