Episode 266: Pressure motivates release educates

Dog training is a blend of art and science, utilising various techniques to shape desired behaviours. One such method is negative reinforcement, encapsulated nicely in the phrase, “pressure motivates, release educates.” Negative reinforcement is often misunderstood. It doesn’t involve harm or punishment but utilises slight discomfort to stimulate behaviour change. In dog training, ‘pressure’ refers to the minimal discomfort that motivates the dog to behave differently. This could be a firm tug on the lead or a stern voice command, encouraging the dog to respond to a certain cue. The ‘release’ part, equally crucial, involves removing the ‘pressure’ as soon as the dog exhibits the desired behaviour. The release is where the true learning occurs. It’s the dog’s ‘Aha!’ moment, realising that complying with the command will eliminate the discomfort. This ebb and flow of pressure and release helps form associations and adjust behaviours, proving to be a powerful tool in any dog trainer’s arsenal. In essence, the ‘pressure motivates, release educates’ mantra underscores the art of teaching dogs using negative reinforcement. It’s about fostering a learning environment that drives behavioural change, proving that even pressure, when properly applied, can result in a well-trained, happier dog. check out another episode we did on incompatible behaviour and positive punishment Further details looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community. Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us. You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview. If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand? Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can fin