Tips For Positive Reinforcement Training

Use a KONG Goodie Bone for Positive Reinforcement!

Positive reinforcement training for dogs is a good and fun way to train your dog.  Before you start, you need to have a variety of treats in your pocket or in a little baggy in your pocket or in a fanny pack.  Anything that can be taken out quickly to reward your dog as he does the correct action, hence positive reinforcement.

It takes everyone living in the household to be consistent.  This mean kids as well as adults.  Everyone has to be on board.  Everyone must say the same command and everyone should say the same command as they correct the action and give the dog a treat if done correctly.  Consistency is key.  If people in the household are not saying the same things and not being consistent then your dog will be confused.  Remember, they do not know what you are saying.  Your reward must be immediate, within seconds if your dog does what you want him to do. 

The commands can be, according to the Humane Society of the United States;  sit, stay, come, down(as in lie down), off(which means off of me or off of the furniture), stand, heel(walk beside me) or leave it.

KONG STUFF'N Treats are great for training

If he's chewing on a toy, instead of on a shoe, you can secretly place a treat inside a Kong type of chew toy, for example.  Also, do not reward your dog for bad behavior such as putting him outside every time he barks inside and you don't want him to bark inside.  You are rewarding him and giving him yard time for a bad, unwanted behavior.  Also, do not use his crate as a punishment.  He will learn to not like going into the crate.  Place a leash on him and teach him to lie down...say down, push him very gently down and immediately give him a treat.

Also, if your dog is small, give him small treats.  Soft treats that are very small and he can gobble them down in one bite and he'll look at you for more.  Every time he lies down, give him a treat.  Remember, positive reinforcement and consistency is key.

Good luck and take a look at the Humane Society of the United States web site for more info.