by Barbaraanne Helberg

Created on: August 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2010

Keys to positive reinforcement dog training are knowing the breed, observing the dog's body language, keeping requests simple with patience and repetition, and providing a positive scenario in which the dog can think about what is being asked of him.

Positively reinforcing a dog's good behavioral responses (with food, or a favorite toy) will grow a stable, tension-free, and trusting household-pet relationship. Being chums with a happy,

healthy dog is one of life's true treasures.

Choose A Core Training Word

The most important ingredient in dog training is to choose one easily taught core word, like "off", or "away" to mean certain behavior, like jumping up on guests, is an unwelcomed behavioral response.  

Did he chew a shoe? Show him the shoe, then pull it back while firmly issuing the chosen core word. A few repetitions will result in his turning his head away on his own when shown the shoe, a response for which he should be praised and properly rewarded. For him, shoes have quickly lost their appeal.

The core word must be used specifically to deliver direct association to unwanted behavior. "No" is not a good choice because it is used too often in daily conversation to mean many different things.

Know the Breed and Learn A Dog's Body Language:

Reading about the breed of dog a person decides to buy, or adopt will help in learning the natural inclinations of the pet. Observing a new dog's body language is a hint to his personality. Understanding these characteristics will help the trainer provide a positive environment in which to teach him. Like young children, dogs want to know where their leader's borders lie.  

Does he run to the door every now and then? Does he approach his human and run in circles? Both gestures may mean he needs to go out and relieve himself, and both actions lend themselves easily to following through with positive reinforcement.

Keep Requests Simple and Give Him A Chance to React:

In the beginning, using one-word commands is best to teach a dog what needs to be done. Sit, stay, down, and heel are good beginners. Show him the posture and reward him when he performs it with help, and then on his own. Simple repetition and patience - command, treat, command treat - while maintaining dedication to sameness and consistency, with lots of verbal praise and the application of a loving hand, gets happy results.

Repeating the desired command and rewarding him when he delivers it, whether it's on the first command, or on the twentieth try, sets him up for success. A dog rushed to understand will become confused and disinterested. Once he perfoms the desired result every time he's asked - and he will eventually - only weekly reminder sessions are needed to keep his behavior on track.

Later, when consistency brings trust, a treat, or toy motivation reward will no longer be needed. It can, however, still be given on occasion to keep the canine ever interested in what comes next from his human companion.

A dog who trusts his human is a happy dog. He wants to please all the time. And positive reinforcement will feed his desire to do just that as he grows into a worthy companion, and until he lies that last time, in his final sunset, at his human's side. 

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