R+ training refers to positive reinforcement-based methods that focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. 

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Mike Calinoff has added another component to that already successful method — he calls Practical Positive Development. It essentially teaches you how rewarding your pup, when they’re making good behavioral decisions on their own — like choosing not to jump, when they previously would have.
 

Recognizing those milestones will convey an affirmative message to your pup and they will, by default, start giving you more of those.

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Motivation vs. Bribery

Reinforcers, such as treats, toys, praise, or playtime, is a powerful motivator for dogs. When they perform a command and receive a reward, it reinforces the behavior and makes them more likely to repeat it. We teach the importance of not having to "prove" to your dog that they'll be rewarded, by showing them a treat or toy in advance of a task -- but rather upon completion. 

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The Science Behind Using Motivators (Treats)

Treats can produce Dopamine in dogs through the reward pathway in their brains. When a dog receives a treat, especially when it's unexpected or linked to a behavior they've performed, it triggers a release of dopamine in their brain.
 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When a dog anticipates or receives something enjoyable, like a tasty treat, it activates the brain's reward system. This system is similar in dogs and humans and involves various regions of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, which is associated with pleasure and reward processing.
 

The anticipation and consumption of treats can lead to an increase in dopamine levels in a dog's brain, contributing to feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and pleasure. This release of dopamine reinforces the behavior that led to the reward, making the dog more likely to repeat that behavior in the future to receive another reward and experience that same pleasurable sensation again.

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LIMA Compliant

LIMA stands for "Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive." It's a guiding principle in dog training that emphasizes using the least invasive and aversive methods possible when modifying a dog's behavior. The LIMA approach promotes the idea of considering the welfare and emotional well-being of the dog while achieving training goals.

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