Dog Training Tips: Which Technique Is Best for Your Dog?

In the wild, dogs are pack animals. Their instincts guide them and help them survive, but using the right dog training tips for better behavior can help your wild doggy adjust to life with humans and other domestic dogs. Bad dog behavior ranges from annoying to downright dangerous. If you want your doggy to stay out of trouble, it’s necessary to set some boundaries for behavior—especially if your pup likes to run out into traffic, jump up on visitors, or, worst of all nip, at strangers’ hands when they try to pet your dog’s head.

Choosing a training method for your dog requires you to examine your dog’s temperament and personality. Some methods apply correction to bad behavior, and some only use positive reinforcement of good behavior, while others use a combination. It might take a few tries to find the right one for your dog.

Want your doggy to actually earn that title of “good boy” or “good girl”? Let’s take a look at a few different dog training tips and techniques.

Clicker Training

Karen Pryor popularized clicker train within the dog training community. Based on operant conditioning, which was first described by B.F. Skinner, clicker training seeks to help dogs learn from their environment through positive reinforcement. The sound of the clicker signals to the dog that they have done something good, usually by giving them treats shortly after using the clicker. In the end, the dog associates good habits with the sound of the clicker, not with treats or another reward.

Reward Training

Reward training is similar to clicker training, except that it only uses a reward (treats or toys) to reinforce positive behavior. Along with giving the doggy a reward for good behavior, it can be helpful to praise the dog in a high pitched voice. Enthusiasm after a desired behavior, coupled with the reward, signals to the dog that they should repeat that behavior.

Dog Whispering

You can thank Cesar Milan for this dog training technique. Though Milan often receives criticism for his use of correction, dog whispering can be a good fit for stubborn or aggressive dogs. The basis for this technique is the connection that you share with your dog. You might need to brush up on your knowledge of dog behavior and body language before attempting this one. For instance, do you know what a relaxed dog looks like? How about a confident one? Do you know the difference between a scared and an aggressive dog? Only when you can identify how to read your dog’s body language should you try the dog whispering method. Even though it’s a lot of work, the effort will be worth the trouble because the bond that results between you and your dog will be strong.

Need more dog training tips?

There is no one-size-fits-all dog training technique. Not all dog training tips will work for you. Finding a technique that works for you and your dog is the most important thing to remember.

Want to give your doggy an opportunity to demonstrate his or her good behavior? Talk to us about our doggy daycare service!