Written by Info Expert on December 10, 2011 | Posted in Pets and Animals

It is important to instill discipline and rules into the behavior of one’s dog. But positive dog training techniques should be employed as opposed to those based on negative reinforcement. Here are some ways to implement positive training techniques.

Introduce cue words

There are various cue words that are well known in dog training. These include “Sit”, “Stay”, “Roll over”, and “Stop”. Cue words are meant to be assertive yet kind and they should not have any derogatory connotations. In order to teach dogs how to obey these commands, positive dog training techniques must be employed. If a dog responds correctly to a command he or she should be immediately rewarded. This can be done either through doggy treats or by warm pats on the head. Dogs will learn through positive reinforcement to obey these commands. Making a dog feel good about obedience is one of the most effective methods of dog training.

Wean dogs off rewards

After dogs have learned that certain actions result in positive reactions, it is important to slowly wean them off treats. When implementing positive dog training techniques, it is common to use food items at the beginning of training. However, a dog must be weaned off of this or else it will expect treats every time. Continually feeding a dog treats can be very expensive for owners and it can result in a dog’s excessive weight gain. Instead, an owner should slowly reward behavior with positive comments such as “Good boy” or “Great job”. One of the best ways to incorporate positive dog training is through encouraging language.

Be consistent

There is nothing that confuses a dog more than inconsistent behavior. The best dog training advice is always routed in the need for consistency and patterns. If an owner gives a command, the reaction should always be the same. If a dog receives conflicted messages, it may not know if certain actions merit positive rewards or negative admonishments. This can confuse a dog and cause it to behave erratically. In order to implement positive dog training, an owner has to reward certain cue words consistently and frequently.

Training one’s dog in a positive way does not have to be difficult. An owner is best served by using positive dog training techniques such as introducing cue words, rewarding behavior, and being consistent with these rewards. A positive attitude will ensure that an owner and his or her dog enjoy the training process thoroughly.

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