Positive Reinforcement is an important part of dog training. Knowing when and how to reward your dog makes a huge difference in his willingness to comply. Positive reinforcement is an important element for training any animal and dogs have the capacity to respond well to this type of prompting. A dog quickly figures out there is a connection between "good" behavior and tasty results. This is why positive reinforcement, especially in the form of a tasty treat, is highly contributory to getting the results you want in dog training.
This is the way to do it: Give your dog a command, either spoken or signaled or both at the same time. When your dog does what you ask, you praise/reward at the same time and you create a link in the dog's brain between the command and the action. You Command + He Acts = Delicious Treat. Your dog will be eager to carry out the command, knowing that the results are in his favor. Timing is crucial. A well executed reward for a spoken or signaled command results in willingness to get the treat, pet or verbalized praise. For what it's worth, I have found a liver treat gets a much faster response - at least in the beginning phases of training - than a mere "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.
Be sure to do your training in a three step program. Step 1 is to show the dog what you want. This is achieved by moving your dog into the position for which you are asking. In other words, if you want your dog to 'sit,' have the motivator (treat, for instance) above his nose and lift it slightly so the dogs head is lifting, nose first. This action shifts the dog's weight from his front to his rear legs and drops his rear toward the ground.
Step two - teach the dog what you want. This means repeating the command with and without the motivator but still rewarding every time your dog does what you ask. If you are always facing your dog when you show him to sit, during the teaching phase you change the circumstances of the command; give the command from beside him, behind him or at a distance.
Three is to proof the action. When you proof you add in distractions when you give the command. If you normally train where it is quiet with no other dogs or people, then when proofing, you might have another dog in the area. Or, as someone walks close to you, tell your dog to sit. When he does, praise him but if he doesn't, 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!
Want to find out more about Dog Training, then visit Paulette Bethel's site on how to choose the best Dog Training With Positive Reinforcement for your needs.




