Many Dog Trainers swear by the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training methods, and it is true, that a large majority of dogs respond positively to these techniques.
As new dog owners, we are determined to start our journey on the right foot.
Whether you are at the start of your training journey, or struggling through challenging behaviours, you probably feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting training methods from top Dog Trainers who are going to tell you EXACTLY how to get 'Fido' to behave in every situation!
Find yourself confused by all the conflicting advice?
There are many different dog training techniques out there today, and some work better than others.
Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training as it involves using only praise and positive reinforcement.
This means your dog is rewarded for good behaviour or performing a command correctly.
And the reward used doesn't have to be treats!
Find out what your dog values as it's ultimate reward. It could be verbal praise, or a favourite toy. We love using a pocket tug from Tug-E-Nuff. Extremely enticing - they are small enough to stuff in your pocket for training sessions both at home and on any journey!
You may wish to use a repeatable word alongside your chosen reward to reinforce the desired behaviour, such as 'yes!' or 'good!'.
Positive dog training techniques never involve punishing or scolding your dog, instead they use praise and reward to mark the desired behaviour, encouraging your dog to repeat this behaviour until good habits are formed.
Here is an example of a positive dog training technique.
One of the most important first steps where you can introduce this training technique to your new puppy, is toilet training.
The process of training a puppy or adult dog to learn to relieve themselves in the appropriate place, and at the appropriate time, takes a lot of patience.
Remember - repetition and positive reinforcement is key!
Begin by using a command, such as 'wee, wees' each time you take your dog outside for a toilet break so they learnt to associate the word with the action.
Each time your puppy (or adult dog) relieves themselves outside, immediately reward them with verbal praise, a treat, or a favourite toy.
It is important that the reward immediately follows the action so your puppy begins to make a positive association with eliminating outside. Encourage your dog to repeat this behaviour through regular toilet visits, until a good habit is formed.
Remember, toilet training takes patience and kindness! It is important not to punish your puppy when accidents happen. Outdated training techniques such as hitting, or rubbing their face in the excrement do not "teach them a lesson". Instead, it teaches your puppy to become fearful of their owner or other people.
You may find keeping your puppy on a lead during toilet breaks helpful as it keeps them close to you - placing you in the ideal position for immediately marking the desired behaviour with a reward! It also begins to get them accustomed to walking on a lead before they are ready to venture out.
Want to find out more?
Steve Mann, founder of The IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers), is the author of the UK's number 1 bestselling dog training book Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy.
Steve's training methods focus on positive reinforcement, and this easy to follow guide includes lots of information to help you understand training from your puppy's perspective.