Positive Reinforcement is a highly successful method for dog training. Timing is also important and when you reward your dog as he is doing what you command, not only will he be willing to do as you ask but the connection between your command and the reward will be made faster. Positive reinforcement is an important element for training any animal and dogs have the capacity to respond quickly to this style of training. A dog rapidly gets there is a direct connection between "good" behavior and tasty results. This is why positive reinforcement, especially in the form of a tasty treat, gets the results you want in dog training.
This is how you do it: You give your dog a command and when your dog performs the action you praise/reward simultaneously; done right, you create a link in the dog's brain between the command and the action. Your Command + His Action = Yummy Treat. The dog is happy to carry out the command, knowing the results are to his liking. Timing is crucial. A well executed reward for a spoken or signaled command results in eagerness to get the treat, pet or verbalized praise. (FYI, I have found a liver treat gets a much faster response - at least in the beginning phases of training - than merely a "good boy.")
It takes time to make this message stick. Some dogs are less amenable to training than others. Some won't care about a treat but a ball tossed when a command is obeyed may send your dog over the moon.
There are three phases to successful dog training: One - show the dog what you want. This is done by moving your dog into the desired position. In other words, if you are teaching your dog to 'sit,' have the motivator (treat, for instance) above his nose and lift it slightly so his nose moves upward. This will shift the dog's weight from his front to his rear legs and has a tendency to lower his rear toward the ground.
Step 2 is to teach the dog what you want. This involves repeating the command without the motivator but still rewarding every time the action is done. Be sure to give a reward every time the dog does as you command. If you are always facing your dog when you showing him to sit, in the teaching phase you change the circumstances of the command; give the command from beside him, behind him or at a distance.
Step 3 is to proof the action. By proofing, I mean to offer distractions and to vary your command situation. Perhaps you normally train where it is quiet with no other dogs or people. In the proofing phase you may have another dog in the area. Perhaps people walk close to you and as they do, you tell your dog to sit. If he doesn't do it, then you are not ready for proofing; go back to the teaching phase.
This style of dog training will result in amazing benefits. Remember to be patient, persistent, and consistent; and strive for great timing!
This is how you do it: You give your dog a command and when your dog performs the action you praise/reward simultaneously; done right, you create a link in the dog's brain between the command and the action. Your Command + His Action = Yummy Treat. The dog is happy to carry out the command, knowing the results are to his liking. Timing is crucial. A well executed reward for a spoken or signaled command results in eagerness to get the treat, pet or verbalized praise. (FYI, I have found a liver treat gets a much faster response - at least in the beginning phases of training - than merely a "good boy.")
It takes time to make this message stick. Some dogs are less amenable to training than others. Some won't care about a treat but a ball tossed when a command is obeyed may send your dog over the moon.
There are three phases to successful dog training: One - show the dog what you want. This is done by moving your dog into the desired position. In other words, if you are teaching your dog to 'sit,' have the motivator (treat, for instance) above his nose and lift it slightly so his nose moves upward. This will shift the dog's weight from his front to his rear legs and has a tendency to lower his rear toward the ground.
Step 2 is to teach the dog what you want. This involves repeating the command without the motivator but still rewarding every time the action is done. Be sure to give a reward every time the dog does as you command. If you are always facing your dog when you showing him to sit, in the teaching phase you change the circumstances of the command; give the command from beside him, behind him or at a distance.
Step 3 is to proof the action. By proofing, I mean to offer distractions and to vary your command situation. Perhaps you normally train where it is quiet with no other dogs or people. In the proofing phase you may have another dog in the area. Perhaps people walk close to you and as they do, you tell your dog to sit. If he doesn't do it, then you are not ready for proofing; go back to the teaching phase.
This style of dog training will result in amazing benefits. Remember to be patient, persistent, and consistent; and strive for great timing!
About the Author:
Learn more about Dog Training. Stop by Paulette Bethel's site where you can find out all about Dog Training With Positive Reinforcement and what it can do for you.
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