Positive reinforcement is a fancy phrase for what’s essentially a very simple theory: using positive reinforcement entails rewarding the behavior that you wish to see repeated, and ignoring the behavior that you don’t. It has long been recognized as a way to change children’s negative behavior into positive behavior. Now it has been proven to have the same effect on non-humans.
Recently, I was impressed at the training two girls had done with a Killer Whale. Watching them take the huge animal through the routine I realized that the techniques used in positive reinforcement training would be about the only way that the whale could have been trained. An animal that size could not be forced to perform; willingness on its part was necessary. You can use the same technique to train your new puppy. Positive reinforcement training is the method of choice for most of the current expert dog trainers.
Some of the popular dog training techniques of the past are completely opposite from today’s preferred method. Some of these outdated methods are now considered abusive and are avoided by all who wish to treat their dogs in a humane manner. Using the more humane positive reinforcement method you can have a puppy that is a well-trained and a loved member of the family.
Puppies are easily confused when given commands. The thing you have in your favor as you train your puppy is that there is a strong desire on her part to please you. Just be sure that she knows each time what you want her to do. To accomplish this you must use the same words each time for the same command. If you want her to sit don’t say “sit here” one time and “sit down” another. Always use the same word or phrase. Your puppy will soon know exactly what is expected and behave accordingly.
Dogs respond well to meaningful rewards during training. Patting on the head is not such a reward for most dogs. They like to have their backs and chests rubbed and some like their ears played with. Play with your puppy in a very gentle manner to determine if she gives a positive response to physical affection
Using tempting rewards will help maintain the quality of your puppy’s training. Most dogs will respond in a positive way on a consistent basis to physical attention and food treats. Just be sure you give your puppy something for a food treat that you already know she likes. The same goes for physical attention
Use the right timing. When your dog obeys a command, you must mark the behavior that you’re going to reward so that, when she gets that treat in her mouth, she understands exactly what behavior it was that earned her the reward.
Using your voice as a marker will also help your puppy in her training. However, you must be sure that even though your voice helps, she must receive a treat immediately. Do not give her verbal praise unless you are going to be consistent with it.
A very important ingredient in successfully training your puppy is that you both enjoy it. Find a time when you both are refreshed and an incentive program that works for your puppy.
Learn more about The Absolute Best Puppy TrainingStop by my-puppy-training.info/where you can find out all about Positive Puppy Training and what it can do for you.
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