Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog: part two

California dog learns new trick         AP photo

Not all military-style training causes problems, of course.  The most amazing results can be seen in bomb-sniffing dogs in airports, K-9 police dogs, and even combat-ready dogs in Iraq.  As with all types of animal training, results will vary depending on the trainer and the individual temperament of the dog. 

A combination of different approaches, without rigidity or a dogmatic adherence to the "perfect" system, is a great way to approach dog training. Positive reinforcement, as taught by Animal Behavior College, has been developed over time with techniques that have been tried and tested by all sorts of dog trainers and with lots of different kinds of dogs.

Positive reinforcement teaches dogs through a reward-based system. What this means is that all wanted behaviors are rewarded with food treats, attention, walks, toys, or whatever the dog most enjoys.  Unwanted or problem behaviors, such as jumping up on people, barking, digging and pulling ahead on the leash, do not earn a reward. There is no punishment, per se, just a lack of reward.   A major benefit of this style of training is that most dogs trained with positive reinforcement will not build up hidden resentment or fear that could lead to an unexpected outburst of aggressive behavior.

Problems are treated by re-directing the unwanted behaviors (which are natural to the dog and often inadvertently encouraged by the owner), and reinforcing them into something the owner wants.  With patience and consistency, a jumping dog can be taught to sit calmly by the door when guests arrive, or to lie down on its mat whenever the doorbell rings.

This system of dog training is uncomplicated and easy to learn.  But it does require dedication, practice, and consistent repetition on the part of the dog owner.  The reward for all this hard work?   Dedicated dog owners will experience calm, responsive, well-mannered dogs that are a pleasure to be with.