Positive Reinforcement Training

“Positive reinforcement is simple: if your dog is rewarded for doing a certain behavior, there’s a better chance of that behavior happening again. In other words, if there are good consequences, behavior is likely to be repeated. The behavior has therefore been positively reinforced.

The use of positive reinforcement methods for teaching dogs has been endorsed by veterinarians and the behavioral scientific community at large as the most effective, long-lasting, humane, and safe method of training dogs.

For positive reinforcement training to work, your dog needs to be rewarded with something she likes and is meaningful to her. That reward is most often food, but it can also be toys, your attention, praise, or access to something your dog likes to do, such as getting to sniff in the garden or go for a walk. Whatever reward you use, it needs to be something your dog really likes.”

Your dog understands that when they engage in a certain behavior you wish to reward, positive things happen in result of doing that behavior. You may provide your dog a treat for looking at you, for instance, if you want them to do so more frequently. Your dog is more likely to repeat the behavior if they enjoyed the incentive. Then, to get your dog’s attention, associate their attention with a verb like “look” or call them by name.

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