Reinforcement: Anything that makes a behavior more likely to happen. Either by giving something like a treat or a toy (positive) or taking something away like your attention for jumping (negative). Punishment: Anything that makes a behavior less likely to happen. Either by giving something like a correction (prong, choke or shock collar) to stop pulling, barking or other problem behaviors (positive) or by taking something away like access to a window that they enjoy scaring off passersby (negative) Aversive: Anything that the dog doesn't like. Could be as small as your dog not liking getting pets on the top of his head or more intense like a shock or prong. This has more to do with how they feel about something. Using aversive and positive punishment methods has been around a long time. The science has shown many drawbacks may accompany using these tools and methods. It can cause more reactivity in some dogs and in worse cases can completely shut a dog down. Some may handle these methods better than others, but I believe that they deserve better. Why should you use reward-based methods? Studies have shown that positive reinforcement leads to more reliable, consistent, and better-behaved dogs. Rewards-based training improves a dogs ability to learn. Making choices and having consequences is how we all learn, and we would all rather be rewarded than punished. It just makes sense. Whether it's building confidence in the shy dog or calming the over aroused pup. From the inexhaustible adolescent to the older dog who's a little more set in their ways. Reward based training is best for both your dog and you relationship with them!