Positive Dog Training

Positive dog training is basically a method use to train your dogs with rewards instead of negative training witch uses punishment. For example spiked or shock collars.

With the positive dog training method you use treats, toys, or a clicker (I will get into clicker training in a whole other post) or just simply praise by petting.

You would be surprised at what you can use as treats for your dog. Here is a list of examples.

1. Kibble
2. Cheese cubes
3. Hot dog slices
   
4. Cereal
5. Grapes
6. Apple slices
7. Cherry tomatoes

Training can get boring for you and your dog, so to keep it interesting, you could also stop training and reward your dog with some playtime using a favorite toy.

Good examples of fun toys are:

1. Stuffed animals. (I always wait until right after a holiday, when they are all on sale for like 25 cents.)
2. Rubber Bones
3. Tennis balls
4. Rope to play tug of war.

The whole point of this is, you need to make it fun for both you and your dog.

Ok so after you get set to start positive dog training, here are some steps in what to do next.

1. Dogs learn through association, this means from a dogs perspective " If I do this, I get a treat!"
2. Give your dog a command. ex. Sit.
3. As soon as your dog performs the command give him a treat.
4. Keep plenty of treats on hand. Put some in your pockets or get a fanny pack.
5. When your dog starts to respond with confidence reward him with petting or a toy instead of a treat.
6. Practice throughout the day even when not in a training session. Make your dog sit before putting his food dish down for him to eat. Make him sit before getting in the car.

Make sure not to over praise your dog. Only praise when you think it is appropriate. If you praise to much it will lessen its affect on your dogs training.

Oh yeah one more thing, don't give in when your dog is being stubborn. Be patient. If your dog is behaving badly such as barking at you, or jumping around, or even just laying down. Turn your back to him for 10 seconds, then resume training.

Happy Positive Dog Training!