Positive Dog Training

If you have been researching dog training classes lately, you have undoubtedly come across a number of very confusing terms used to describe different "dog schools" and the types of training methods used. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, correction, punishment, behaviour modification, conditioned reinforcer, dominance theories, etc. It's a wonder our dogs are able to learn anything at all.

The good news is that the study of dog behaviour is a constantly growing and changing field. We are becoming more knowledgeable all the time regarding the ways that dogs learn. The down side is that the amount of information out there can be very difficult to weed through.

Which training method is the "right" one? There is not one right way to train all dogs. If there was, we'd all be walking around with Lassie on a leash (and what fun would that be?). There are, however, some things for you to consider when it comes to training your dog.

Training through Positive Reinforcement

The programs at the Dog Ranch Training & Information Centre are based on utilizing only positive dog training methods. Very simply, that means we reward our dogs for doing what we want them to, and remove an anticipated reward when they do something we feel is inappropriate. The key is that we don't physically punish our dogs when they misbehave. The latest studies in dog behaviour indicate that dogs learn better when they are rewarded for doing the right things rather than being punished for making wrong choices.

Unfortunately, many of us tend to pay more attention to our dogs when they do something wrong, instead of when they do something right. For example, your dog is playing quietly on the floor and you think to yourself, "Whew, a break from the constant energy," and you walk by, ignoring the dog. Five minutes later, your dog hops on the furniture and you yell at him and push/pull him off. What a fun game for your dog. The result? More couch jumping for the dog and more frustration for you. Had you given him a scratch behind the ear or tossed a toy for him when he was playing quietly on the floor, he may not have tried the couch-game to get your attention. Just as with children, sometimes negative attention is better than no attention at all.

How Does Positive Dog Training Work?

Very simply, dogs are rewarded when they do the right thing, and the anticipated reward is removed when they make the wrong choice. Think about it. IF you received a $10 bill every time you sat still for five minutes, but did not get the anticipated $10 if you moved during that five minutes, do you think you'd be inclined to sit still when someone asked you to?

Positive training methods are fun for both you and your dog, and you can teach your dog just about anything by using positive training. When your dog obeys your request, simply toss her a tasty food treat a toy or give her some extra attention. If your dog chooses not to obey, tell her "wrong" and turn away - the attention or food treat is not given. You'll be amazed at how quickly your dog figures out what behaviour gets a food treat and what behaviour doesn't.

Positive Training, Why it works