Rewards-based training is associating a positive reward with a desired action. Training your dog in basic obedience commands has many benefits. Not only does it teach your dog to be polite around others, but it could also help save their lives someday. Other benefits include socialization and mental stimulation for your pup by keeping them engaged in positive behavior and curbing unwanted or destructive tendencies.
Depending on your resources and lifestyle, there are many different avenues for training your dog. Hiring a professional trainer for individual classes, board-and-train, and group training are commonly used paths. However, self-training can be as effective and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. The joy of seeing your dog learn and grow and the shared experiences during training can be incredibly rewarding.
Whichever route works best for your lifestyle, the keys are positive reward, consistency, repetition, and patience.
Different models for dog training exist, including positive rewards-based, negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment. However, most leaders in the dog training industry agree that positive rewards-based training is the most effective and preferable method. This training style can be used for puppies and older dogs alike, and it’s a proven way to build a strong, positive relationship with your dog. Common basic obedience training commands include look, sit, stay, come, down, leave it, heel, and leash walking.
You will need a well-fitted collar and a non-retractable leash to start training. The collar should be comfortable, with two fingers between the dog’s neck and collar. Smaller dogs may need just one finger between them, whereas large dogs may require three fingers between the collar and neck. Ideally, it should not be so tight as to restrict breathing or be uncomfortable but not so loose that the dog may slip out of it.
Most dogs are food-motivated. In positive rewards-based training, trainers and dog owners use treats for desired behavior. High-value treats are treats that your dog has a difficult time turning away. Treats that you purchase in a store work well for most dogs.
Some dogs respond better to a higher-value treat, like small pieces of boiled chicken. A small treat pouch or fanny pack is convenient for holding high-value treats, but a pocket also works. For non-food-motivated dogs, use a favorite toy or a ball for motivation. Some dogs respond best to praise. The important thing is to use positive rewards and ignore unwanted behavior.
Some professional trainers use high-quality dog food instead of treats and regular feeding schedules. Remember that your pup should have the recommended amount of dog food each day divided into smaller amounts for more frequent training rewards. Be aware that feeding your pup the recommended amount of dog food and supplementing with treats may cause weight gain if not carefully monitored.
Most puppies are ready to go home at around 8-12 weeks, depending on the breeder. Based on the puppy’s cognitive development stage, the ideal period for training a puppy’s basic commands is as soon as 7-8 weeks and is best before 16 weeks. Start with short regular sessions of 5-minute blocks of time 3x/day for puppies. For older dogs, 1-2 15-minute daily training sessions are optimal. Longer training sessions are not necessarily more effective and often lead to boredom and frustration. It is essential to keep the training sessions positive and fun. Use only positive rewards and ignore unwanted behavior. Never punish your dog. Punishing unwanted behavior is ineffective and can unintentionally make a dog fearful or aggressive. To avoid confusion, keep it simple and use one word for each command. Only train one command at a time. A command has been mastered when your pup usually shows quick and correct responses to a command in different settings, at various times, and with other people. After learning a command, you can introduce the following command.
Before you start training, setting your dog up for success is essential. Where and when you train are crucial considerations. The place where you choose to train your dog should be free of stimuli that can cause distractions, including other pets, loud noises, moving objects, and other interruptions. Also, don’t train immediately following a meal, as your treat value may wane with a satiated appetite.
Additional adjuncts for training include incorporating clicker training or hand signals in conjunction with verbal commands. Successful training involves positive reinforcement, consistency, repetition, and patience. Training your dog’s basic obedience commands takes effort, but the rewards are numerous. Basic Positive obedience training makes for a happier and more confident dog and strengthens your bond with your pet.
Pinnacle Pets only offers positive reinforcement training per the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommendation.
For more information on the AVSAB’s position and positive reinforcement training methods, view their position statement at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf