Positive reinforcement, punishment-free dog training is the utmost way, to get appropriate behaviors from your dog, in a positive manner.
Dogs learn by association - positive and negative.
You, as the Alpha member of the pack, praise and reward them for appropriate behaviors.
By doing so, they learn by association, what behaviors please "The Boss".
Your pet will continue that behavior until it becomes second nature.
It is no different than what we as humans do, to seek the recognition and approval our parents, bosses, teachers, spouses and friends.
It's simple and natural.
Humans have learned, be it at work, school, or at home, to get recognized and praised for our actions, all we have to do is give it our best shot.
To get that "high" of being noticed, we want to repeat that same behavior.
Before we know it, we have created a good habit.
We do it all the time for recognition, raises and promotions...
and so will dogs! In the past, dog training dangerously bordered on cruelty.
The belief was if dogs were punished harshly enough, they would change their behavior.
In some cases it worked.
It also created serious behavior problems and very unhappy pets.
The old school practice created animals that responded out of fear, rather than the need to please willingly.
It sometimes created dogs that were quick to respond inappropriately by detaching from their owners, withdrawing, snapping or even seriously biting.
Here a re few examples of the difference between the old school method, and positive reinforcement-punishment free method: Dog soils in the house: Old school method: A dog that soiled in the house would have their nose stuck in it.
The thinking of the time...
stick their nose in it enough times, and they will stop.
The reality, the dog had no clue, why their nose was stuck in their excrement.
All they saw was, the person they considered their best friend, was acting in a bizarre behavior, which created fear.
The form of training, often created dogs that would not come to their owners when called, because they feared them, and it also "taught" many dogs, they are supposed to eat their own feces...
or else! Positive reinforcement, punishment-free method: Get your puppy or dog on a scheduled routine.
Dogs feel a sense of security in routines.
Feed them on schedule.
Take them out on schedule...
after they eat, after they wake up in the morning or from a nap, after they have played hard in the house.
GET THEM OUTSIDE! Watch and learn their signals.
Is their head down? Are they acting anxious? Are they circling? Every dog's metabolism is different.
Chart the amount of time your puppy/dog needs between meals and elimination.
Take them outside within 30 minutes of their limit.
Not all dogs eliminate immediately after they eat.
It is your responsibility to learn their limit.
Praise and reward them when their behavior is appropriate! Restrict or crate your puppy/dog when you cannot give them 100 percent supervision.
Prevention is better than punishment.
Dog not come when called: Old school method: Harshly punish the puppy/dog when they return.
Scolding or beating a dog will only discourage them from returning to you.
It does not take but once or twice of experiencing harsh or cruel punishment, for a dog to associate returning when called means pain.
They will either totally ignore the call, or return fearfully.
It is a dreadful way to train your puppy/dog to return to you when called.
A fearful pet is a sad pet.
Positive reinforcement, punishment-free method: Always calmly praise your puppy/dog for returning when called...
even if it takes them a few minutes.
The rule of thumb, the faster they return, the more praise and greater reward.
This method works, because your animal quickly associates by returning to you when called, means you are glad to see them and something special is waiting for them.
Happy owner, happy dog! So, what do I do for a correction?Simply ignore them! Inappropriate behavior should be ignored.
Puppies and dogs HATE to be ignored.
They learn from the time they are in their litter, they are alone when their behavior is not appropriate.
Play too hard; litter mates want nothing to do with them.
In the wild, packs ignore and often shun members who do not follow their rules.
Before they know it, the one that challenges all the pack rules, is exiled and alone.
Try this simple exercise today, and see how quickly your puppy or dog will learn positive reinforcement.
At mealtime, give your pet a simple command such as "Sit!" "Down!" or "Stay!" If they respond immediately, praise them and put their food down for them.
If they don't respond immediately; put the bowl on the counter, walk away; make yourself a cup of coffee.
Come back in a couple of minutes and repeat the command.
It will not take long, before your pet associates, "I do what they want, and I get what I want.
" Do this exercise a few times, and you will be amazed at how quickly your pet makes the association.
It's win-win! Next, do it when you put their leash on.
Give the command.
If they respond immediately, on goes the leash, and it's time for a fun walk.
If they do not respond immediately.
Put the leash back.
Walk away.
Come back in a few minutes, and calmly repeat the command.
You may have to do it a few times...
but they will catch on.
They are associating the quicker they respond to your command, the quicker they will be going for a walk.
That is their reward! Now you are ready try it with a recall.
Call your dog by name; tell them to "Come!" The faster they return to you, the more praise and reward they receive.
They are associating good things happen when they return to you.
BOTTOM LINE: Positive reinforcement, punishment-free training works! It is a win-win method.
It makes for a less stressed, and much happier owner and pet.
It creates positive associations and stronger bonds, that are not based on fear.
Rewards do not always have to be treats.
Use whatever highly motivates your puppy/dog.
For some it's a ball or squeaky toy.
For others, a fun game of "Fetch" is a wonderful motivator/reward.
For those car ride lovers...
a quick ride, even if it's only around the block, make them feel like they won the lottery! Find a local trainer who applies positive reinforcement, punishment-free training.
You will be amazed with the results!