Positivity in Training Your Dog

There is no question that training a Dog is important. It keeps the Dog feeling secure and prevents unwanted behavior like begging for food scraps or jumping on people. However, ideas on the best way to train a Dog effectively may differ. On one side are those who believe in dominance training, on the other are those who believe in positive reinforcement. For more than five years, the idea that Dog trainers has to assume the alpha male position to successfully train a dog has dominated dog obedience training practices. Contributing to this thought is the award-winning Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan aired on National Geographic.

Although many of Millan's dog training tips have something in common with positive reinforcement trainers, experts now say that some of Millan's strategies are also cruel and based on animal studies that have now been debunked. Instead of using techniques hinged on dominance theory, dog trainers are now giving dog training tips using positivity. Positivity simply means establishing a good relationship with your pet when it comes to dog obedience training.

This is in contrast to a dominant-submissive relationship which assumes that pet dogs naturally compete for status and thus have to be controlled. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs may lash out because they feel threatened, not because they are trying to be dominant. Dominant-submissive relations exist between animals, and rarely between owners and their dogs.

To train your dog using positive reinforcement, keep the following things in mind: Screaming at and hitting the dog only breeds insecurity and lead to health problems. Instead of submitting to commands, a dog may react aggressively when disciplined harshly. Fear and stress can also cause long-term health problems in your pets. A subdued dog is not necessarily an obedient dog. On the other hand, dog obedience training using positivity will create a healthy bond between an owner and his pet.

During training, combine a stimulus (like a sound or hand gesture) with a command (like sit or stay). The dog will then learn the desired response and the command for it. Rewards may take the form of verbal praise, hugs, treats, and other things that a dog may find enjoyable. While training, it would be best to know what the pet likes. When the dog is used to a particular bad behavior, it may be easy to fall back to harsh punishment. However, proponents of positivity say that it is better to reward a dog's good behavior and ignore or penalize good behavior. To be effective, a penalty should also come immediately after bad behavior or the dog may not understand what he is being penalized for.

Moreover, firmly saying no after bad behavior coupled with a chosen hand gesture can be more effective than hitting or yelling. This method may take longer, but the owner and his dog will both be happier. Positivity in dog obedience training may take longer, but it will also create a happier and more secure pet.

If you would like to further your knowledge about this topic please click this link at http://www.smarthealthydogs.com
Written by Justin H James