How to Train Your Dog With Positive Reinforcement

What does dog training mean to you? Is it following strict discipline, giving punishments, or applying tough love? If so, then you need to stop! There are other ways to train your dog. Positive reinforcement is one of those.

It does not involve retribution or yelling. Instead, it is gentle and shows effective results. It is this kind of training that shapes the dog’s behavior and intensifies the bond with your furry friend. What better way to bond with your pup than through your pup’s training? Keep on reading to find out more in detail!

What does positive reinforcement mean?

Positive reinforcement training is an easy method of training, teaching your pup how to behave in different situations. The way it works is that the expert trainer will teach the dog the behaviors with positive encouragement and motivation whenever negative and/or aggravating behavior is displayed.

By implementing this technique, you are stimulating the behavior you want to encourage, such as walking, sitting, etc. With regular practice and time, your furry friend will act in the manner you want in the future.

How is positive reinforcement a must-have for dog training?

If you are unsure how this method of positive reinforcement could benefit your dog, then stay with us for the duration of this article to learn more.

Make understanding easy with short yet direct commands…

Of course, a dog cannot understand a whole sentence in the same way that a human can. Hence, it is vital to choose direct and short commands while providing training. Some practical and quick commands include: Sit or Stay Down, Off, Watch, Up, Come, Walk or Heel, Leave It, Drop or Give, etc.

Rewarding is important for good behavior…

One point to remember is that positive reinforcement works best when it is reproducible, predictable, and constant. Hence, rewarding the dog when there is any positive response is essential.

However, rewards should only be given within a matter of seconds. Otherwise the dog will not understand the similarity or the relation between the two. These rewards include physical touch, edible treats, verbal praise, toys, etc.

For editable treats, you can choose bully sticks. Many have questioned whether or not bully sticks are harmful or have some adverse effect on health. You should educate yourself as to what are bully sticks made of and how they might improve your dog’s digestive system.

This chewable treat is usually made from beef muscle and is usually a single ingredient that can be digested easily. In addition, you can also choose blueberry, cucumber, bell pepper, banana, apple, carrot, etc., as possible treats.

Add a fun element to training…

Training can be a serious undertaking, but adding a pinch of fun does not harm anything. We advise limiting your training time-frame — a session should not exceed ten minutes. Make them listen to you, hold their attention, but make it fun also.

Keep an eye on their physical signals. If you find them distracted, not listening, or not showing any eagerness to get treats, it is better to skip that session and commence training them another time.

Unquestionably, always end the training on a positive note. The result will be that your dog will consider the training a fun time and they will understand that they will get good praise in return.

Combine positive reinforcement with clicker training…

When clicker training blends well with the positive reinforcement, then effective results are ensured. The simple theory is that when the clicker sound is familiar for the dog, it is delivered quicker than verbal signals.

As we have mentioned above, when the dog starts behaving in the way that you want, give a treat to help him or her connect the click with positive reinforcement. You can easily get training clickers at pet stores or online… and yes, they are cost-effective.

Let Your Dog Reap Benefits With Positive Reinforcement

With positive reinforcement you can train your dog without any pain or harshness. To summarize:

— Do not punish
— Overlook the unwanted demands and behaviors
— Reward the dog for the positive behavior
— Very Important: Remain consistent and patient

Always remember that a consistent and dependable environment is essential to making a young dog comfortable and happy in your home. It not only makes them feel stable, but safe and secure as well. Positive reinforcement will help make them obedient, agreeable, and responsive to your commands.