Tips for positive reinforcement for dogs

 Dr. Nicholas Dodman (a wonderful veterinary behaviorist) sums up the following principles of effective training: 

1.  Training should not involve any negative or punishment-based components. There should be no yelling, no hitting, no chain jerking, no hanging, and absolutely no electric shock. Each session should be upbeat and positive with rewards for jobs well done.

2. Remember that the opposite of reward is not punishment; it is no reward. If you ignore unacceptable responses, your dog will not be rewarded for his failed response. Most dogs want to please their owners or, at the very least, to obtain highly valued resources (food, attention and toys).

3. Reward good behavior immediately. The reward needs to be immediate so they associate the reward with the behavior. Treats work great for food-motivated dogs. A good treat, like the Hill's® Science Diet® Simple Essentials™ Treats works really well. You want your dog to be strongly motivated to obey commands to receive the treat.

4. If praise is used as a reward, deliver it in high singsong tones, which are most pleasing for the dog. Also, enthusiasm in your voice will be much appreciated. If petting is to be used as a reward, it should be in a way that the dog enjoys, such as stroking the dog's hair on the side of his face in the same direction that it grows, or scratching him on the chest.