Using positive reinforcement to train your dog

Training is a fun part of pet ownership. But you need to do it in the right way.

Positive reinforcement training allows you to teach your pet new things effectively and humanely; experts across the animal field have said time and time again that negative reinforcement is the worst way to go about things.

Here, we discuss the advantages of positive reinforcement dog training, why it works and how to do it properly.

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What's positive reinforcement dog training?

It's a training method where you reward your dog for good behaviour instead of punishing them for "bad" or unwanted behaviour.

Fundamentally, it's to teach your pup that making good choices leads to good outcomes instead of using fear to motivate them.

Negative reinforcement involves taking something away from them for a behaviour, but this is less effective and only leads to feelings of fear and confusion. And this isn't just opinion.

A 2019 study found dogs trained positively performed better at set tasks, while those trained negatively performed worse. Negatively trained dogs displayed more stress through behaviours like licking and whining. Researchers confirmed this by testing cortisol levels in saliva.

So, positive reinforcement is the way to go as it helps form an effective training routine and builds stronger bonds.

Positive reinforcement training examples

So, let's say you're teaching your dog to sit, stay or recall. You would reward successful attempts or milestones positively. But you would never punish mistakes negatively.

Clicker training is a strong example of reward-based training. This is where an owner uses a small, handheld device called a clicker to signal your dog that they've performed a desired behaviour. Your pup then associates the click with a reward.

Dog training works best with positive reinforcement, as negative reinforcement takes longer, is more stressful, and ultimately ruins the bond between you and your dog.

Benefits of positive reinforcement dog training

Builds trust

Positive reinforcement training helps build a bond between the dog and owner, and dogs respond to those they trust better.

Encourages learning

It leads to better motivation, which leads to better training outcomes. Dogs can also understand which behaviour you're rewarding. Negative reinforcement can confuse them about what you're punishing them for.

Reduces anxiety

Avoiding punishment leads to less anxiety and better security. It's why rescue dog training focuses entirely on positive reinforcement, as these dogs can have some mental health problems to navigate.

Works for any dog

It works for any dog. It doesn't matter about age, breed or personality; it's a learning style that works across the board.

How to implement positive reinforcement training

Set clear goals

You must set a clear goal of what you want to achieve and teach. You don't want to set unachievable goals, so start with small, clear objectives.

This type of training works best when each goal is achievable for your pet's skill level. For example, start with the easy tricks first.

Use high-value rewards

Picking rewards that your pet finds motivating is essential. Don't just pick food; clickers, toys, and praise can work.

We recommend varying your rewards to maintain your pup's interest in training.

Consistency is key

Consistency helps form habits. Consistency in commands and giving rewards is essential for effective learning. Without it, your pet won't respond best to positive reinforcement.

Everyone in your household must commit to using the same cues and reward system to prevent confusion.

Gradually reduce treats

So, as your dog adapts to the training, decrease the frequency of treats and transition to verbal praise. You can still use food occasionally, but the idea is to use verbal praise and non-food rewards.

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Reducing food rewards helps reduce the chance of your dog becoming obese or upsetting their overall nutrition. Plus, you can use food exclusively to teach them new tricks and behaviour, making that training more effective.

Common challenges

There are a few challenges owners can face when training a pet positively:

• Accidental positive reinforcement - Sometimes, it's easy to accidentally "reward" bad behaviour. For example, if your dog jumps on you and you don't like it, you could respond by talking to your dog and asking them to "get down". But to a dog, speaking to them can be seen as a positive thing.

• Other people - Friends or family members can sometimes undo some of the work you've done by feeding your dog treats, spoiling them or reacting negatively. Make sure everyone's on the same page, especially if you live with family.

• Timing - Not giving rewards quickly enough can undo the point of positive reinforcement; it needs to be in the right window.

• Not fast enough - It isn't an overnight thing, so if your pet has a few problem behaviours you're struggling with, you can't fix them fast. Seeing a pet behaviouralist can help with emergencies. B

Reward-based training for specific behaviours

• Leash pulling - Reward your dog when they walk next to you and when they don't pull on the leash. Stop walking when pulling or negative behaviour happens. Our training your dog to walk on a leash guide can help.

• Jumping - Withhold attention when your dog jumps up and ignore them. Reward them when they don't jump up. You can also ask them to sit when they're near someone.

• Barking - Teach your pup the "quiet" command and desensitise them to any triggers. Make sure they're not barking for a medical reason. Our how to stop dog barking guide can help.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Over-rewarding - Avoid giving too many treats during training sessions; mix in praise or play to balance rewards.

• Inconsistency - Ensure consistency with commands and rewards to prevent confusion.

• Impatience - Be clear and patient with your dog during training; impatience often leads to negative reinforcement. Training is a process that takes time, patience, and repetition. Dogs learn at different paces, so be prepared for gradual progress.

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