Two Important Things to Add to Your Puppy’s Training

Positive-Only Training– 20 years or so ago when force-free training was new to the dog training world, positive-reinforcement-only trainers had to endure a lot of criticism about using treats for training. Positive training is still coming into its own. Proven scientific studies state that force-free training is faster and more effective than old-fashioned force and punishment-based training methods (prong, choke and E-collars). Steer clear of the balanced dog trainer. They use a combination of old-fashioned punishment along with positive reinforcement. So, with positive reinforcement there is no reason to be stingy with or feel guilty about giving your puppy food rewards. As much as positive dog trainers are called cookie pushers, we wean the pups off the cookies as the puppy learns the wanted behavior (sit, stay etc.).

I always have cookies in my pockets so I can always reinforce my dogs when the opportunity presents itself. Remember that all living creatures repeat behaviors that are reinforced. We all want to make good stuff happen! If you are good at reinforcing the behaviors you want, and making sure your pup doesn’t accidently get reinforced for behaviors you don’t want your pup will spend lots of time trying to figure out what she needs to do to get you to give her treats. That’s a good thing. My dogs always light up when it’s time to train.

Reinforce your puppy’s trust in you -. You have an obligation to be your dog’s advocate and to not allow anyone, no matter who they are (vet, groomer or day care attendant), to do things to your dog that go against your gut instincts about how she should be treated. If you wouldn’t do it to your dog why would you let someone else do it?

If you are committed to force-free, fear-free, and pain-free handling and training, don’t ever let anyone talk you into treating her badly. No leash jerks, no collar shocks, no alpha rolls. Ever. Stick to your guns; there is always better way. If your animal care and/or training professional insists that the use of pain or force is necessary, find another one. There are plenty of professionals out there who will support and respect your wishes when it comes to handling your dog. She cannot speak for herself; she is counting on you to speak for her.

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil owner and trainer for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC of Quakertown www.MolassesCreekDogTraining.com