Positive Reinforcement The Key to Successful Dog Training

Training a dog doesn’t need to be a challenging or frustrating endeavor. The most effective and humane approach to training your four-legged friend is through the means of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training will encourage dogs to perform actions that gain praise, treats, and affection; and will also deepen the bond with you. Most importantly, it creates learning that is fun for your dog, not stressful. 

Understanding Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a method of training to reward desired behavior to encourage that behavior’s repetition. To illustrate, when a dog hears "Sit" and sits, it gets a treat or the owner's praise. The dog learns that a “Sit” results in something that it enjoys. Over time, the dog makes a connection that, rather than being random, an action results in a consequence that dogs enjoy; thus, the sit becomes more likely to occur. 

Why Positive Reinforcement Works

The key to effective positive reinforcement is communication and consistency. When dogs know what their owner expects of them and what they are getting feedback about, they flourish. Providing rewards for desired behaviors clarifies what the trainer wants; trainers are saying, “This is what I want you to do.” Dogs have an inherent desire to please their owner, and positive reinforcement manipulates the dogs' natural desire. The constant, predictable reinforcement of positive behaviors not only assures the dog but also develops trust and mutual understanding between the dog and owner, which is essential in behavioral change, as it establishes the foundation for long-term success. 

Positive reinforcement is more than an approach to dog training; it is a means to build a mutually trustworthy, pleasant relationship with your furry friend.