Anybody who plans to get into dog training must always remember a few things before starting out. There are a lot of different dog training techniques to try. Some of these dog training techniques work, while other dog training techniques seem to work against you. Dog training is such a far-reaching activity that it sometimes becomes hard to choose the right techniques.
Reward or reprimand – it all sounds so simple, but for many newcomers in the world of dog training, this is like choosing between a rock and a hard place. If you have trouble deciding when to do which, please read on.
Those who teach dog training courses mainly believe you have to be all warm, fuzzy and positive when training your dog. Unfortunately, there are some instances when you do have to reprimand your dog. Save your reprimands only when they are absolutely necessary, because dogs still learn the best and respond quicker to positive reinforcement. But before learning when to reprimand your dog, the first thing you should do is learn when to reward your dog.
It’s quite easy, really – if your dog performs well in dog training, then by all means reward him. This can be when it sits, stays, eliminates where it should, fetches, etc. Rewards are not to be misconstrued solely as doggy treats – it could be a gentle pat on the head, an emphatic “GOOD DOG!” or a rub on the tummy.
Positive dog training really works well in helping dogs learn easily. Dogs tend to want to make you happy and this is why they do so well with this type of dog training. But do not condone this with rewarding negative actions!
Reprimanding is a form dog training that should only be done if the situation merits it. Reserve this kind of action for the times when your dog upsets you with good reason, such as defecating or urinating where he shouldn’t, incessant barking and growling, leaping or inadvertently destroying things. You must only reprimand your dog if you catch it in the act of doing something wrong. Otherwise, your dog will not realize what it did.
Tone and phrasing means everything when reprimanding – nothing longer than a punchy “NO!” or “bad dog!” Your tone should be angry, but remember to be short and quick. If you constantly do this, your words will end up being ignored by the dog. Never, and we repeat NEVER resort to physical discipline or reprimand in excess. This will only make your dog truculent and stubborn.
The question of reprimand or reward, if you come to think of it, isn’t too hard to answer, and you will need to keep all the above things in mind when determining the proper course of action. Remember to be patient because your dog is learning and trying its best. Lastly, you have to always show love even when delivering a reprimand, so that way your dog training turn out well for both of you!
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