How To Train Your Dog With Positive Methods

>> 8/22/09

Dogs naturally do many things that we don't like - they chew, they bark, they pee and poo where they are not supposed to, and so on. It's important to understand that they don't figure out how to behave the way we want them to behave on their own. If you want a well-behaved dog, you must train him. In this article we'll take a look at the basic dog training methods.

There are two basic approaches on how to train a dog - positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. Today, most experts in the field agree that positive reinforcement should be the main method of training.

What is positive reinforcement training? It's a method where the trainer reinforces a desired behavior with a reward, with something that the dog likes or wants. Every time a dog performs a desired behavior, he gets a reward which makes it more likely he will repeat the behavior in the future. A reward could be a tasty treat, a hug, a favorite toy, or just attention and interaction with the owner.

The opposite of positive reinforcement in a negative reinforcement where the trainer delivers a punishment, or negative consequence, when the dog performs an undesirable behavior. Punishment gets the dog to stop doing something. Negative reinforcement is connected to misbehavior.

Most experts in the field agree that positive reinforcement training is more effective than correction. It's associated with positive feelings and has better long-run implications than negative reinforcement.

Negative reinforcement has its place in the training process and it would be a bit naive to believe that you can train a dog entirely with only positive reinforcement methods. It should, however, be used carefully and sparingly.

I myself always use mainly positive reinforcement techniques to train my dogs and I love training them. This builds a strong relationship and it's a great way to bond. Always remember, a well behaved dog is a happy dog and a credit to its owner.

How To Train Your Dog With Positive Methods by Harry Littman

Author Resource:

Dogs should always be trained with positive methods. If you would like to know more about how to train your dog, visit positive dog training techniques.

Technorati Tags:

0 comments:

Friends

Blog Syndication

Followers

  © Blogger templates Palm by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP