If you've just brought home the puppy of your dreams or adopted a new dog, you're likely going to need to spend some time training them. While there are many different approaches to training, one of the most popular methods is known as positive reinforcement pet training.

Positive reinforcement pet training uses rewards for good behavior instead of punishment for bad behavior and tends to result in little to no stress behaviors from the dog. While this training method may require some more time on the owner's part, it can help break bad habits quickly while creating a deeper connection between you and your pet. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about positive reinforcement pet training.

What Is Positive Reinforcement Pet Training?

Positive reinforcement pet training, also known as reward-based dog training, involves using rewards to encourage good behavior in your pet. It is considered one of the most humane ways to train a new animal or correct existing bad habits.

Positive reinforcement pet training starts by rewarding your dog when it does something you want it to do. This might be when your dog looks at you, sits, stays still, or offers up its belly for a rub down. Once your pet realizes that these actions will be rewarded, they are more likely to repeat the behaviors in the future.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Positive Reinforcement Training?

There are several advantages that come with using positive reinforcement pet training, including:

Doesn't Use Physical Force

Rewards are given when the dog does something you want them to do instead of using any type of physical force or pain to scare a dog into doing what you want them to do. Using this method can help prevent behavioral issues that may arise because of physical punishments, such as anxiety or aggression.

Creates A Lasting Bond And Trust With Your Dog

This type of training can help create a positive bond between you and your dog. When dogs know rewards are given out when they do something right, they can build trust with their owner. In addition, this makes it more likely that the pet will listen to its owner's commands, even outside of their regular training sessions.

Makes It Simple To Learn Challenging Tricks

Positive reinforcement pet training can be used to teach your dog just about any trick. Because this type of training creates a positive bond between you and your dog, they are more likely to trust you enough to try new things. For example, once you've taught your dog to sit or lay down, you can then advance to more advanced tricks like rolling over or performing a specific task for you.

Uses Dogs Favorite Motivator To Encourage Learning A New Trick

You might be wondering what the big draw is with positive reinforcement pet training. After all, it requires more time and energy on your part to teach your dog how to sit or lay down, only to do something else for a reward. However, the most significant advantage of this training style is that dogs love being rewarded for good behavior! Whether it's their favorite treat or toy, they'll be excited to learn a new trick.

Instills Confidence In Your Dog

Positive reinforcement pet training can also help encourage confidence in your dog. Dogs that are rewarded after completing a new task or trick know that they did something right. This creates an inner sense of pride and accomplishment, helping the dog build self-confidence.

What Are The Negatives Of Using Positive Reinforcement Training?

Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages that come with positive reinforcement pet training. Here are the top two that are most common with this style of training:

Your Dog May Lose Concentration During Training Sessions

Depending on how used to training your dog is or how intense the reward is, they can lose concentration in the middle of a session. For example, if you give your pooch a treat every time they look at you during training sessions but stop rewarding them after they've mastered sitting, sitting quickly becomes less appealing.

May Only Encourage Your Dog To Perform for Treats

If you reward your dog with treats or toys in training sessions, they may not want to perform for you outside of these sessions. If the pet only associates good behavior with a treat and nothing else, it can become harder to train them to follow basic commands like "come" or "sit."

How Do I Know What's Best For My Pet?

Not every dog looks for praise and affection like humans do. Some dogs simply want to be left alone until they're ready to play or need something. If you feel that your pet may not benefit from this type of training method, other options are available to you.

It's best to speak with a professional who specializes in training dogs if you feel like your dog is not responding to this method or if you're unsure of how to do it correctly. You also have the option of taking your dog to obedience school, choosing to train your dog yourself by reading up on different techniques online or in books that are designed for dog owners. 

Conclusion

Getting a new dog or puppy can seem like a lot of work, especially when it comes to the training aspect. Positive reinforcement pet training requires a lot of patience and positive reinforcement, but the results are worth it! Training your dog with this style can help create a lasting bond built on trust, resulting in a well-behaved pet that will respond to commands outside of its regular training sessions.

At JoyousJoyfulJoyness, we know just how quickly those first days with your new dog or puppy can pass by. So why not remember your furry friend in a unique way by purchasing a custom pet portrait? This beautiful piece of work will last for a long time to come and will remind you of all the incredible times you've had with your pup. So contact us today to get started with your next custom dog portrait.