Praise & Treats: The Major Advantages of Positive Reinforcement in Training of Dogs

Time is very important when it comes to the use of positive reinforcement as a training method for dogs. Firstly, the reward, whatever it might be, should come immediately, within a few seconds. Otherwise, your dog might fail to associate it with the proper action, for which he has been rewarded.

Clicker training is another good tool to mark the time of the good behavior. It can also improve the timing and help your dog connect the action with the behavior. Once he hears the sound of the clicker, he will know that the reward will follow soon.

Using Positive Reinforcement to Train

Positive reinforcement can be used for various forms of dog training. Using positive reinforcement during crate training or potty training is usually a good idea. This will help him to shape his behavior just like the way you want it.

You can also reward your dog for simple behaviors like learning to remain seated when you are opening the gates of your garden to let him out or even before coming in. But, make sure that you do not reward him for bad behaviors. For instance, if you let him out, every time he starts barking, then he will get the wrong message.

Keep it Simple and Consistent

The rewards should be simple like praise or a treat that your dog likes. Often a pat along with a verbal praise of "Good Boy!" works well with dogs. Also, at the same time, you can offer him treats like food or playthings he likes.

The treat you choose should be very enticing. It can be things that your dog actually loves. It should be simple and easily acceptable. Do not offer him something which he will take time to chew because it will beat the purpose of getting a quick reward. Also, do not bore him with the same treats over and over again. This might bring down the motivation level.

Shaping Desired behavior

Positive reinforcement helps in the shaping of a good behavior. In this way, you can push him a bit every time he reaches the desired level or expected level of the behavior, by increasing the amount of reward. Make sure that your furry buddy understands that the rewards are increasing each time he is getting a step closer of reaching the goal.

For instance, if you are planning on positively reinforcing the behavior of shaking hands then you should start rewarding or parsing him when he first lifts his paws. Then you should help him shape his behavior furthermore by rewarding a bit more when he touches your hand. After that increase the reward when he lets you hold on to his paw and finally giving him the ultimate reward once he actually learns to shake hands.

Positive reinforcement by means of giving rewards is certainly a good ploy. It helps your dog understand the things expected out of him and the things you desire him to do.

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Top 5 Dog Training Tips For Dog Owners

Training a dog can be a fun process, but the results can be good or bad depending on how you approach this task. Before you start training your pet, there are a number of steps that you need to follow. Begin by identifying the things that your dog is capable of doing and what it is not able to do. Another factor is how you train your pet, which is why you have the following top five training tips.

1. Understand the abilities of your pet and set reachable goals. Dogs are trained to do different things. That is why you need to identify the strong points of your dog and its weaknesses. This will help you identify the right tricks for your dog.

2. Training your pet regularly. Once you know what your dog is capable of doing, start training your dog consistently using short 10 - 15 minute sessions. However, even though you are training your dog consistently it is necessary that you give it a command only once. You want your dog to learn to respond immediately to your commands.

3. Do not frustrate your dog by training it for too long. Training your dog for more than 15 minutes at a time is not advisable. That is because your dog will get bored quickly and be less responsive.

4. Reward your dog. Rewarding your dog is good way of building motivation. However, don't overdo it. Make sure that any food reward comes after the entire training session and not after it accomplishes each exercise.

5. Be patient. Even though training a dog is fun, it may take longer than you might expect. Continue training your pet, but be sure to be patient.

Learn how to train your dog and the best way to do it is by following these tips. A lot of people hire professionals to help train their dogs and provide guidance and motivation for you during the training process.

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Does Tug-Of-War Teach Aggression?

Many people worry that if they play tug-of-war with their dog (or "tug") that they will be teaching their dog to be aggressive. They're afraid that playing tug with their dog can lead to problems with dominance. Are they right to be worried? Does tug-of-war teach aggression? 

Actually, many recent studies have shown that dogs who enjoy rough house play with their owners were generally considered better socialized than dogs who didn't. These dogs also had less separation anxiety. This included games of tug-of-war. These dogs were considered more confident without being "dominant" or "aggressive." These studies did not find any connection between playing tug-of-war and developing aggression or dominance. (Rooney and Bradshaw, 2003; Goodloe and Borchelt, 1998) J. O'Heare, in Aggressive Behavior In Dogs (2007) writes: "The relationship between tug-of-war and dominance aggression appears to be a myth." (Ottawa: DogPsych Publishing). 

There is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy playing tug-of-war with your dog as long as you establish the boundaries and control the game. 

KONG Tug Toy

Choose a toy to use for playing tug-of-war. This should be a toy that will withstand some pulling and abuse since your dog will be using his teeth. Make sure not to use a sock or shoe. Even if you use an old sock or shoe your dog won't be able to distinguish between an item you've discarded and one that you're currently using. 

You should always be the one to give the cue for starting a game of tug-of-war. Offer the toy to your dog and say something like, "Tug!" You may have to shake the toy in front of your dog a few times to get him to take it. Once your dog has the toy and is tugging you should enjoy the game for a few moments and then tell your dog to "drop it." Keep your tone positive and upbeat. Make sure you praise and reward your dog for dropping the toy so he will be willing to drop it the next time you ask. Treats are good. You can also start another game of tug with him as a reward. 

3-Knot Rope Tug

If your dog starts to get too worked up or excited with the game you should tell him to "drop it." This keeps you in control of the game. Be sure to praise and reward your dog for dropping it. If your dog refuses to drop the toy you should simply drop your end of the toy and move away. Your dog can't play without you. There is no tug unless you pull, too. You should always be the person in charge of when the game starts and stops. 

Do remember to always praise and reward your dog for dropping the toy when you tell him to do so. 

If your dog tries to take over the game or pesters you to play tug-of-war with him, you should ignore him. Wait until he is doing something else before you offer him the toy. The game should always be your idea, not his. 

As long as you control the game you won't ever have any problems with your dog becoming dominant or aggressive playing tug-of war. You set the boundaries and the rules.

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