You can train a dog by rewarding it with treats, praise or toys, for wanted behaviour. Photo: 123rf.com
There are various dog training methods, with one of the most popular and simpler approaches working on positive reinforcement.
The guiding principle is simple: Ignore unwanted behaviour and reward wanted behaviour with treats, praise or toys, in order to encourage repetition.
It involves five steps.
1. Pick a simple goal. For example, you want your pet to sit when you say, “Sit.” Definition matters because it helps you visualise your training objective.
Figure out when and how you will get your pet to work on the wanted behaviour. For example, you can have your pet sit before a treat or when putting on a leash. So each time you have these situations, you know you are looking for a training opportunity.
2. Know how you will reinforce the behaviour. You may want to say, “Sit” and run a hand over their back so you very gently encourage them to sit. Visualising how it works is key to you sending the message.
3. Reward immediately. The second your pet sits, lavish it with praise and a treat or a game with the toy. Timing is important so the dog learns to connect the behaviour with the treat.
4. Be consistent and work on the behaviour every day. Dogs learn by repetition so expect it to take time. Be patient!
5. Phase out treats but keep praise. Treats work great for training but you don’t want a super podgy pooch. Luckily, dogs love praise almost as much as food. So when your pet sits, even when it is two or three years later, be sure to pet it and say thank you. The reward will keep the learning fresh.
