Most people love their furry companions. However, it is not always good that your dog is not trained to behave in specific ways or to avoid undesirable behaviors.
There are many techniques passed down from unknown sources that tell you the best ways to stop your dog from doing something. But what is the best method, and how do you use these techniques?
Learn the most common methods for training your dog, as well as techniques that are not used. How should you train your dog? There are two common methods of dog training.
The first is the aversion-based method. The second is the reward-based approach. Aversion-based (discipline) training includes the use of positive and negative punishment techniques with your dog. The reward-based method only uses rewards for the behaviors you want your dog to follow.
Aversion-based training uses techniques like loud noises, irritation, physical correction, and harsh reprimands to get your dog to act the way you want it to. On the other hand, reward-based training uses rewards whenever your dog does something you want him to do. Treats, belly rubs, or other dog-friendly actions are used to reinforce that a behavior is good.
Different experts prefer one method over another. Which one you use is entirely up to you.
Some people believe that the reward-based approach establishes a "chain of events" for your dog, where they associate you with a feeling of happiness when they do what they say. Aversion-based methods do the exact opposite, when they fear you. This fear means that your dog does what it is told to avoid feeling uncomfortable.
Understand how your dog learns
Dogs learn a lot like children. They have intelligence close to two-year-old humans. The immediate consequences are all they care about. As they grow up, they begin to understand our words. Some smart races will answer up to 250! However, each dog responds to our voices more than to actual speech.
There are three types of dog intelligence recognized by scientists:
Instinctive
Adapt
Work and obey
Instinctive learning is when your dog learns the behaviors they were raised for. Adaptive learning is how your dog learns from his environment and surroundings to solve problems. Working and obeying is how they learn the tasks and commands you teach them.
In order for your dog to be obedient, you need to focus on training using obedience techniques and the specific behaviors you expect from them. Aversion and reward-based training has proven to be successful. However, if you are training your dog to be an affectionate pet, you should consider reward-based obedience training. This method does not develop fear-based responses in your dog. It really strengthens your romantic relationship with them.
Obedience Training Reward
Dogs are smart enough to learn the behaviors you want them to adopt. They are also smart enough to know what they can do.
If you are wondering how to train a dog with a particular behavior, one of the most effective methods is to give them gifts, praise or affection. More importantly, the best reward to give them is the one they most desire. If they are motivated by food, snacks can be more effective than praise. If they need your attention, affection can be the best reward.
The main point you need to focus on is regularly rewarding your dog for the behaviors you want. Don't reward behavior you don't want. When your dog performs the behavior, he gets his reward. If you ask them to lie down and not enjoy until they get up, they will be confused. They won't know what the reward is for.
Effective control of consequences
When using reward-based training, your dog needs to understand that there are consequences for behaving in a way you don't like. The consequence here is that their rewards are withheld when they do something wrong. For example, a dog that likes to jump up to greet people when they enter the house can pose a danger to the elderly. To train them not to jump at you, don't greet or notice them if they jump. You should turn around, walk out the door, and so on until the dog doesn't jump out. Keep a gift in your hand as you do this.
When the dog doesn't jump, reward it and repeat the task until your dog doesn't jump when you step in. You should try this with anyone your dog wants to see when they come into your home. This ensures that they give your dog the correct behavior treatment.
New skill training
When teaching your dog something new, keep in mind that they have the attention and intelligence of a two-year-old. Your exercises should be short and to the point. Limit them to 15 minutes. Focus on a task or behavior so they don't get confused.
Make sure you use the same commands for the behaviors you want. If you use the same word but insert a different word into the sentence each time you speak, your dog may not understand. For example, if you want to teach your dog to lie down, you'll confuse him if you say "lay down" one session and then say "Fido, lie down or don't handle" later that day. They may not know what to do. Basic obedience dog training
The American Kennel Club recognizes five basic commands every dog should know. They are:
Arrive
Heel
Sit
Stay
Down
Find help and more information
If you are looking for help training your dog, you can try taking a class at your local American Kennel Club (AKC). Local pet associations can also help you with underlying or behavioral issues. AKC has more than 5,000 clubs across the country.