Positive Dog Training Styles – How to Train a Dog Fast and Easily

While styles will vary, several traditional techniques are used with continuing success.

Training styles are usually categorized as those that use both positive and negative reinforcement (rewards and punishment) and those that rely solely on rewards. Many are turned off by the word 'punishment' as they want to treat their companion with care. A more accurate word to use would be 'discouragements'.

Rewards include praise - which should be frequent and extensive when the dog displays a desired behavior - to petting and belly rubs or back scratches, to treats. All these are useful for rewarding learned behavior.

Don’t over do the treats though. Packed with flavor, and high calories, dogs will often eat as many treats as are offered, not comprehending that too many are actually detrimental. Treats will increase weight in dogs prone to weight gain, and too many treats can produce fussy eaters when regular food is served. Eventually you want the dog to exhibit the behavior solely from verbal commands and hand signals.

Nearly every breed and individual can benefit from leash and collar training, at least for a time. Like young humans, dogs have a natural desire to do what they want when they wish. Self-restraint isn’t an inherent trait possessed by dogs.

A short and gentle pull on the leash can encourage slow-learners or the reluctant to comply when training a 'sit'. Remember to pull gently back and not up as you don't want to bruise a throat. When training to exit - not jet - the house a restraint is imperative, especially if something interesting (like a rabbit or cat) just raced by.

A large variety of methods, some requiring extensive creativity, are used to discourage unwanted behavior. Applying a little cayenne pepper paste to leaves can stop plant chewing. While harmless to most plants, be sure to check with your gardening expert before applying.

But the same technique can't be used for, say, shoe or furniture chewing. Dogs generally aren't leashed inside the house, so that tool isn't available either. Creativity and experimentation is called for. It's often necessary to substitute with toys or treats (distractions) - rawhide bones, cotton chew balls and ropes usually work well.

Wrapping an old cotton-shirt around a 'peanut butter bone' - a pigskin or rawhide toy suffused with peanut butter odor - has rescued me more than once. But those who keep laundry within dog's reach won't want to encourage chewing on t-shirts.

Bad training techniques can be avoided with common sense.

If you vomited on a rug, and then were hit with a newspaper, would you regard that as an appropriate response? Dogs are not humans, but they are aware and have some reasoning capacity. Unavoidable accidents responded to with physical punishment or loud, harsh words undermines trust and creates fearful dogs. Except in extreme emergencies, where the dog or a person is in danger, fear is counter-productive.

Dogs have an amazing capacity to learn. One well-known woman has a dance routine with her companion that goes on for several minutes. Many would have said it was possible before she spent the years of attention needed to create that range of behaviors.

When deciding on a training style, find one that creates trust and places you as ‘alpha’. Dogs naturally want to please their leader, and will cooperate and obey more happily when respect, rather than fear, is involved.

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