Doggy Dictionary

Something that increases the frequency or strengthens a desired behavior. The two most common types of reinforcers are positive and negative. 

Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcing a desired behavior with things the dog likes, as to increase the likelihood of the behavior happening again.

Negative Reinforcement: Removing something the dog considers displeasing the moment the behavior is displayed.

Also known as the Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures exists as a tool to assist Professionals through a decision-making process when working with training or behavior modification Teams. It is an important guide to help anyone understand an appropriate way to navigate behavior change.

The main reason LTD uses the Humane Hierarchy as a baseline in our curriculum is simple. Not every dog needs boundary setting implemented into their Training Plan in order to achieve effective communication with their Handler. If steps 1-3 of the Humane Hierarchy take your relationship to the next level with your pet, why would you wander any farther up the ladder than that? In another scenario where an owner does need help navigating boundary implementation, LTD has experience to provide a seamless transition higher up the ladder and back down to where your relationship should live the majority of the time in those beginning steps.

A positive reinforcement technique used to jump-start a certain behavior in a dog that a Handler would like to enforce.

Example: A lure is commonly used to get a dog into the correct position when introducing to the "Sit" cue.

Provides mental stimulation while preventing boredom and can be achieved through games, activities, and training. 

Example: This is something that would enrich a dogs life like a slow feeder bowl or snuffle mat.