Dog Obedience Training Techniques
Methods to Train Dogs Include Clicker Training, Food Rewards, Praise
Feb 24, 2009
Whether a pet owner is training a puppy for the first time or training an older dog who needs a obedience training refresher, the owner must decide on which obedience training method will work the best.
Ideally, dog owners who are less experienced with training obedience skills to a dog will seek the help of a professional dog trainer who can work with the pet and pet owner in a private or small group dog training class setting to find the best possible dog training method for that animal.
Dog training schools typically offer several dog training methods include clicker training and training with food rewards, praise or play/toy rewards.
Dog Training Theory: Positive Reinforcement
A vast majority of certified dog trainers subscribe to training methods that utilize positive reinforcement.
The major theory behind positive reinforcement is this: Rewarding good behavior makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future.
In conjunction, many trainers will also provide negative feedback to interrupt a behavior is incorrect; this negative feedback typically consists of a sharp sound like "tssst" or another benign attention-getter, such as a spray from a water bottle. Once the dog's attention is diverted from the inappropriate action, the dog can be redirected into performing a positive behavior, which is then rewarded.
There are four different dog obedience training methods that utilize positive reinforcement and association: clicker training, and rewards of food, praise/attention and toys/play. Each dog's temperament and preferences are different, which means the most effective method will vary from dog to dog; a certified dog trainer can assist dog owners in determining which approach will be most effective for training a dog. In fact, good dog training schools will conduct interviews before starting the obedience training to develop a training plan with the pet owner.
Dog Obedience Training Method: Clicker Training
When it comes to obedience training, clicker training is a very popular dog training technique among certified dog trainers. Clicker training for dogs involves the use of a hand-held device that creates a clicking sound.
When the dog is given a reward as reinforcement for "sitting," "staying" or another obedience command, the treat, toy or praise reward is paired with the clicking sound. Over time, the dog begins to associate the clicking sound with the reward. Once the dog is reliable in his obedience skills, the food rewards are given only occasionally, but the clicking continues on a consistent basis, serving as an indicator of praise for the dog.
Obedience Training Technique: Food Rewards
Some dogs have a very high food drive. In these dogs, food rewards can work well for a dog obedience training reward. A food reward can consist of a traditional dog treat, or other less traditional pet treat foods like baby carrots, pieces of cheese, cold cuts, hot dog bits or other high-value foods.
The key to eliciting certain behaviors from a dog in a dog training course setting is to maintain the dog's attention and food can help owners achieve this. The food also serves as an effective, high-value reward for the dog.
Obedience Training Methods for Dogs: Toy Rewards
Dogs who have a high prey drive - like sighthounds such as the greyhound or saluki - will often place higher value on toy rewards like a ball.
Toy rewards are good for the dog who would be apt to pick the toy when presented with an option between a treat and a toy.
Certified dog trainers who are working with clients who undergo frequent dog training courses, such as a police dog or a cadaver dog, will typically opt to use toy and play rewards, since toys can be used for specialized dog training.
In the case of a drug detection dog or cadaver dog, the dog's toy will be scented with a synthetic scent that mimics the scent of drugs or decomposition. In essence, the working dog learns to detect drugs by seeking his toy during retrieval exercises.
Obedience Training Using Praise as a Reward
This approach is good when training a dog who is very people-oriented and in-tune with his humans. Often, praise is used in conjunction with toy rewards, clicker training or food rewards, but occasionally, a dog trainer may use praise and attention alone to teach certain obedience training commands.
Praise is often used as a training reward for dogs who have suffered abuse or neglect. Praise helps develop a dog's self-confidence and trust of humans, thereby helping an abused dog overcome major hurdles that have developed as a result of mistreatment.
More Dog Obedience Training Advice
To learn more about dog training methods, read this exclusive interview with The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, or check out Why is My Dog Aggressive Over Food? or Why is My Puppy Biting Me?
