How Does Dog Training Work?

• Dog training works based on the simple idea of positive reinforcement, with the dog being rewarded for correct behavior. The trainer asks the dog to perform an action, and the dog is rewarded when it performs correctly, thereby learning the behavior. When the dog performs the request correctly, the trainer immediately praises the dog and offers her a reward for good performance. The trainer must be sure to always offer the dog a reward quickly and consistently, and to ignore negative behavior. Rewarding bad actions will confuse the dog and make training that much more difficult.
  
  

Selecting The Proper Supplies

• A proper dog trainer must gather all of the required supplies in order to achieve the best results. A good selection of leads, collars, rewards and treats are essential tools for any dog trainer and should be tailored for each individual dog. Gather a few different types of collars, such as flat buckle collars, slip collars and martingale collars, as well as leads of different lengths on hand for any training situation. If a dog really enjoys a bit of hot dog, then the trainer can utilize this treat to reward the dog for a job well done. Toys can also be excellent reinforcement tools. Some dogs prefer playtime over food rewards, so giving a favorite toy after a job well done will motivate the dog and drive him to perform the command again and again.
  
  

Focusing on The Dog

• Dog training must focus on the individual personality of the dog to be successful. Dogs, like people, have a wide range of personalities and dispositions, and a good trainer must utilize these differences. A shy, spooky dog will not work as well when given loud, upbeat commands, while a dominant dog will not respond well to quiet tones. A trainer must be adaptable enough to shift focus when a type of command is not working for a certain dog. If flat, monotone requests do not produce results on a dog, give the dog a happy, upbeat command and see of the response is any better. The same idea of focus and adaptability needs to be given to the type of reward used. If a dog is bored and no longer responding for a treat, perhaps a new toy might be a better motivator.
  
  

Dog Training in Action

• Work a dog consistently to achieve the best results. Dogs have very short attention spans and respond best to short, frequent training sessions. Begin working with the dog by placing it in an appropriate collar and lead. This will allow you to keep a better handle on the dog. Give the dog a simple command and guide it into the proper position. Reward the dog immediately for correct behavior and praise the dog for a job well done. Continue this pattern of ask, reward and praise until the dog is performing the command every single time without flaw. Move onto more complex commands as the dog continues to improve. Always praise the dog immediately so that the dog connects the properly performed command to the reward. This positive association will show the dog that he is performing the command well and push him to continue proper responses to training.
  
  

Getting Results

• Consistency is key in dog training. The trainer must give the dog a positive reinforcement as soon as she responds correctly in order for her to understand she is doing something right. If a trainer fails to reward the dog properly, the dog will not understand whether it has done right or wrong. Consistent, positive reinforcement for properly performed commands will ensure that you understand how dog training works.