I train with positive reinforcement.  What’s that mean?  It means I reward the dog when it does something I like.  Science shows us that any behaviour that is rewarded will happen again and again.  Behaviour that is not rewarded will go away.   

For example, I call my dog and each time he comes to me I reward him with a treat and then send him off to play again.  I call him again and reward.  I keep kibble in my pockets so that I can continually reward my dog for coming. Not only does he come when called, but he often come over to me just to check in.  This is how positive reinforcement works and it has amazing power!

However, positive is not permissive. 

I expect my dog to come when called; I expect him to automatically sit for anything he wants (‘say please’); I expect him to behave in a well mannered way, always.  Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding good behaviour and teaching the dog to control himself.  All animals make choices constantly; positive reinforcement training teaches the dog that making the right choice is very rewarding indeed.

Reward the behaviour you want; ignore the behaviour you don’t want; manage the behaviour you cannot ignore (or have not yet trained).