Traditionally, dog training techniques worked on the basis of the reward vs. punishment dynamic, with punishment being the more prevalent teaching tool. Harsh sanctions against unwanted behavior were the norm. But in recent years, the dog training world has been experiencing a rapid shift from the old training techniques to more positive, reward-based methods.

As defined by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), dog-friendly training is “training that utilizes primarily positive reinforcement; secondarily negative punishment, and only occasionally, rarely, and/or as a last resort includes positive punishment and/or negative reinforcement.” Positive dog training seeks to use training methods that are not detrimental to the owner’s relationship with his or her dog. This means thinking in terms of rewards, not punishment, as the main tool for shaping your pet’s behavior and using learning devices that avoid physical pain, intimidation or fear.

The reason positive training methods have gained popularity is because they work. Their success lies in the fact that, like people, and nearly all other animals, dogs will keep doing things that are rewarding and stop doing things that result in no rewards or are outright ignored. No punishment is required. Just the lack of a reward is, most of the time, enough.

The trick is not to have lots of treats at hand all the time, but rather to control the outcome of your dog’s behavior. If take this bit of dog training advice and use it every day, you will quickly be able to lead your dog towards the desire behavior.

How it works

The two concepts under which positive dog training techniques function are associative learning and operant conditioning.

Associative learning says that if two things consistently happen at the same time, we eventually start expecting one as soon as we see or experience the other. This is sometimes referred to as Pavlovian conditioning, a term that derived from psychologist Ivan Pavlov’s famous experiments with dogs. In his research, Pavlov conditioned a group of canines to salivate at the sound of a metronome, because they came to associate the sound with the appearance of meat powder.

Operant conditioning, the other concept underlying the positive dog training method, involves the use of consequences as a means to modify canine behavior. Rewarding desired behavior and ignoring undesired behavior results in the near complete elimination of unwanted behavior.

One of the reasons that positive training is so effective is because it separates learning the behavior from learning the command. By associating stimulus with desired behavior, positive dog training lets the dog learn a behavior first. Then, a verbal command can be added. By breaking down the process of learning, positive training creates easy benchmarks for both dog and owner.

In traditional dog training, people tried to teach the desired behavior by saying the verbal command while physically forcing the dog to perform the desired behavior. Methods of traditional training often require the use of violence, via choke collars, prong collars and electric shocks. The idea was to use pain to coerce dogs into adopting a behavior.

This is not only painful for the dogs, but it is also a lot less effective than positive dog training techniques.

Effectiveness of Positive Dog Training

Most trainers today agree that positive dog training techniques are more effective than traditional training methods. Positive techniques tend to have better timing and focus more on specific behaviors, which helps accelerate the training process.

Corporal punishment and coercion, on the other hand, will often lead to a dog becoming aggressive and violent. Additionally, the use of pain increases a dog’s stress levels and actually impairs its ability to learn. Not to mention the fact that physical intimidation will break a dog’s spirit and make him a lot less confident around other animals and crowds.

Positive dog training eliminates the use of pain and physical coercion. This creates a stronger bond between owner and dog, as the animal will look to its owner for leadership and will look forward to performing desired behavior.

For tips on housebreaking a puppy please visit our puppy training page. 

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Deciding to train your new puppy or an older dog at home as opposed to sending him/her to a professional trainer is a wise decision because you are the best person to train your own dog. The bond between you and your dog will be stronger, your personalities will mesh better, you will have confidence in the training of your dog as well as in your dog’s skills and abilities, and your dog and you will love and trust each other. Read below for some information to get your new puppy off to the best possible start, correct numerous behavioral problems in older dogs, and simply apply basic and advanced dog obedience training.

Housebreaking a Puppy

While the arrival of a new puppy is cause for joy and excitement, it comes with frustrations. The most frustrating part of new puppy training is housebreaking a puppy. This is especially true because there will be unpleasant messes to clean up during the trial and error period. From your dog’s point of view there is no right or wrong place to go potty; thus, it is your job to clearly communicate and reinforce where it is acceptable. The keys to potty training a puppy are to closely monitor your puppy to try to limit messy mistakes and enthusiastically reward the desired behavior every time it occurs. Know that opening the door every time your puppy wants to go to the bathroom is not an effective method of potty training. The best tool to use when training your new puppy is to designate a potty area and use a dog toilet. Dog potties, for example the UgoDog Indoor Dog Potty, are cleaner, more effective ways of housebreaking your puppy.

Limiting Separation Anxiety

Frequently, dogs become too reliant and dependant on their owners. As a result, they can experience separation anxiety when their owners leave home, which can cause them to act inappropriately when you’re apart. Generally, a mild case of separation anxiety can be fixed by utilizing the following simple lessons.

1. Make sure your dog is comfortable when you are away by providing plenty of fresh water, clean bedding, appealing dog toys, and some food.
2. Before leaving, be sure to give your dog plenty of exercise.
3. If you often have the radio or television on when you are home, you can leave it on while you’re away and your dog will be comforted.
4. Pay no attention to your dog when you first arrive home and when you are just about to leave. Then, when he/she is calm, initiate some contact with him/her.
5. Separate yourself from your dog when you are home. For example, keep him in the garage while you are in the house. This way he/she will learn being apart is ok.

For more severe cases of separation anxiety, you may want to consider a visit to your vet for medication.

Walking your dog

Dog walking is a crucial skill to master for both you and your dog. It is important for you to train your dog to walk correctly with a leash because they will be much safer and more manageable. Additionally, several cities have ordinances requiring dogs to be walked on leashes. To master dog walking, you must first get your dog comfortable with wearing something around his neck. This can be accomplished by the dog wearing a collar or maybe a cute bandana. Your dog will probably roll around and try to take the item off, but it is important that you do not remove it until your dog has settled down and forgotten about the item. Once your dog is comfortable wearing something around his/her neck, you can introduce the leash.Show your dog the leash before you put it on so he/she can become accustomed to it. Let him/her sniff and inspect it. Ensure your dog knows it is not a chew toy. At first your walks should be quick and short so your dog can get used to the concept. When your dog begins to strain the leash, stop immediately instead of pulling him/her back into place. When your dog is walking comfortably along a loose leash, give him plenty of praise. Eventually, you will be able to walk long distances and you and your dog will enjoy taking stress-free walks. Housebreaking a puppy, limiting separation anxiety, and walking your dog are just a few of the numerous lessons you will need to teach your dog. Know that for every aspect of your training consistency and persistency are crucial.

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