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Positive Reinforcement Dog
Training
 Why
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Works
Positive reinforcement dog training is a friendly, non-punitive method of teaching
your dog to perform behaviors using dog
food, dog
treats or other positive actions as a reward. Rewarding appropriate dog behavior
makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future and is one of the most
powerful tools you can use to shape or change your dog's actions. PupLife.com
strongly advocates using positive reinforcement dog training as it not only teaches
your dog what behaviors you desire (as well as those you don't) in a humane manner,
but also because it creates stronger bonds between you and your dog.
Compulsion dog training or training based on physical punishment
usually involves some level of discomfort or even pain and
is not recommended as it may cause your dog to bite in order
to defend himself. Punishment may also be associated with
other stimuli, including people, present at the time the
punishment occurs. For example, a dog that is punished for
getting too close to a small child may become fearful of
or defensive around that child.
Getting Started With Positive Dog
Training
Timing is the key with positive reinforcement dog training.
Your dog must be rewarded immediately for responding appropriately
to a cue. That is, through a reinforcement (food),
your dog will associate particular behaviors with
actual rewards. Consistency is also essential. Everyone
in the family should use the same cue system and should
never reinforce the wrong behavior. For example, if you
cue your dog to sit, he should be given a treat the moment
his behind hits the ground. If you wait until he stand up
again, the moment will be lost and he will think he is getting
rewarded for standing.
Using Rewards: Play, Treats, Or Toys
Most dogs will happily work for tasty dog
treats. You should choose treats that are small, soft, and easily broken
apart. Treats should be highly valued by your dog and easily consumed. It is
difficult to train a dog when he spends valuable time chewing and swallowing
the reward treat. You want your dog to quickly eat her treat and look to you
for more. Experiment with several different treats and find out which ones work
best.
For dogs that are not motivated by food, try training using praise (happy talk).
If your dog is motivated by dog
toys, try rewarding him with a game
of fetch. Some dogs are motivated by the company of other dogs. In this
situation, the reward is play time with doggy pals.
Continuous Positive Reinforcement
In addition to the food reward, each time your dog responds
appropriately to a cue, you should also offer verbal praise.
The sequence should look something like this: you cue your
dog to sit, she sits, you say "Yes!" and reward
her immediately with a treat. When your dog is learning
a new behavior, he should be rewarded every time he does
the behavior (continuous reinforcement). It may be necessary
to use "shaping," with your dog (reinforcing something
close to the desired response and gradually requiring more
from your dog before he gets the treat). For example, if
you're teaching your dog to roll over, you might reward
him first for laying down, then for laying down and rolling
on his back, and finally for laying down and rolling all
the way over.
Rewarding Good Behavior
Once your dog responds reliably to a cue you should only reward her for staying
committed to the behavior. For example, if you cue your dog to sit and stay,
you should reward her only when she is tempted to break the sit and doesn't
(like if she sees another dog walk by and doesn't get up).
Dog Training: Think Positive!
Dog training should be a fun and happy experience for your
dog and for you. After all, we want our canine companions
to enjoy being with us as much as we enjoy being with them!
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