KNOWING WHEN TO REWARD AND WHEN TO CORRECT YOUR DOG

With the many different approaches to dog training it is natural to get confused and difficult to tell which one works the best.  One common question people tend to have, is when to reward and when to correct the dog. If you are asking the same question, the following tips may help.

For the most part you want to keep a positive air while dog training although in certain situations you may need to be firm.  Avoid scolding your dog too frequently.  Dogs respond better if they get a positive behavior from their trainer.  It is important for you to realize when to praise your dog.

Basically, your dog should get a reward every time he obeys you during the training process. You should reward him if he sits, stays, fetches, goes to toilet in the proper place, or does anything he his instructed to do.

The reward can be anything – praises or kind words, treats, a rub on his belly, or a pat on his head!

Positive dog training makes the learning process go faster.  Your dog actually wants to please you, and that is why it will respond better with this approach.  Just make sure that you do not go on rewarding him even when he disobeys you.

Scolding should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary. You can reprimand your dog if he jumps, barks, growls, pulls at his leash, destroys anything, or excretes where he should not.  However, do not scold him unless you catch him in the act of doing something wrong.

Otherwise, he won't realize why you are reproving him. A quick and sharp “no!” should be enough.
Keep an angry condemning tone, and make sure that you are crisp and quick in your scolding. Remember, if you are too frequent in your reproaches, your dog will ultimately start ignoring you. Do not ever hit the dog, as it will only lead to complications in future.

Do not forget that your pet has only started learning, and is trying to do his best. So patience is something that you must have.  If you are loving and understanding enough, your dog will find the training easy and enjoyable, and ultimately it will be a wonderful experience for you too!

Save Your Dog's Life  Dog Training Course  Dog Owner Resources Dog Training Newsletter