Generally speaking, we can identify 3 main positive dog training techniques that can be used to teach dogs about acceptable behaviour. When applied correctly and promptly by owners, you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly dogs will respond in the desired way.
1. FOOD
The use of small pieces of tasty food are very effective in rewarding the desired response to a command. Dogs love “titbits” such as pieces of meat, cheese, or chocolate drops. It is important to recognise, however, that the reward needs to be given immediately, so that the dog makes the association between the command and his subsequent behavior. Bear in mind that he will fail to make that association if the reward is delayed in any way, such as having to unwrap the food or retrieve it from a pocket. Ensure, therefore, that the “titbit” is readily to hand to administer as an immediate reward.
One note of caution, make sure any rewards are in small quantities. It is important that the dog’s diet is not affected. Be particularly careful not to use human chocolate. Use proper Dog chocolate drops that do not in fact contain chocolate at all and can be used safely. These can be purchased quite easily from your regular Pet Store.
2. PRAISE
Praise takes a variety of forms, including visual, vocal, and physical examples. So owner’s body language, petting, stroking, and verbal encouragement are all recognised by the dog as praise, and this is especially true with puppies. Remember, however, to only praise the dog at the appropriate time in order to positively reinforce good behavior. Never use praise inappropriately which will only have the effect of reinforcing the inappropriate behavior pattern. Never, for example, pet a dog to stop it barking if someone comes to the door as this will be perceived as praise by the dog which will then be encouraged to bark any time someone calls.
3. PUNISHMENT
Bear in mind that punishment should only ever be used as a last resort. If your dog fails to respond to reward based techniques, then occasional punishment can be effective. Having said that, you must recognise the ground guidelines governing the use of punishment. To start off, bear in mind it should be administered rarely, so as to be a lot more effective. It should by no means involve gratuitous cruely, whether physical or mental, and should never be carried out in anger.
Any punishment needs to particularly take into account the size of the dog, and can generally involvelentail a mild hand or lead slap on the dog’s body. Never slap a dog around the head. Punishment ought to be consistent and prompt, so that the dog can make the link to its behavior. Let the punishment fit the crime. It ought to be just intense enough to alter undesired conduct, but must not be prolonged. Quick and sharp is best.
Never punish anxious animals or young puppies. The ideal strategy here is a firm “No” accompanied by the owner’s disapproving body language, which is generally adequate. Rather than punishing the pet, remember it is far a lot more effective to use the “Praise” strategy to get the dog to adopt another learnt behavior.
One strategy is to pay no attention to him at all, and displaying your displeasure by your body language can generally be sufficient. Social isolation can also be effective – try banishing the dog to a room on his own once he misbehaves. This might be extemely effective by showing the dog that bad behavior does not pay.
Lastly, there is a “Magic” technique for altering behaviour that is very efficient. This entails tossing a soft object such as a small pillow or bean bag from a hiding place that strikes the dog as the transgression is being committed. The dog does not connect the punishment with the owner and thinks he is being punished by the environment – there is no delay between the offense and the punishment and the dog is forced to make the link between cause and effect.
I hope you have found this article on positive dog training to be valuable and that you now possess a far better knowledge of the ways dogs think and learn so that you can work out for yourself which strategy is best for your own dog.
