Karen Ogden

Hello and welcome

Let me introduce you to the amazing world of reinforcement based animal training.  This is training that focuses upon having respect for the individual and building behavior through motivation rather than avoidance.

In 2005, I decided to tap into the experience and knowledge I had gained since the early 1990s training with my dogs for Search & Rescue.
The name of my business, Positive Rewards, reflects my dedication to the use of the behavioral science of reinforcement training to achieve results.
 
  I became a certified trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2007 and have maintained my certification since that time.

My philosophy and commitment to ethical, humane training

I strongly believe in creating a cooperative connection between owners and their dogs. My journey to where I am today as a trainer has been long, but has always been rooted in fostering, supporting, and guiding, independent thinking in dogs.

I prioritize training ethics that focus on the least intrusive methods and respect for the learner's choices. My approach emphasizes creating a supportive environment that allows the dog to succeed, relying on positive reinforcement rather than correction-based training techniques.

Training 'Positively' does not mean 'Permissively'

• Reinforcement-based training is about building an effective communication system between the learner and the teacher.

• It is about understanding how to set the learner up for success by skillfully blending management, providing choice, ensuring agency, and allowing the learner an equal ‘voice’ in the training conversation.

• Knowledgeable and experienced reinforcement-based trainers understand how to develop a cooperative and mutual exchange with their students to achieve desired behaviors without having to resort to bribing, inappropriate luring, or forcing the individual to engage. The chief goal is an interactive, and willing participation in all training conversations.

• Motivation is fluid; a skilled trainer recognizes this and thoughtfully adapts and selects the most empowering reinforcer for the individual.