Three Secrets to Increase the Effectiveness of Dog Training

Articles on Dogs | Topics: dogs, dog, doggie

by Xylia Quinn

There are virtually as many approaches to training a dog as there are dogs to train! It seems as if every day new systems and techniques are announced or older methods are resurrected. Check a bookstore shelf or do a quick internet search and you will be overwhelmed with the number of ways people may advocate training a dog.

Despite the tremendous diversity of methods, almost every successful dog training system is premised on positive reinforcement techniques. The once frequent techniques involving intimidation, humiliation and punishment have long been abandoned in the face of growing proof of their relative ineffectiveness. All of the new, more effective, recommended means of dog training share something else in common: their effectiveness can be enhanced significantly by remembering three simple secrets.

Start Young

We've all been told a thousand times "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." That popular old saying, of course, is not entirely true. Any dog, regardless of age, can learn new things. However, like most old adages, it has been remembered because it contains a kernel of truth. Dogs, like humans, are much more receptive to learning new behaviors when young. The earlier you are able to start training your dog, the more effective the training will be.

Puppies will learn at a much faster clip and do not have ingrained behaviors that must be un-learned. Thus, any training regimen is sure to be more successful when conducted with a puppy for a subject instead of an older dog.

If you weren't able to start training a particular dog when he or she was younger, don't fret. Training is still effective for older animals. However, if you do have the chance, start training early and you'll reap the benefits of increased effectiveness.

Remain Gentle

Dogs are social animals and develop a real attachment to their owners. That attachment, in large measure, is at the heart of successful dog training. A dog who trusts his owner and who sincerely wants to please his companion is far more likely to remain attentive and compliant during the training process.

A failure to act gently jeopardizes the training program by undermining the quality of the dog/owner relationship.

Quote of the Day

Hark, all you ladies that do sleep!
The fairy queen
Bids you awake, and pity them that weep.
You may do in the dark
What the day doth forbid.
Fear not the dogs that bark;
Night will have all hid.

—Thomas Campion (1567–1620)

Of course, aggressive behavior also runs contrary to the very foundations of most dog training techniques. Dog training is premised on the notion that positive reinforcement techniques best modify dog behavior. The interjection of inconsistent activity frustrates that process. Furthermore, there are ethical and moral concerns about mistreating an animal, in addition to the practical concerns. By making a commitment to retain gentleness throughout the training process one can insure they are consistently treating their dog appropriately.

A gentle dog owner will find himself with an ally for a trainee rather than a rival. Instead of a battle of the wills, training can become a cooperative exercise. Under those conditions, training tends to take less time and be far more effective.

Emphasize Prevention

Too often, training a dog devolves into a series of constant corrections for behaviors the owner finds unsuitable. This reduces the pleasure found in dog training as well as its overall effectiveness. A strong emphasis on preventing inappropriate behavior reduces the need for correction efforts and can help spur quick progress.

The basic goal of prevention is to intervene before a problem is created instead of simply responding to the problem. Instead of waiting for the dog to make a mistake to correct, the prevention-minded owner will keep close watch to see imminent difficulties and will intervene early to prevent them from arising in the first place.

This technique allows one to avoid spending undue time on correction and to emphasize real positively reinforced training methods, keeping a program on track and accelerating its successes. It also decreases frustration throughout the training process making it more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.

Although there is a multitude of training strategies form which one can choose, all of them can have their effectiveness increased by adhering to the aforementioned principles. By starting early, remaining gentle and emphasizing prevention, any reasonable method of dog training can garner better results. These three secrets, if always operating in the background, serve to push the effectiveness of any training technique.

We strive to provide only relevant articles on our website. If there is a specific topic about dogs that you would like us to cover, please contact us here.

Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Three Secrets to Increase the Effectiveness of Dog Training" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by DogsPetsCats.com.

Baby Basics for Horses-What You Should Expect of your Birthing Horse
By Feodora Fischer
When your mare gives birth to a new life, it can be produces high anxiety and anticipation. With so much time and money, not to mention the emotional investment put into your expecting mare and the little foal she preparing to bring into the world, this wonderful event can easily be to stressful for you to enjoy the moment....

Trimming the Horse Hoof- Just the Basics
By Ixchel Russo
Learning how to trim a horse's hooves is a very important part in the health and care of horses. Horse foot care is best left to a farrier, but in case you are interested in learning how to do the job yourself, then you will need to invest in the proper tools you will need....

Differences in Training for Hunting Dogs
By Malik Rutledge
As the old song said there is a time for every purpose and the same is true for training your dog. Just as different jobs require different skills and different tools, dogs used in specialized areas require specialized training....

Five Steps For Socializing Your Dog To Other Pets
By Elliott Lindsay
Five Steps For Socializing Your Dog To Other Pets Socializing your pet to accept new animals into the household is not always an easy task. We all read the biblical account of Noah and his Ark and wondered just how he got the animals to survive in the ark together for five minutes let alone 40 days and nights of rain....

Leash Training Your Dog
By Jamee Fuentes
Who else here is old enough to remember the Jetson's cartoon show and their beloved dog, Astro? Remember how every time George took the dog for a walk, Astro ended up walking him? George was helplessly drug behind this great beast as it chased cats, food or whatever else struck the animals fancy that episode. I'm sure we all had a good hearty laugh at poor Georges' expense as kids but, now that we are a bit older and wiser, we really don't want to be in his shoes… or at the end of Astros' leash, for that matter....

Daily Horse Grooming Rituals
By Usagi Hampton
Daily Horse Grooming Rituals Every horse owner should be familiar with daily horse grooming rituals. Grooming your horse should be something you and your horse enjoy each day....

Get more articles about dogs...