There are six advantages to training your dog via positive encouragement.
There are many who feel that positive reinforcement dog training is inferior than aversive or punishment dog training. The use of aversive training is one of several ways for teaching dogs, however it has a number of disadvantages.
Dog Training Issues Associated With Aversive Methods
Even while aversive training has been proven to be effective in some cases, it is not widely accepted as one of the best methods for teaching all breeds of dogs and their owners. In aversive training, timing is critical, and most dog owners lack the expertise to get it properly.
Unless you discipline your dog to the appropriate degree, he will develop an immunity to even milder punishment from you. Eventually, they’ll get tougher, and most owners won’t want to punish them any more severely.
Tension increases your dog’s ability to learn, therefore don’t use punishing tactics to enhance your dog’s stress. Your dog’s reaction will be predictable, and it may even result in biting.
When owners punish their dogs, it increases their own stress levels, which gets worse if the punishment doesn’t address the underlying problem right immediately. Increasing your own and your dog’s stress levels is unlikely to help you develop a strong relationship.
What Is Dog Training With Positive Reinforcement?
A key component of positive dog training is rewarding your dog when he does something that makes you happy while ignoring their bad behavior. Praising your dog, giving him goodies, or going on walks and playing games with him may all be used as incentives.
An electronic “clicker” can let your dog know when you are pleased with their conduct by clicking when a treat is forthcoming. These clickers may be purchased at a low cost from local pet supply stores. Although they are helpful, they aren’t required for effective positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement dog training has several advantages, and the following are a few of the most significant:
1. It will help you and your dog communicate better.
When you communicate effectively with your dog, he will understand when he is doing something well since he will be rewarded for it. By rewarding your dog for excellent conduct, they’ll be more likely to repeat it in the future. When a dog urinates in the house, it’s a major hassle for the owner. Punishment will teach your dog that peeing in the house while you are home will result in painful consequences. However, it is doubtful that this will stop them from doing it while you are not around.
Instead of punishing your dog for urinating outdoors, use a positive reinforcement technique that rewards him when he does so. When your dog uses the potty outdoors, reward him with plenty of affection and tasty goodies to help him get in the habit of doing so. This will teach your dog that going outdoors and urinating is pleasurable, and they’ll be more likely to let you know when they need to go. Once your dog understands that the restroom is outdoors, you’ve done your job.
2. You and your dog will have a closer relationship as a result of this.
Positivity in dog training will assist most dog owners in their goal of making their canines real companions and members of the family. If you do this, it will strengthen your bond with your dog as he comes to trust you more.
A negative connection will result if you penalize your dog repeatedly, but praising positive conduct will make your dog happier and more comfortable in your company.
3. A wide range of behavioral issues can be treated with it.
Punishment training can exacerbate a dog’s aggressive or frightened behavior in specific settings. Positive reinforcement training has a better chance of correcting these behavioral issues (and many more) than traditional methods.
4. Everyone in the family may participate.
When you use positive dog training methods like offering goodies when your dog performs well, even youngsters may get involved. An adult should initially be present to oversee this activity.
5. It has a large amount of energy burning potential
For dogs with a lot of pent up energy, boredom can lead to destructive behavior like chewing furniture or digging up gardens. Positive training can assist children in letting go of their pent-up energy while also teaching them positive actions.
6. It’s Fun to Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Positive dog training sessions may be a lot of fun if you treat them as “playtime” with your dog. The training sessions will be eagerly anticipated by your dog since they will be rewarded for their efforts and will be eager to learn new things.