Dog Training: The Power Of Positive Reinforcement

In one of our older blog posts Basic tricks you can teach your dog TODAY you can see that giving treats is one of the most common examples of using positive reinforcement in dog training. Why is this so important, and how to use it? Keep reading to found out.

What Is Positive Reinforcement

Purely positive reinforcement is a method popularized by trainers like Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who trained the Obamas’ dog, Bo.

The theory behind it is fairly straightforward. Dogs will repeat good behavior when it’s followed by a reward. Bad behavior does not get a reward or acknowledgment. If a correction needs to happen, it comes in the form of the removal of rewards, like a toy or treats being taken away. 

Harsh reprimands or physical punishments aren’t necessary.

This training method begins with rewarding the desired behavior immediately, within seconds after it happens. That way, the dog comes to associate the behavior with the reward.

Some trainers combine this method with clicker training. This gives the dog a distinct sign of the exact moment the behavior was completed. Commands also need to be short and to the point. Sit. Stay. Come.

Positive reinforcement requires consistency. Therefore, everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and reward system.

Dog Obedience Tips And Tricks

How You Can Use Positive Reinforcement

Start with continuous rewards every time your dog does the right thing. Then, gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior becomes consistent. Sometimes beginner trainers accidentally reward bad behavior. For example, they might let the dog outside when they start barking at a squirrel or another dog.

Only wanted behaviors get rewards, which can include treats, toys, praise, and pets. It can also be easy to overfeed when your dog is learning, so use small treats when you are rewarding with food. This method is great for learning commands, but you need patience for correcting unwanted behaviors.

Source: dogtime.com

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