What is Positive Dog Training?

Positive dog training is based on a principle – if you reward and praise a dog for behaviour the dog is more likely to repeat it and offer it to you. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training your dog, but it’s important to know which rewards your dog prefers. Some dogs are highly motivated by food, while others prefer toys or praise. Take some time to figure out what your dog likes best, and use that as a reward for good behavior. Additionally, remember that timing is key when it comes to positive reinforcement. You should reward your dog immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior, so they can make a clear connection between the behavior and the reward.

A lot of misbehaviour – aggression, biting or barking stems from fear and timidity. So pulling on a collar, and scolding your dog when they bark at a man with a hat because your dog is terrified of those hats, is making things much worse.

If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s important to understand the root cause of their fear. For example, if your dog is afraid of hats, it’s important to slowly introduce hats in a positive way, rather than scolding your dog when they react negatively. This can help your dog overcome their fear and build confidence. Additionally, if your dog is exhibiting aggression or biting behavior, it’s important to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help address the underlying issue.

You can also read this article in Dogo App.

With your impatience and harsh treatment you only confirm, that the dog has to be fearful of hats because whenever your pup sees a hat and tries to warn you, you shout at the dog on pull on a lead causing an unpleasant sensation. Be patient and ignore unwanted behaviour or redirect your dog’s attention to other things like a toy, a treat or change a walking direction.

Do not forget to praise your dog also when they do not react to a passing cyclist or a ball bouncing nearby. Even though you take it for granted that a dog should not run away and catch the ball, it is against your dog’s instincts to stay non-reactive to a fast-moving object.

In addition to using positive reinforcement to reward good behavior, it’s also important to be consistent in your training. This means praising your dog for good behavior every time, not just occasionally. It can also be helpful to use a consistent verbal cue, such as “good boy” or “good girl” to help reinforce the behavior you want. Finally, remember that training is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continue working with your dog even after they have mastered a particular behavior. This can help build a stronger bond between you and your furry friend, and make training more enjoyable for both of you.