by Kayla Griffin

Created on: February 18, 2009

Praise is one of the most powerful training tools dog owners have at their disposal. Using praise can not only teach, it can motivate too. Dog's are people pleaser's, they want to make us happy. When praise is used properly it lets the dog know that he/she has done something right, and that we are pleased with them. This will make them want to repeat the behavior that has made us happy.

Praise as a reward can have many benefits. If you are using praise to reward your dog, you will not be using treats. Using food as a reward can cause aggression. Praising your dog is a much better reward for both of you. For you it means no pockets full of treats, or disobedient dog when you run out of them. Also you will be helping your dog stay healthy by not always giving them junk food.

If you read the packaging of most treats, it will have an amount that is recommended in a day. The amount is usually 4, this will not be enough if you are expecting your dog to have a treat each time they do a command correctly.

Food rewards can become unhealthy for your dog, the same way that junk food can become unhealthy to us. Praise however has no negative effects on your dog at all. It is a healthy way to motivate them, and a great way to bond. To your dog praise means; your happy with them, and they have done a good job. That's more of a reward then any treat could be!

Many people have trouble using praise to reward and motivate their dog because, they do not know how to praise properly. Praise seems like such a simple, and easy thing to do. However, many people struggle to motivate their dog with praise, the reason is; they are not praising correctly.

Praise should not be a simple pet on the head. It should not be a monotone voice saying "good dog". Praise is all about excitement! Getting excited and having fun with your dog is a great way to teach and motivate.

Dogs watch your facial expressions and listen to your voice. If you are praising your dog by saying "good dog" but your voice does not sound excited, your dog will not recognize this as praise. However rubbing his/her head while expressing our excitement in our voice; will let our dog know that they have done something right. They will then continue to keep doing what has made you so happy.

Praise alone cannot train a dog. A pinch collar, praise and a consistent owner makes a powerful training team. No matter which way you choose to train your dog, remember the importance of praise. Bonding is an important part of any relationship between us and our dogs.

When we praise our canine companions we create a life long bond. Training a dog is really a team effort; both you and your dog must be working hard. Our dog works hard to please us, and we work hard to teach and motivate them. Praise is a reward and motivation that we will never run out of, and we do not have to buy. It is a great reward for both you and your dog.

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