DEFINE POSITIVE FOR ME...
A recent article in the Psychology Today e-magazine discusses the challenge of finding true positive reinforcement animal training. Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is cited as a reliable source of positive training, a “well-respected organization” with “trustworthy trainers.”
The article’s author, a pet owner and veterinarian in Virginia, points out that simply seeing “catch phrases” about being positive is no guarantee that a training facility avoids punishment. While organizations may not use shock or prong collars in training, there can be other types of punishment employed, such as leash correction, physical and social pressure, scolding and yelling—and even criticism of the owner/handler!
Referencing the different areas of the brain that are active during learning, as opposed to during times of heightened emotion, the article emphasizes a focus on science and research that KPA is known for.
Read the full article.