What is K9 Kindness?
K9 Kindness is a public awareness project in the Triangle region of North Carolina to promote reward based (pain-free) alternatives to dog training techniques and collars designed to hurt, startle, and punish.
K9 Kindness is a coalition of reward based dog trainers and community members that are dedicated to the humane treatment of dogs in our community. We believe that training your dog should be enjoyable, effective, and involve the whole family. No force or fear required.
We will be launching a series of community based educational campaigns highlighting the advantages of training your dog with a reward based approach. Check out our Projects page for details.
What is reward based training?
Reward based training techniques are based on the science of learning theory and positive reinforcement. In a nutshell, reward based training is rewarding the behaviors you like. By rewarding a behavior, it is more likely to happen again. So, instead of waiting for your dog to fail and using corrections, reward based training focuses on teaching your dog the behaviors you want, setting them up for a lifetime of success.
Why is reward based training effective?
Reward based training is not a quick fix, not a gimmick, and not based on physical corrections or outdated theories of wolf behavior. Your dog is not trying to take over your life or the world. You don’t need to get physical with your dog or use painful training equipment to help them learn. Their behavior is ultimately reward driven and we use positive consequences to teach them what we want.
Who uses reward based training methods?
These techniques are used by professional animal trainers in the military, law enforcement, search and rescue, as well as guide and assistance dog programs. Serious dogs with serious jobs are trained with reward based methods. And they can work for your dog too.
What are the advantages of a reward based approach?
Reward based dog training methods are fast, fun and effective and promote a human/dog relationship based on trust and cooperation. You can start training your new dog or puppy the moment you bring them home. And since the methods are not based on physical force, anyone of any age can learn reward based training techniques, so everyone in the family including children can participate in the dog’s training. What better lessons can we be demonstrating to the next generation then the way to achieve success is with kindness and cooperation towards animals and each other?
