Dog Training: The Fun Way

og training can seem hard and intimidating. Any task can seem difficult when you have no idea how to approach it. Though it might seem daunting at first, dog training is so simple a child can do it (and they do all of the time).

Though our idea of good dog training methods has changed dramatically since the mid-1900s, these basic principles you’ll see below are used by both amateur trainers and the most educated, experienced behaviorists today!

Basic Dog Training Principles

There are really two types of dog training:

• You’re either trying to teach your dog to do something (i.e. agility, obedience, sit/stay, etc.)
• You’re trying to change your dog’s unwanted behaviors (i.e. aggression, separation anxiety)

We’ll focus on the first idea, since that covers the majority of dog training you might think about.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Dogs learn through repetitive conditioning (condition/teach a dog to behave a certain way). Think of a child learning how to spell. They need to repeat the correct spelling several times in their heads before they memorize it, right? If they practice the wrong spelling, they will learn the wrong spelling; it has to be practiced the right way repeatedly!

"Gradually condition your dog by repeating the correct training." - Christopher Quinn

Why Use Dog Training Rewards?

Your goal is generally for your dog to want to perform for you, not fear the outcome if he/she doesn’t. How would you do that, you ask? You would accomplish these feats by rewarding your pet for doing what you ask!

Give your furry friend a reason to want to perform! Make your training as fun as possible for the little one! Consider the list below:

• Food rewards (i.e. treats)
• Enthusiastic praise
• Reward with a toy (i.e. ‘tug’ with pe toy)

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement in dog training is another very basic idea that most handlers never even consciously think about. Reinforce your dog’s learning by giving him/her something for the effort! If you offer a small treat after your pup ‘sits’ for you, he/she is more likely to learn the word sit quickly because he wants that treat.

Positive = Addition/ add something

Negative = Subtraction/ take away

Most people think of positive as something good, and negative as something bad, but you’re just adding something or taking something away. Though neither training needs to be bad or good, you want your dog to have fun and enjoy training the majority of the time.‍

Conclusion: Make Training Fun

Make sure your dog training is as fun and enjoyable for the little one as you can, avoiding punishment whenever possible! Be enthusiastic, using your high-pitched, squealing voice! Show your dog you are proud of his/her accomplishments; they are the most amazing feats you’ve ever seen!

Make your training seem more like a game than any kind of training (to your dog), and make it a positive experience! Have fun and enjoy the process! =)