How to Train Your Dog Understanding How Your Canine Learns

     For many people, dogs have been an important, even essential, part of their lives. The bond shared between people and canines began thousands of years ago, and persists to this day. But it is important to remember that each observes life through different eyes. Many of the behaviors our dogs display are annoying to us, yet natural to them. This is the reason owners should take the opportunity to train their canines; doing so improves the relationship between person and pet.

You'll find that your dog is not only willing to learn how you would like him to behave, but enthusiastic about doing so. He wants to please you. The key is using the right training approach. This article will describe how canines learn, so you'll understand why some approaches are more effective than others.

Positive Versus Negative Reinforcement

There was a time long ago when many people - including professional trainers - believed punishing inappropriate behaviors was an effective training strategy. In truth, punishment does more harm than good. While your dog is likely to avoid doing things that result in punishment, he is also likely to begin fearing you. This will have a negative effect on the bond you share with him. He'll begin to avoid you, and show less enthusiasm when forced to be near you.

Contrast this approach with rewarding good behaviors, and ignoring those that are inappropriate. Your canine will quickly learn that complying with your commands results in his receiving something he enjoys (a treat, praise, etc.). Not receiving a reward is his punishment for failing to comply. Given these options, he'll be motivated to do more of the former.

Providing Immediate Feedback

When using rewards, it is critical that you give them immediately. Dogs learn by making connections between their actions and the consequences of those actions. The problem is, unless the consequences occur immediately after the action is taken, they will not make the connection.

For example, suppose you are teaching your canine to sit. When he does so successfully, you give him a treat. As long as he understands he earned the treat because he sat when you commanded him, the behavior will be reinforced. He is able to make the connection. But suppose you give him the treat thirty seconds after he sits. Here, he will not understand the reason for the treat. He won't make the connection.

By providing immediate feedback through praise, treats, and other rewards your dog enjoys, you'll help him learn what you like, and behaviors you dislike. The next challenge is bridging the communication gap.

Use Short, Memorable Commands

Your canine learns commands by their sound. As long as he can discern the sound, he'll know how to respond. Many owners make the mistake of using commands that are too long. For instance, they might say "sit down" rather than "sit," or "stay there" instead of "stay." The longer versions add nothing to the commands. Instead, they make the commands overly complicated.

Use short commands. If possible, use those that begin and end in consonants (e.g. "come" rather than "here") since they are easier to hear. Also, use the same commands consistently. For example, use either "sit" or "down," but avoid using both for the same action. The variation will likely confuse your dog.

Take Steps, Not Leaps

Dogs learn to complete tasks in small steps. For instance, suppose you're training your canine to stay in the same place for sixty seconds. It's unlikely he will be able to do so immediately. Start by requiring him to stay for five seconds, and give him a treat if he does so successfully. Then, lengthen the amount of time to ten seconds. Then, fifteen, and so on. Reward him each time he complies with your command. Otherwise, withhold the reward. Eventually, he'll be able to stay in one spot for the entire minute.

This methodical approach may seem agonizingly slow, but it is actually faster since lessons stick with your canine. He learns them more effectively, and retains them longer. Ultimately, by training him according to how he learns, you'll improve his ability to behave in a way that pleases you.