Dogs are like babies, in the fact that they will repeat behaviors if they find them rewarding. So, if for instance, your dog gets a treat each time it sits on cue, they will be more likely to sit when you ask them to in the future. This is what positive reinforcement in dog training is all about. It is a very effective trick for getting dogs to follow cues and instructions. However, as a dog parent, there is a need to understand how positive reinforcement works and how to use it effectively to get the best results when training your dog. At The Ultimate Leash, we wanted to give you some tips for understanding positive reinforcement. Read on to learn more and shop our dog leashes and collars today.
Timing is Important
When using positive reinforcement, timing is the name of the game. You have to give the reward immediately after your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This is the only way your pet will be able to associate the reward with the right action. For instance, if you tell your dog to sit, but the reward comes after the dog has stood back up, the reward will be associated with standing instead of sitting.
Choose Rewards That Your Dog Will Like
To you, dog biscuits might sound like the best treats to reward your pet, but if your dog does not find it to be a motivating treat, it won’t be achieving anything. In fact, the wrong reward will do more harm than good. If your dog dislikes head pats for instance, and you decide to use it as a reward, it will simply associate it with the desired behavior and this will reduce the chances of him repeating that behavior. The trick is to use something that is truly rewarding from your dog’s perspective.
Rewards Don’t Have to Be Treats
It could simply be an affectionate touch, a chance to go out, play a game, or a toy — you can use pretty much anything that your dog loves as reinforcement. Choosing the wrong reward will do more harm than good. Try to figure out what motivates your dog and what they view as a reward, then you can start training them based on that. Their preferences may change throughout your training. So, if they seem to get bored with a reward try something new.
Have Fun With Your Dog
Most people consider training work and that makes it more difficult both for them and their pooch. If you keep training sessions upbeat and fun, you will find positive reinforcement training quite effective. Training sessions don’t have to be conventional. Something as simple as walking your dog is an important part of dog training. More than just a way to exercise, walking your dog can also help you bond better which is quite helpful for training.
If you are working on leash training your dog, be sure to get the best collar and leash for the job! The Martingale collar from The Ultimate Leash is a great option that allows you to have maximum control and keeps your dog comfortable. Be sure to also check out the Ultimate Leash and make leash training easier!
With patience, consistency, and training equipment such as treats and the right leash or collar you can improve the effectiveness of training. Once you get your dog to see training as a fun time to get rewards, they’ll soon be voluntarily offering good behavior in the hope of getting rewards. Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog and now that you know more about it, it will be easy to get started! Shop The Ultimate Leash now!
