There are many different ways to train dogs. There is the traditional method that relies on the possible use of aversives (things dogs find unpleasant). Then there is the most progressive method of positive reinforcement dog training.

Professional dog trainers who employ the uses of positive reinforcement dog training will attest that they believe not only is this method more pleasant for both dog and trainer, but that the use of rewards in training is much more effective.

What is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

Basically positive reinforcement dog training means adding something good to the dog’s learning experience that will increase the likelihood of the dog repeating that particular behavior. One of the best ways for us, as humans, to relate to this way of learning is to think of a situation that would apply to us.

Let’s say that you love candy (if you don’t like candy substitute the word “candy” with something else you like. Good examples are money, a backrub, or a job promotion). Now that we have found something you like, let’s say that your spouse is trying to encourage you to do the dishes more often. If every time you did the dishes your spouse gave you a big box of your favorite type of candy, would you find yourself more inclined to do the dishes? The answer is probably “yes.”

Dogs learn the same way. As trainer to your dog, you can make learning fun for him, and teach him to engage in good behaviors. Not only is the use of positive reinforcement dog training a more effective way to learn, but it helps foster the bond between you and your dog.

When you use positive reinforcement training with your dog you are on your way to using effective and progressive dog training techniques!

Using Rewards

Professional trainers who use positive reinforcement dog training would recommend using appropriate dog treats to reward your dog for their good behavior. However, there are some dogs who find having their favorite toy thrown for them to be more rewarding.

Verbal praise is essential as well, however to rely solely on it may not be as potent of a reward. Again, equate this to a human situation. Let’s say your boss at work constantly told you what a good job you were doing. That would be great, but you probably would occasionally like to hear the praise and get something that means a little more to you, like a pay raise. That’s why you have to find something that motivates your dog to learn.

TIP: Dog treats should be soft so they are easier for the dog to chew. If you give them a crunchy biscuit they could be busy chewing it for the next several minutes, slowing down your training progress. If they are softer, they go down quicker! Also use treats that are very small in size. The reason for this is the smaller the treat, the more of them you can use!

Using Repetition

Repetition is one of the best ways for your dog to get very good at the behavior being learned. As long as your dog continues to be interested in the training, and isn’t getting physically tired, you may want to practice the “sit” behavior not once, but 4 times!

Breaking training sessions up into a few shorter sessions seems to be more effective than one long session. Dogs, like us, have attention spans, and those can differ depending on the age of the dog, his or her breed and if there is anything else competing for their attention. As their trainer, you always want to set your dog up to succeed. If the training session isn’t going very well because your dog keeps getting distracted by the squirrels running around in the trees either end the session so you don’t get frustrated or move the session somewhere else where your dog can concentrate.

Using a Lure

If you enroll in a dog training class that promotes the use of positive reinforcement dog training, the instructor will give you tips to train you dog without the use of physical manipulation or intimidation. There are several management techniques and tools that can help encourage good behavior for your dog, such as the use of crates (if your dog jumps on people when they come through your front door, rather than yelling at the dog, put him or her in the crate so they can’t jump on people) or Gentle Leaders, which are a humane head halter or body harness that prevents the dog from pulling when on leash (as opposed to the pain-causing use of a choke or prong collar).

In a classroom setting, an instructor will most likely show you what are called “luring” techniques. This is where you can move the treat above the dog’s head to kindly and naturally encourage a “sit”, or move the treat down to the ground to encourage the dog to follow it into a “down”. The dog follows the treat like a fish follows a fishing lure. Once the dog is in the desired position (or if you are just beginning the training of the behavior and the dog is taking closer steps to the end behavior) the treat and praise are delivered. This way the dog starts to make the connection between that specific behavior and the reward.

Hopefully you have come to realize the benefits of positive reinforcement dog training. These dog-friendly techniques are good for your dog, good for you and good for that very important relationship that the two of you share!