How to train your dog with positive reinforcement
March 29, 2015
By Natalie Secretan
Dogs have to be one of the most remarkable creatures known to humans. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are bred to suit our human needs. Whether it’s hunting, herding or hanging, dogs are the result of over 10,000 years of breeding and living with these amazing animals.
Curiously dogs share 90% of our genes, which could explain that feeling you get when you look at your dog and think she’s a little human inside a dog suit. But no matter how human you think your dog might be, she’s still a dog and thinks and communicates like a dog. The more you understand how she thinks, the easier it will be to train her and raise her to grow up into a well-behaved, well-adjusted young lady.
Remember to be patient and keep reminding yourself: She’s a dog, not a human.
Whether you adopt an older rescue dog or you get a puppy from a breeder, day one is when the training starts. Do some research or enroll in some obedience classes to learn the correct way to train a dog. Certain breeds respond better to different kinds of training. For example, I have a spreagle (beagle/springer spaniel cross) and she responds well to positive reinforcement. Like most dogs, she wants to do a good job and please her human. So I ignore her mistakes and praise her successes. Punishing her for doing something wrong, like peeing on the floor, would only create fear, confusion and distrust, which will inevitably lead to aggression.
As Cesar Millan says, There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.
Three ways to practice positive reinforcement with your dog
- Reward your dog with treats: Don’t worry about spending lots of money on fancy treats like liver snacks. Find something yummy your dog really loves like hotdogs or cheese. Make sure you always have these treats on hand, because timing is everything. As soon as your dog obeys your command, give her the treat right away to reinforce the behaviour.
- Reward your dog with affection: When your dog obeys a command, bend down and give her some love. This can be used instead of a treat so your dog doesn’t become treat-dependent.
- Reward your dog with praise: Let your dog know she is a good girl by using the right tone. Dogs respond especially well to a loving, softer tone.
References:
Bruce Fogle, Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners (New York: Firefly Books, 2010).
Bruce Fogle and Patricia Holden White, New Complete Dog Training Manual (New York: DK Publishing, 2002).
Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz, Your Happy Healthy Pet: Beagle, 2nd Edition (New Jersey: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2009).
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