Controlling Dog Behavior Problems - Positive Reinforcement Method

In dealing with dog behavior problems, most dog training experts accept positive reinforcement training is the most effective and humane dog training method. It sounds very fancy but positive reinforcement training means that you reward a desired behavior and ignore any behavior that you don't want. Thankfully, this is in direct contrast to some outdated but once popular dog training techniques which involved physical pain and intimidation or equipment such as shock collars for barking. For everything you need to know about dealing with dog behavior problems, check out Secrets To Dog Training by Daniel Stevens.

Positive reinforcement acknowledges and wants to encourage the dog's natural intelligence and desire to please you. For rewards use tempting incentives. Dog trainers refer to food treats and physical affection as "primary incentives". This means that dogs respond very powerfully to these particular rewards.

Right Timing

Right timing is critical. The moment that your dog obeys a command, you must mark the behavior that you are going to reward. This means your dog will understand exactly which behavior is being rewarded. You can either use a clicker for this or just say "Yes!" in a happy, excited tone of voice. A clicker is a small metal device that makes a clicking sound when pressed.

Consistency

Consistency is crucial. You must be consistent in clicking to mark every obeyed command, and following shortly with the reward. Use the same commands consistently. Decide one command for a desired behavior and stick to it! For example, when training your dog to fetch something, decide on a command like "fetch" and use it consistently. Don't say "fetch" sometimes and "bring" at other times.

One particular command that is used inconsistently by some people is "Down". This is usually used to tell a dog to lie down. So if you then use it to tell a dog to come down off a sofa or bed, don't be surprised if the dog lies down. Rather than confuse your dog in this way, have a separate command such as "Off" to tell your dog to get down off the sofa.

Use your dog's favorite treats and give affection in the way it likes best. Most dogs really like it when you gently scratch the lowest part of the back near the base of the tail. They also like it when you rub or scratch their chest right between their forelegs.

Treats

Experiment with different food treats until you find one your dog particularly loves. It has been observed by dog trainers that it is actually more effective when dogs don't consistently receive a food treat. So, only give food treats intermittently and you will keep your dog on his toes.

Ignoring Unwanted Behaviors

When it comes to unwanted behavior, it's very simple. You just need to ignore the behavior. when a dog doesn't get any attention, this is enough to make your dog miserable and is, therefore, a very powerful deterrent.

It is very important that you be aware that any negative attention (such as verbal corrections to your dog) is a reinforcement and just encourages the unwanted behavior. To a dog negative attention is preferable to no attention at all.

I hope this has given you a basic introduction to positive reinforcement for controlling dog behavior problems.

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