Positive Reinforcement Training or PRT is a widely recognized and effective method of obedience training for dogs. Essentially, with PRT you reward behavior that you wish to see repeated, while ignoring any unwanted behavior.
This is in contrast to some of the once-popular techniques for dog training, which included intimidation and even physical pain.
PRT works with the natural instinct of your dog which is to please you. This method recognizes that lessons are more inclined to ‘stick’ when a dog can figure out by itself what you’re wanting it to do, instead of repeatedly being forced into positions or drilled with nonstop commands. PRT allows your dog to use its brain.
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Obedience Training For Dogs, What You Should Be Doing -
1. Use Rewards. Find tempting incentives to reward good behavior. Your dog will become bored very quickly with only receiving pats on the head. Dogs respond most powerfully to food treats and physical affection.
2. Use A Marker. A dog must understand exactly what behavior earns it a reward, so you need to ‘mark’ the behavior that will be rewarded. Some trainers use a clicker; a small device which makes a distinct “click” when pressed. It should be clicked at the very moment a dog obeys a command. Your voice can be used to mark good behavior. Saying ‘yes’ or ‘good girl’ in an excited tone will work perfectly.
Always give the treat after the marker and use the marker consistently. Using the clicker only some of the time won’t carry enough significance for your dog when you do use it. A dog needs to know that it’s done something right whenever it hears the marker, with a treat following shortly.
3. Be Consistent With Training Commands. Decide ahead of time on the command you’re going to give. Pick one phrase for a particular command and stick with it. For example, to train a dog not to jump up on you, the command you choose might be ‘No Jump’. Don’t sometimes say ‘Get Down’ or ‘Get Off’ because that’s confusing to a dog. They don’t understand english and need consistent repetition to associate actions with a particular phrase.
4. Reward Your Dog Meaningfully. Make the reward fit with your dog’s favorite treat or preferred demonstration of affection. Some dogs love to play games with a particular toy or ball; others love a food reward; while others willingly settle for a display of physical affection from you. Depending on the size of the dog, it may be a bout of wrestling and rolling around on the carpet or grass.
5. Know The Best Ways To Stroke Your Dog. See if your dog likes having the base of its tail scratched gently. Or having the chest rubbed. You can also gently rub the ear flap between your thumb and finger, or scratch gently at the base.
6. Mix Rewards. Trainers have noted that dogs respond more reliably to training commands when they receive a variety of treats sporadically, instead of predictably. This seems to keep dogs more alert and interested in what’s happening; preventing them from tiring of one type of reward, and perhaps from making a decision to forego a treat.
7. Correct Your Dog Meaningfully. PRT requires you to ignore any dog behavior that you don’t wish repeated. Not getting any attention is usually enough to make most dogs feel miserable. It’s a powerful correctional tool. So, totally ignore incorrect responses to a given command. Soon the dog will stop the behavior of its own accord. Make a big fuss when your dog gets it right – that’s Positive Reinforcement Training at work.
The subject of obedience training for dogs is complex, and it’s always a good idea to read and learn as much as possible about effective training techniques. One excellent dog training resource for you to use can be checked out here -
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Another training philosophy that’s being taught right now is the positive reinforcement strategy. It’s a type of training that originated from trainers who trained animals besides dogs that would not respond to the usual physical punishment.
This clicking method, when coupled with positive reinforcement, is a powerful way and a humane way to train almost any animal. It sure beats the old ’shocker’ methods that hurt the animals.
Video – Positive Reinforcement Training
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