Positive training doesn't mean the absence of boundaries. It means setting boundaries with clarity, consistency and respect.
What does "positive training" mean?
Positive training, beyond the beautiful relationship you build with your dog, the trust and the communication, also means that we reinforce the behaviours we want to see more of, by offering the dog something pleasant. When the dog does something and it's followed by something positive, they will choose to do it again.
This doesn't mean the dog will never hear "no". It means that "no" isn't accompanied by pain or fear. And that the dog always knows what they can do instead.
How do we set boundaries without punishment?
There are many ways:
Environment management. We prevent the unwanted behaviour before it happens. If the dog steals food from the counter, we don't leave food on the counter.
Redirection. Instead of scolding the dog for something, we guide them towards something acceptable. Chewing the shoe? We give them something of their own to chew.
Teaching an alternative behaviour. Instead of "don't jump", we teach "sit". The dog can't jump and sit at the same time.
Reinforcing the choices we like. Every time the dog does something right (even if we didn't ask for it), we reward them. Sat down on their own? A treat. Looked at the other dog without reacting? A treat.
Clear, consistent and fair boundaries
A dog without boundaries can be confused and anxious. Dogs need structure and clarity to feel safe.
The difference is in the way. Boundaries need to be clear (the dog understands what we expect), consistent (they apply always, not only when it suits us), and fair (we don't ask for something the dog isn't yet ready to do).