When
it comes to obedience training for dogs, rewards just may be
the single most important motivator in dog training. Obedience
training through the use of rewards and other positive reinforcements
has long been recognized as the most effective method of reaching
most dogs and getting the best possible results.
Let’s
dive right in.
Obedience
Training For Dogs Using Rewards
Making
obedience training for dogs fun, and even making it a bit of a
game, can be very important. This will keep both the dog and the
handler motivated and willing to learn. Incorporating a period of
playtime at the beginning and end of every training session will make
sure that every session begins and ends on a good note.
The
most basic of all commands in obedience training for dogs is
heeling. Or walking with the handler on a loose lead. This is
usually the first obedience behavior that is taught. And it is an
easy one to teach through reward training.
Begin
obedience training for dogs by fitting the dog with a quality,
properly fitted training lead and training collar. If you are unsure
of how to fit the training collar, be sure to ask a dog trainer. Or
the manager at the store where the equipment is purchased.
Start
Walking With Your Dog
Start
walking with the dog, always being cognizant of the dog’s position
relative to your own. If the dog begins to forge ahead, gently pull
on the leash.
This
will engage the training collar and give the dog a gentle reminder to
slow down. It may be necessary to apply greater pressure at first
until the dog learns to accept the correction.
If
the dog begins to fall behind, slow down and gently urge the dog
forward. The use of a lure, or a favorite toy, can be very useful in
obedience training for dogs. It will teach the dog to walk at
your side. By keeping the lure at the desired position for the dog,
he or she should quickly learn the desired location.
Always
be sure to provide plenty of praise, treats, toys and other rewards
when the dog does what is expected of them. Dogs learn best by
positive reinforcement.
Obedience
Training For Dogs And Positive Reinforcement
Positive
reinforcement means that when the animal does what the handler wants,
it receives a reward. Which can be anything from a pat on the head to
a treat to a favorite toy. At the beginning of obedience training
for dogs, even the slightest attempts to please the owner should
be rewarded.
Obedience
training for dogs using reprimands and punishment is not nearly
as effective as training by using rewards. Dogs can become
discouraged and confused by excessive amounts of punishment and
reprimands.
Reprimands
may be required from time to time, to correct potentially dangerous
behaviors like chasing or biting, for instance, but reprimands should
be short and directly attributed to the problem behavior at hand.
Training
Should Continue
After
the immediate danger has passed, the training should continue with
reward based obedience training for dogs and positive
reinforcement.
For
instance, if you come home and your dog is chewing the furniture or
other inappropriate item, immediately give the dog a sharp “No”
or “Off” and take the item away.
Then
immediately give the dog one of their toys or other items that they
are allowed to chew on. And praise the dog enthusiastically when they
take the toy and begins to chew it. This will teach the dog to
associate chewing some items, like their toys, with praise, and
chewing inappropriate items with reprimand.
Obedience
Training For Dogs Involves Associations
It
is very important for the dog to make these associations. Since it is
very hard to change negative associations once they have formed. It
is always much easier to conduct obedience training for dogs
to instill proper obedience behaviors the first time than it is to go
back and retrain a problem dog later on.
That
does not of course mean that retraining is impossible, it simply
means that it is more difficult.
Teaching
a puppy, or an older dog, to associate the behaviors you value, such
as coming when called and sitting on command. Or walking at your
side, chewing only on toys, etc. with happy, fun times is the basis
of all successful obedience training for dogs.
Now I’d like to hear
from you.
If you found this post
on Obedience Training For Dogs informative please share it on social
media through the buttons on this page and/or leave a comment below.
Thank You For Reading!