Dog Training The Right Way: Positive Dog Training Tips
This lens concentrates on training your dog using only positive reinforcement methods. Some behaviors do require correction, but I do not condone any form of negative dog training techniques that involve physical punishment when your dog does not do as you wish.
In addition to the info in this lens, I have created a website where you can get help with your dog training questions. To visit the site go here:Visit Dog Training Q&A
What Is Dog Training Using Positive Reinforcement?
And why is it the most effective way to train your dog
Dogs are pack animals that are used to a 'pecking order' in their pack. As long as they know you are the leader, they will do their best to please you. The tone of your voice alone should be enough for your dog to understand whether you are unhappy with their behavior.
In the same way that she understands when you are displeased, your dog will also know when you are happy with her by the praise, hugs and treats you give her. The feeling she gets when you are happy is much better than the one she gets when you are unhappy, so she will do all she can to get more of the good feelings and avoid the bad ones.
Lets look at it from a human perspective here: Take a minute to think about any job experience you have had where your boss did nothing but shout or yell orders at you. How did you respond to this type of "training"? Now, think about any job or task that you had to learn either at school or in your job when your teacher or boss gave you praise or other incentive for learning something the way they wanted you to learn it. How did you feel after receiving praise or a reward? Which experience encouraged you to continue to do what the leader or boss wanted you to willingly? Enough said.
To be successful, dog training using positive reinforcement needs two basic elements:
Be consistent - there is no point even starting to train your dog if she never knows where she stands. If you are not consistent in praising good behavior, then she will not learn that that is what you want from her.
Timing - there is a short window of about 20 seconds after your dog has done what you wanted when praise or a treat will be associated with what she has just done well. It does not matter whether she has given her paw or danced a jig around the room - give her the treat within 20 seconds or she won't know what it was for (but will probably be grateful anyway!)
Your Dog Training Questions Answered
Free Positive Dog Training Tips On My Blog
To ask your own dog training question, go to the dog training question page
Recommended Positive Dog Training Book
Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training
If you are from the UK, you can get it from Amazon.co.uk here: Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training (Complete Idiot's Guides (Lifestyle Paperback))
If you live in the US, you can click the link below
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/20/2008)
Dog Training Using A Clicker
Dog Training Using A Clicker: Take A Bow, Sheena!
Dog Clicker Training - Teaching Your Dog to Take a Bow
Positive Dog Training Tip #1
Use games to teach your dog proper behavior and help reinforce your position as leader. This makes the learning experience fun and interesting for both you and your dog, and though it does involve being quite repetitive, it will establish good habits with your dog and reduce problems later.
Common Dog Training Mistakes to Avoid
Yes, you can make mistakes training your dog...
Choosing to train your dog yourself does not come without its pitfalls, but the benefits outweigh the inconveniences ten fold. Not only will your bond be stronger but your dog will also trust and respect you even more, reinforcing your status as leader of the pack.
Here are five of the most common mistakes made by would be dog trainers who have not spent enough time researching before trying to train their dog.
Lack of commitment - understand that your dog will not be instantly trained overnight and that you should not give up on their training the first time things don't go to plan. Be patient and keep up to your dog's training schedule and things will fall into place.
Using punishment as a training tool - this is a BIG no-no! Spanking, yelling or kicking may feel like the right solution when you are frustrated with your dog, but this can lead to behavioural problems later. By building a positive relationship with your dog, you will be subconsciously enhancing any training you give, because she will try to please you for the love you give in return, so making the training process a lot easier for the both of you.
Not sticking to your training routine - You have got to follow the same procedures over and over before your dog will learn from the training. Also, try to keep things simple and only teach one thing at a time. Once your dog has mastered the first trick or command, build on it and add another. One of the biggest reasons people give up on training their own dog is that they try and do too much at once. By being consistent with your dog during training, they will grasp your commands more quickly.
Having no knowledge of your dog breed - this one really is a sticking point for many would be dog trainers, and is something that should have been considered before even choosing a dog in the first place. Some breeds of dog are inherently difficult to train, some are obstinate and some are just plain dumb (I mean that in the nicest possible way). Research potential breeds to suit your lifestyle and training ability. If you pick a dog breed that is going to be a challenge to train, be prepared for some hard work and maybe even professional training sessions if your efforts prove unsuccessful.
Not making your dog training sessions fun - although being consistent is important, you can at least change the location for your sessions (at home one day, your local park the next). If you are teaching your dog to retrieve, start by alternating the items you want her to fetch. It could be a Frisbee or ball one day and a newspaper or baton the next.
Free "Hands Off" Dog Training Video
Watch this dog training video to see what can be achieved with a clicker and treats
Chet Womach is one of the top dog trainers who uses positive training methods. You can see a sample of his training methods in this free Dog Training Video: (a new browser window or tab will be opened and you will probably have to click twice to play the video)
Tools for Positive Dog Training
Dog Training Equipment Available on Amazon
Introduction to Positive Dog Training Using a Clicker
Dog Training Photos
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The tall view of a long dog.
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Positive Reinforcement Training Links
- The Dog Training Secret
- Common sense approach to dog training using positive reinforcement
- Sit Stay Fetch: The Ultimate Dog Training Guide
- Learn to train your dog using the humane techniques contained in Sit Stay Fetch: The Ultimate Dog Training Guide
- Do It Yourself Dog Training Guides
- Dog training guide book and audio
- Dog Training Questions and Answers - Your Dog Training Questions Answered
- Looking for answers to your dog training questions? Got a problem pooch?
Well this is where you will find the answers to the burning dog training questions!
If you have a dog training problem that you need help sorting out, you can ask it here! - Adams Dog Training and Dog Behavior
- Adam reveals which dog training techniques, methods and dog training approaches are most effective
- Home Made Dog Treat Recipes | Homemade Dog Treats
- Dog Treat Recipes for making delicious dog biscuits and dog treats at home. Grab yourself 40 FREE dog treat recipes
- Clicker Training
- Karen Pryor Clicker Training
- Train Your Dog In One Evening
- Learn how to train your dog in just one evening
- Puppy & Dog Training: Dog Obedience Training - Puppy Training
- Quickly and easily learn how to train any dog or puppy. Obedience and behavior training guide for any puppy or dog.
- Free Dog Training Behaviour Downloads and Manuals for Dog Owners, Instructors and Behaviorists
- Free dog training behaviour downloads, Dog training manuals, dog behaviour manuals, dog obedience instructor trainings, dog trainer books on applied dog training and dog behaviour by S.A. Kent on how dogs learn, how to teach dog obedience classes and become a professional dog trainer, on applied dog
- Debbie Jeans Dog Training On Demand
- The simple method to quickly end your dog's annoying, embarrassing or destructive behavior problems.
- Dog Training Tutor
- Dog Training Tutor | Train Your Dog The Right Way Today
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Useful Reading for Dog Trainers in The Making
Dog Training Tools on eBay
Tell Me What You Think
What are your opinions about dog training methods? Do you have something to say about my lens? Well here is your chance to get it off your chest
KonaGirl wrote...
You have made some real valid points when it comes to training your mutt, like not losing your temper, yelling and hitting. Just as some dog behavior is unacceptable to us, as is some human behavior is unacceptable to dogs. 5 stars for a well done lens! I have lensrolled you to my dog sites too. Oh, BTW, thanks for adding my lens to the group!
Dog Clicker Training
Posted October 18, 2008
nancydodds1 wrote...
5*, cool lens. Thanks for sharing. Once visit my lens pethotels.
Posted October 04, 2008
JamesNash wrote...
Training your dog is a very hard task. However with the correct knowledge training a dog can be easy. Here you provide great knowledge to help people easily train their dog.
Posted September 29, 2008
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
Some good information on clicker and positive training, thank you.
Posted September 08, 2008
eddygobbo wrote...
I wholeheartedly agree with using positive reinforcement for dog training.
Feel free to check out my doggie lens with the very clever dog balancing on a ball.
Posted August 29, 2008