Learn positive dog training methods. Your dog will properly learn how to behave and you will both enjoy the process.
Are you thinking about training your dog or puppy but don’t know where to start? Proper training and socialization are among your dog’s basic needs . It is important to start training your pet as soon as possible and with good methods based on positive reinforcement K9 training Houston.
Training your dog is laborious work and you will need a lot of patience . Still, it is not a daunting task, since if everything is done as it should, you will soon see results.
All our approaches are based on positive training, so we rule out forcing the dog, training through electrical devices or any technique that we consider may harm the animal . At Snau, we are clear about a class of concepts that you should learn if you are new to dog training.
What training techniques exist?
Positive reinforcement
There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that positive training is the best technique for both the dog and the trainer .
This training method begins with rewarding a desired behavior right after it happens . That way the dog associates the behavior with the reward. Some trainers combine this method with clicker training, which we will talk about later.
Positive reinforcement requires consistency and consistency . Therefore, everyone at home has to use the same command commands and reward systems. You can start with continuous rewards every time the dog does the right thing. Then gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior begins to become a habit.
Rewards may include treats, toys, or praise . With this method it can be easy to overfeed your dog, so use small treats. This method is great for learning basic commands, but you need patience.
clicker training
Clicker training is also based on operant conditioning and uses the same principles as positive reinforcement . In fact, the clicker can be classified as one of the positive training techniques. It is based on the use of a device to make a quick and high-pitched noise, such as a whistle or a “click” to alert a dog that he has performed a desired behavior.
The advantage of using clicker training is that it pinpoints the exact moment the desired behavior ends and exactly what is being rewarded. Trainers can then use the clicker to shape new behaviors and add verbal commands.
Before using this training technique, the dog must be conditioned to know that a click means a reward is being received . The verbal command can be introduced to form a new association later in training. This is a great method for learning new tricks, and can help shape the basics into more complicated tasks.
Although clicker is good for learning new behaviors, it is not necessarily suitable for containing unwanted behaviors . When used in conjunction with other training methods, it can be very effective in training.
Mirror method
This dog training technique is based on dogs learning by observation . Providing the dog with the company of another trained dog helps the novice dog. Furthermore, by having a rival, competition for resources increases and the untrained dog will concentrate more on learning the behavior that is rewarded. According to experts, this training method is just as successful as positive reinforcement and clicker operant conditioning.
Some trainers find it more natural . If the dog has a strong bond with the owner, this can be one of the most comfortable techniques. Relationship-based training combines several training techniques, but takes a more individualized approach. It is the relationship between dog and human that drives everything.
This training technique aims to promote communication and strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal . That is, the trainer can use positive reinforcement and the clicker method, but supported by the owner, who must know his dog’s body language. This method is often used to train animals with cognitive problems, trauma, or other psychological difficulties.
The dog’s environment must be controlled to limit unwanted behaviors , and new information given is based on the success of the previous exercise. For example, if a dog has difficulty learning to sit he should be taken to a quiet room and practice there before trying it in the park or somewhere with distractions. In this way, the trainer and the owner will find out why the dog is not following the commands instead of punishing it. Is the dog easily distracted? Can’t he hear the things around him or is he just not willing to act?