How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Train Your Dog

Using positive reinforcement to train your dog means rewarding the behaviors you like and ignoring the behaviors you don’t like. You can use praise, life rewards (such as games, walks, or car rides), or treats to reward your dog's good behavior.

Before you get started, it's good to understand the many benefits of training your dog with positive reinforcement, and the methods used to achieve success.

Get Everyone Involved

Positive reinforcement lets everyone in the family participate in training the dog. It doesn't require a strong tone of voice, physical strength, or put anyone in potential danger. The whole family can join in!

For example, allowing children to use leash corrections or punishment might be unsafe. With positive reinforcement, you can give your children dog treats and show them the commands. Under supervision, kids can train the dog just like you do.

Establish Communication

Positive reinforcement lets you communicate clearly with your dog. You decide what you want, and reward the dog when it performs the desired action. Rewarding correct behavior makes it more likely for dogs to repeat good behaviors since they aim to please.

Punishment is often unclear. For example, punishing a dog for housebreaking accidents might involve scolding or using a rolled-up newspaper when you find urine on the carpet. You intend to show this is unacceptable, but dogs may just learn it�s unsafe to eliminate around you. This can lead to accidents when alone and unclear communication, as fear is not a proper learning tool.

Positive reinforcement avoids this confusion. In the house training example, rather than punishment, reward your dog for eliminating outside. Each time the dog goes outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime.

With patience and consistency, your dog will learn that good things happen when relieving itself outside and nothing happens indoors. Soon, the dog will eliminate outside to earn rewards as you've communicated clearly.

Use It for a Variety of Behaviors

Training methods like leash corrections or punishment aren't effective for every dog. Sometimes, punishment can worsen behavior problems.

Aggressive dogs often become more aggressive with punishment. Similarly, fearful dogs may not respond well to even mild punishment. Fearful dogs may become even more scared when punishment is used. However, clicker trainers have found success with positive reinforcement for training aggressive and fearful dogs.

Offer Mental Stimulation

Boredom is a significant factor in common behavior problems, like digging and excessive chewing. Training is an excellent way to keep boredom at bay. You might be surprised by how much energy your dog expends with a few short, positive training sessions.

Keep It Fun

Keeping training sessions short and upbeat makes positive reinforcement fun for both you and your dog. When dogs realize training leads to rewards, they often see training sessions as playtime. Your dog will offer good behaviors hoping for rewards, and you'll enjoy their eagerness to learn.

Strengthen Your Bond

For most people, dogs are friends and family members. Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond with your dog. While other methods teach behavior, positive reinforcement builds trust and strengthens your relationship.

Consider your dog's perspective. Would you enjoy working where your boss physically pushes you? Or would you prefer a positive environment with compliments and perks? You're likely to work harder for a boss who praises you. Similarly, your dog will enjoy your company more if it looks forward to rewards rather than fearing punishment.

Problems and Proofing Behavior

The key to positive reinforcement is consistency and patience. It can be frustrating when your dog disobeys, and you might be tempted to show anger or disappointment. Remember, dogs read body language better than words, so you must project positivity as well as express it verbally.

When frustrated, take a deep breath, remember your dog is doing its best, and relax. Restart with a smile and excited expression. Your dog will notice and eagerly anticipate what's next.

Offer a variety of rewards that truly appeal to your dog. For new commands or major behavior issues, use special treats reserved for training. As your dog improves, transition to regular treats or favorite toys. Always provide lots of praise. Soon, rewards won't be needed every time; your affection will suffice for a job well done. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can even train your dog to use doggy doorbells to signal when it needs to go outside.