Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Classes

Positive reinforcement dog training classes will teach you to train your dog using the techniques that are used in the pack. Dogs are all descendants of wolves and rely on socialization to get along. Positive reinforcement works better with them than yelling because they have a very short attention span and they often do not know why you are yelling. Yelling and screaming only makes them nervous and upset and does nothing to help train the dog to be a better pet.

If you get a puppy or a new dog and are looking for dog training, consider taking your pet to positive reinforcement dog training classes. These classes will teach you the right way to reward a dog when he does the right thing so that he repeats the behavior. Dogs are very much creatures of habit who really want to please you. Once they do something that pleases you very much, they are very eager to do the same thing again, and will often offer the behavior regularly once they know it pleases you.

The secret that you will learn in positive reinforcement dog training classes is how to let a dog know that they have done something that has pleased you. There are several ways that you can use positive reinforcement dog training techniques to allow your dog to know that he has done something good. These involve incorporating the two things that your dog likes best in life - your approval, as well as food.

Patting your dog is one way to use positive reinforcement. Patting your dog gently is something that shows him that he is accepted and loved. This is something that your dog will crave. You can also cup his snout with your hands. The leader of a pack in the wild will cup the dog's snout as a way of showing approval or affection. This is something that you can do for your dog as well.

Positive reinforcement dog training classes will also teach you how to use your voice so that you can convey to your dog that you are pleased. Dogs do not understand human language although they will be able to pick up a command or two. Tone and body language are much more effective to communicate what you want. You can use tone inflection when you speak to let them know that you are happy. A light and happy tone, as if you are talking to a young child, will let the dog know that you are pleased with him. This can be very valuable when you combine it with patting him and showing him affection. Dogs will do anything for this and if they perform a behavior that nets them this attention, you can bet that they will be repeating it.

Food is also a good incentive although when you go to positive reinforcement dog training classes you will learn the proper technique. The key is to not use too much food. A small doggie snack is something you can give your dog when you are training him and he has done something worthy of a reward. Initially, treats may be used to reinforce the behavior you are looking for, and also to lure the dog into positions you want him in, such as a "sit" or a "down," without ever having to touch the dog, or force him into that position. However, after the dog learns the behavior, it is essential to begin tapering off the use of treats, and to begin substituting praise and affection. Treats can then be offered as an added bonus for better and better behavior, and are most effective when they are offered variably. For example, once the dog learns the "sit" command, offer a treat only when the dog sits quickly, and even then, not every time.

Another use of treats is to aid in housebreaking. Many dog owners learn to give dogs treats after the dog has gone to the bathroom outside as a way to reinforce this behavior. Whether it is basic or advanced obedience, or problem solving, positive reinforcement dog training classes will teach you the most effective ways to use treats and praise to train your dog or puppy.

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