6 Best Positive Reinforcement Tips
Have you just added a new pup to your pet household? Do you want to learn dog training tips that can do wonders for you and your beloved friend? Positive reinforcement is by far the best method for teaching your four legged friend.
Clicker training, positive dog training, force-free training, or reward-based training are all other names of positive reinforcement dog training. But, how does the positivity factor benefit your dog?
Before we dive deep, let’s understand the definition of positive reinforcement.
What is Positive Reinforcement?
It is an effective way to encourage your dog’s positive behavior during training sessions or urging them to continue learning new tricks, quit bad habits, obey commands, and do the right things by adding something quickly after a behavior.
Splitting down into two parts, reinforcement means supporting or prolonging the behavior while positive refers to the addition of something (can be food, treats, toys, gestures, taps, etc.)
For instance, you ask the four-legged to fetch the ball. He fetches it, and you offer him a treat, right after his obedience to your command. The dog starts learning that he is rewarded for fetching the ball. The next time you say, ‘Fetch,’ and your job is done.
Now, that’s the magic of positive reinforcement dog training.
Six Amazing Positive Reinforcement Tips For Dog Owners
An upbeat voice, enthusiastic tone, canine’s favorite treats, and lots of appreciation are some of the tools one must-have in their toolkit when using positive reinforcement for dog obedience training.
We have listed some useful tips in this article. Let’s begin.
1- Lots of Treats
Dogs are passionate eaters, and when it comes to treats, they will do just about everything to munch them down. With plenty of treats in one hand, you can expect your pooch to behave positively.
Dogs love eating soft and chewy treats. It would be great if you can break them into smaller bites, so it is easier to digest as well. You can use commercial dog treats, homemade treats, chicken balls, or even cheese also serves the purpose…
2- Act Like Teammates
Positive reinforcement heavily relies on politeness from the owner’s end. Do not act like a leader or dominate the training session. Once you consider them as your teammate, working together to achieve a common goal, you will notice how easy it becomes to teach positive behaviors.
Your pup will not feel stressed, and learning new tricks becomes relatively easier in a friendly environment.
3- Strengthen Your Bond
Dog training can be challenging, especially for inexperienced owners. You have to deal with the ups and downs while familiarizing dogs with the human world. And the most important thing to remember is patience.
You need to establish a strong dog-owner relationship, and for that, you will have to practice patience. We know it can be difficult initially, but everything becomes smooth over time.
4- Know What Your Dog Likes
Positive reinforcement is a funny teaching method that adds joy to both you and your canine’s life. Once you notice that the animal is not enjoying a particular command/practice, put in on hold for a while. Instead, focus on things that your pup enjoys the most.
For example, if the dog is not fetching the ball with passion, go for sit or stay commands. Quit the things that bore and ensure your pet has quality time during positive reinforcement training.
5- Remove Distractions
You will get the maximum benefit from the dog training session only if the pup is fully engaged and committed to positive behavior. Training without enjoyment is like learning by rote, irrespective of the real meaning behind it.
Make sure the pet is eager to receive treats and appraisals from the owner. Removing distractions, including other animals, kids, noises, etc., and shortening the sessions will help sustain their excitement level for the future.
6- Be Positive
Last but not least, stay positive and add things that motivate your pups. From facial expressions to hand movements and voice’s pitch to making eye contact, show your willingness to work hard for a common goal.
Reward the pets every time they behave well: treats, toys, appreciation, short breaks, a game of tug and even a smile on your face. Let them know they are heading in the right direction.
Wrapping Up!
There are plenty of ways to boost your positive reinforcement dog training experience. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Or what is your way to keep the pets engaged? Let us know on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Happy dog training!
