Obedience Training for Dogs

The Positive Reinforcement Method

There is general consensus among animal psychologists and other professionals in the field of dog training that Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train your dog. Positive reinforcement training is all about providing rewards for good behavior on the part of the dog and rather than letting your dog get a rise out of you with bad behavior, simply ignoring it.

This method stands in stark contrast to outmoded dog training methods which included inhumane measures which intimidated dogs and inflicted pain, using aversion training methods like electrified dog collars.

Positive reinforcement training works very well with dogs. Remember that your dog has a natural inclination to try to please you – which makes positive reinforcement something which is very effective for your dog. Your dog will also remember these lessons better and repeat the desired behavior more consistently.

Positive reinforcement training lets your dog learn to behave in an acceptable way without the use of force.

Here are some ways to make positive reinforcement training an easier process for you and your best friend:

1. Meaningful rewards. While your dog does like being praised and getting a pat on the head, this will only go so far in training your dog to behave well.

To really keep your dog’s attention, you need to use food rewards. These are what dog trainers call “primary incentives” – and every dog owner knows how food-motivated a dog can be! While your dog will appreciate being patted on the head, it is the treats that will really get them remembering.

2. Timing . When your dog obeys one of your commands, they have to be rewarded immediately. Remember that dogs do not have long memories and unless the reward comes immediately after the desirable behavior, they may not understand that the two are related.

Many people use a clicker for dog training. A clicker is a small metal device which makes a clicking sound. Click your clicker at the exact moment that your dog obeys a command, followed immediately by a treat. Your dog learns to associate the action, click and the treat.

You can also use your voice as a marker. Say “yes” in a happy, excited tone of voice when your dog performs a desirable behavior. Follow this immediately with a treat and use the same verbal cue every single time. You have to be consistent in order to teach your dog to follow these desirable behavioral patterns.

Decide ahead of time which command you’ll use

When you are trying to get your dog to learn a new command, decide beforehand which verbal cue you’ll be using when training your dog. Use this cue consistently throughout your training. For instance, if you want to teach your dog to quit jumping on you when you get home, stick with one command, such as “no jump” instead of a variety of phrases like “get off” get down” and so on.

Even if your dog is exceptionally smart, you need to keep in mind that your dog can only understand a few words. You can teach your old dog new tricks, but you have to be consistent with both markers and rewards in order to be successful in teaching your dog desirable behaviors. As long as you can stick with positive reinforcement training , your dog will learn and the both of you will come through the training process unscathed.