Balanced Dog Training vs. Positive Reinforcement: Which One Works Best?

Balanced dog training and positive reinforcement get a lot of attention online. But which works best? Probably not. Both have their strengths, but it isn’t always clear which you should use for your pup. Fortunately, this guide has some answers. We look at these two types of dog training, their pros and cons, and then our advice for which works best.

What’s The Difference? 

So, what’s the difference between balanced dog training and positive reinforcement? Positive reinforcement is the standard training method for dogs that rewards them for their positive behaviour. For example, if they do something you want, you give them a treat, hug them, or praise them. The idea is to get them to behave well while ignoring the things they do that you don’t like. Eventually, this method creates reward circuits in their brains that make them more manageable. By contrast, balanced dog training mixes positive reinforcement with fair corrections. For example, you support them when they do something right but tell them when they do something wrong. Balanced dog training aims to be–well–more balanced. It affirms good behaviour and redirects bad, helping build trust and enabling your dog to behave well in unexpected situations. 

The Pros And Cons

The main benefit of positive reinforcement is that it is easy to apply. It builds confidence and is ideal for sensitive dogs.  The downside is that it can be challenging to address negative behaviour with it. Dogs can still continue barking, even if they always come to you when you beckon. Balanced training overcomes this issue. It’s suitable for all temperaments and lets you clarify boundaries. It’s useful for dealing with the problems conventional training can’t handle well, like jumping up at people. The downside is that applying the concept of “fair corrections” is challenging. Sometimes, you can be too harsh, which risks trust with your pup. 

Which Works Best

So, given this conversation, which of these approaches works best? Ultimately, most professionals will tell you it depends on your dog. Positive reinforcement should be the default option for most pups. However, you may need to use balanced dog training when dealing with negative behaviour, like pulling on the leash. Balanced training is an excellent option because it can deal with multiple personalities. Quiet dogs benefit from the positive aspects, while unruly pups can receive firm corrections from the negative side. It’s worth remembering that dogs thrive when “do that” or “don’t do that” cues are 100% clear. As creatures of instinct, they aren’t good at entertaining subtler instructions, so avoid saying or doing anything they might interpret as ambiguous.

Back To Dog Training

Ultimately, balanced dog training helps you develop a dog that understands your instructions but also respects your boundaries. For a happy relationship with your pup, you need both of these vital ingredients.