Positive Reinforcement Program

By Tracey Fritz Boyle BS CVT
Bonnie Sines

The Positive Reinforcement Program is a method of communication using natural canine instincts and behaviors. To understand and communicate with our domesticated dogs, we must first understand the canine species.

Before domestication, dogs would roam in large groups called packs. Within each pack there was a designated leader. This lead dog was responsible for providing food, protection and guidance for the entire pack. This dog was called an alpha. Each member of the pack held a rank within the unit; each rank had a set of social rules and guidelines for each dog to follow. For example, a dog who was ranked second could not take food away from the alpha. They could not take toys away from the higher-ranking dog and they had to approach this dog in a specific manner.

Although we have domesticated the dog for thousands of years, instinctively they are very similar to wild dogs and wolves. Dogs do not understand the human family unit, with a dad, mom and the kids. They understand a pack unit with one leader and ranking members. Being an alpha is not a bad thing for a dog if you are in control of your environment. But many of our family pets are not. We have yet to find a dog that understands the TV, VCR, answering machine or the vacuum cleaner. They are not equipped to be leaders in our environments. Therefore we must communicate with our dogs in a manner, which they understand to establish leadership within our new pack unit.

A dog’s first alpha was their mother. She provided the food, protection and security needed by the puppies. Therefore, we are going to mimic your dog’s first alpha. To become the food provider we must first take control of the dog’s food supply; we must become a physical food provider. Hand feeding allows us to assume this role for the dog.

Click here to continue with the Guide to hand feeding Part 1.

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