The vast majority of dog training experts agree the best way to deal with dog behavior problems is through a process called positive reinforcement training. This method is in direct contrast to the outdated but once popular techniques for dog training, using physical pain and intimidation ( such as hanging and aggressive dog up by her collar), or aversion therapy (such as shock collars for barking).
Positive Reinforcement Training Works with Your Dog.
Dog behavior problems are easy to change using the positive reinforcement method. Your dog’s natural instinct is to please you. The theory of positive training is that if your dog can understand what you are asking her to do under her own steam, she is more willing to obey you. What you are doing is giving her the time and opportunity to use her own brain, and this is a good thing.
Help the Training Process with Meaningful Rewards.
Dogs get bored pretty quickly if you use a pat on the head and “good girl”. In fact most dogs don’t like being patted on the head. Try patting your dog on the head and watch her expressions, notice how she will baulk or shy away when your hand descends towards her head. Overcome dog behavior problems using what dog trainers refer to as “primary incentives”. They are both important rewards because most dogs respond powerfully and reliably to them. The primary incentives are food treats and physical affection.
Preferred Demonstrations of Physical Affection.
You probably already know how much you dog likes to be touched and played with by the energy she demonstrates when you do. Dogs really like having the base of the tail (the lowest part of the back just before the tail begins) scratched gently. Another favorite is having their chest rubbed or scratched (right between the forelegs). You can also target the ears by gently rubbing the ear flap between your thumb and finger, or gently scratch at the base of the ear.
Choosing the Right Food Treats.
I would like to mention that trainers have noted something interesting about food treats. Dogs actually respond more reliably to training commands when they receive treats sporadically. It appears that they stay more on their toes when they receive a food treat intermittently. Some dogs will do a back flip for a liver snippet ,while other dogs just aren’t big eaters and will respond better to affection. As far as food treats go, it’s not hard to figure out what your dog likes, just experiment with different food treats until you find one she really goes nuts over.
Use the Right Timing.
When your dog obeys a command you must mark the behavior so that, when she gets her reward, she understands exactly what behavior it was that earned her the reward. Some people use a clicker for this (a small metal device that makes a distinct click noise when pressed). You can also use your voice to mark the behavior, for example just saying “yes”in an excited or happy tone works very well. You want to mark the behavior the exact moment she performs the desired behavior. For example if you ask her to sit you want to mark the behavior just as her bottom hits the ground. Then be sure to give her the reward.
Be Consistent with Your Marker and Training Commands.
When you are teaching your dog a command, you will need to decide on the verbal cue you are going to use in advance. For example say you want to train your dog not to jump up on you. You wouldn’t ask her to “get off”, “get down”, and “stop jumping”, because this would just confuse her. Pick one phrase such as “no jump” and stick with it. Dogs are smart but they don’t understand English. They learn by consistent repetition of the phrase and the associated actions to the phrase. The more consistent you are, the faster she will become obedient to your commands.
The Great Thing about Positive Reinforcement Training.
When it comes to positive reinforcement training it doesn’t require you to do anything complex, harsh, or just plain weird to get your dog to behave. Positive reinforcement training is basically two parts, positive and negative attention. Ignoring wrong behavior (because you are deliberately ignoring her) is enough to make most dogs pretty miserable. This is a powerful training tool. Then giving her attention in a positive way with treats or affection when she gets it right.
Recommended Reading.
I hope this newsletter has given you a strong basic understanding of how powerful positive reinforcement training can be. However this subject still remains quite complex, so it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about these training techniques. One excellent resource is “Secrets to Dog Training”. This is an all round invaluable training and knowledge database for dog owners. With the focus on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors, as well as obedience work and tricks. Secrets to Dog Training covers a vast variety of topics in minute detail. You can check out Secrets to Dog Training by clicking this link.
