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Dog training is an important part of introducing a pet into the household. A trained dog will not engage in destructive behavior nor cause disruption to the home. However, dog training is not easy. In fact, it could be one of the most arduous tasks for pet owners. You have two choices; you can either sign up your pet to obedience school or train the dog yourself. Either way, you will find that a trained dog will benefit you and your pet. Below are the most common of all dog training methods:
1. Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a dog training method wherein a pet is given a reward each time it exhibits the desired behaviors. Most obedience schools implement this method because it is not traumatizing to the animal at all. The method does not harm the pet in any way nor forces the animal to do something it does not want to do.
That’s not to say positive reinforcement provides great results. Every dog has different disposition so results will vary accordingly. But as long as the dog perceives every training as a fun, positive experience, then there is no reason why your pooch won’t learn a thing or two.
2. Clicker Training
Clicker training is a training method that utilizes a clicker to carry out commands to the pet in an effort to engage the animal to the desired behavior. This method uses a clicker, which generates clicking sound. For instance, if you are teaching your dog to sit, you will click the clicker. As soon as the dog sits, give it a treat.
The training starts by having the animal associate the clicker with rewards or treats. Once the pooch learns how to associate the clicker with treats, it will want to hear it over and over again. Apart from being fun, clicker training is also one of the most humane of all training methods.
3. Negative Reinforcement
Although not an ideal training method, negative training does yield results. That’s why almost all trainers use negative reinforcement to a certain degree.
Negative reinforcement is the exact opposite of positive reinforcement. During training, you will apply aversive or unpleasant experience to the animal if it engages in undesirable behavior. Of course, negative reinforcement should not be abusive or cause harm to the animal. You don’t have to hit the dog to get the message across. Something as simple as ignoring the dog or turning your back when it engages in bad behavior should be enough to discipline the pet.
Using choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, or pinch collars will not cause the animal harm as long as you make it that way. These tools could be effective in communicating with your pet.
4. Prong Collar Training
Also known as training collars, prong collar training is meant to teach the dog basic leash manners and obedience. When applied properly, prong collar training is also a humane training method for dogs. Do note that the collar may look nasty but it is not meant to inflict pain to the animal.
That said, some trainers tend to abuse dogs this way. Never use this collar without the assistance of a professional trainer. This goes, especially if you are introducing collar training to the puppy for the first time.
