Positive training is based on scientifically proven methods of training - but don’t worry – it’s not complicated. In fact, there are just a few simple concepts to remember in order to get started.

People, dogs, cats, mice, and chickens – basically any animal - can learn through the use of positive training. In fact, in “Don’t Shoot the Dog”, Karen Prior uses examples from dolphin-training as well the real-life situations of getting children to be quiet in the car and getting roommates to clean up using positive reinforcement.

Everyone loves rewards!

All living things (including dogs and us) repeat behaviors that are rewarding and avoid those that are not. A student works hard on a class project and gets a good grade so will be more likely to work hard on the next project. Also, when a child misbehaves and isn’t allowed to watch TV for a week, he will be less likely to misbehave again. The same is true for dogs. When a dog sits then gets a treat, she will be more likely to sit in the future. Understanding this, you understand positive training.

Doglish

The good news is dogs already know how to do the things you want to teach them. They simply need to learn the words we use to ask for that behavior.

While you are teaching English (or as I like to call it, Doglish) to your dog, keep in mind that dogs don’t understand that the same word can have different meanings. For us people, the word ‘down’ can mean that something is below us, describes how we might be feeling one day, and refers to duck feathers. We understand that but dogs don’t. You’ll have to decide which meaning of ‘down’ you will use with your dog. Most people use

What do you want?

When training, it is easiest to think in terms of what you want your dog to do rather than what you don’t want them to do. People often think – “I don’t want my dog begging for food when I eat” but when training, its more useful to think “I’d like my dog to lie on his dog bed while I eat”.

To learn more

The following books were used at resources for the information above and are highly recommended to learn more about Positive Training. Most of them are available at the library and Amazon.com and some can be found at local bookstores as well.

The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson, 2^nd Edition.

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar, DVM (or anything by this author).

The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller

Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor, Revised Edition

Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining, in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them by Pamela J. Reid, Ph.D