Effective Dog Training Techinques

When it comes to successfully training a dog most people have their own ideas on which method is the best. There are different ways to start dog training and when you familiarize yourself with these techniques then you can make and educated and informed decision on which method you will use.

Many trainers start training using a clicker method. Clicker training is sometimes compared to operant conditioning, which was developed by B.F. Skinner as a way of controlling behaviors through consequences. With this dog training method the trainer would click the clicker and then reward the dog with a favorite treat. Each time that the dog does something good or something that he is asked to do, the trainer would click the clicker and follow it with a reward. The theory is that the dog will repeat behaviors that he is rewarded for. The tricky part of clicker training is that the reward must immediately follow the correct action.

Other dog trainers prefer the crate method of training. Crate training requires a crate that caters to the size of your dog. Put the crate in a good place where you want the dog to be. Never force the dog into the crate as this will create a bad experience for him. Leave the door open on the crate and gradually try to lure your dog in. Once he enters praise him and pet him. This method is most effective for potty training a dog but can be used for other things too. It is important to not keep the dog in the crate when you are not home. The premise is that a dog will not go to the bathroom where he sleeps so he will hold it. When you allow him to leave the crate and let him outside he will then go to the bathroom and can be praised and rewarded.

It is important, regardless of the method of dog training that you use, to remember to praise good behaviors as opposed to punishing bad behavior. This means that rather than punishing your dog for having an accident in the house, reward him when he does his business outside. It will not be long before your dog understands what is going on. Do the same with playing fetch, when your dog tugs on his leash, and when he barks uncontrollably. Make sure that you have some of your dog's favorite treats handy and let the dog training begin!