Reward Dog Training

Reward dog training is considered by many the latest and greatest dog training method, but actually this technique is probably among the oldest. It in all probability has been around since the first domesticated dogs thosands of years ago. It obviously wasn't known by a name then, but you can be sure that some type of reward training was going on when wolf pups first became domesticated dogs.

Of course most of our current ideas regarding dog training go back decades, but what is known as reward dog training has only been recognized in some official capacity for about the past decade. Most who strongly believe in this training are reluctant to endorse anything else; the leash and collar method for example. However the truth is that the best approach for your pet may very well be some combination of different methods.

Whereas one style may be ideal for one pet, another dog may struggle with it. Some dogs simply are not motivated by reward training but excel with the least and collar method. Naturally the reverse is also true. Most dogs however fall somewhere in between.

Clicker training is one of the most popular forms of dog reward training. And while not perfect for every dog, it is a very useful technique. The idea is to get the dog to associate the clicking sound with a treat or some other form of positive reinforcement. When the dog does things right, the clicker is clicked and immediately followed by giving the dog his reward. It won't take too long before the dog reacts just to the clicker.

The most common reward is food, and frequently more complex tricks and behavoirs can only be taught with this form of reinforcement. If you check you'll find that trainers who work with dogs for movies or television use this type of reward training almost exclusively. It's also used for police and military dogs. And also for training in scent detection and tracking. These are things you likely will not need but you can certainly use rewards for basic commands as well.

Reward dog training often uses a lure to get the dog into a desired stance of position. The lure will help him perform this behavior on his own.

But it's important to note that you need to get the dog to carry out his behavior without being handled in any way. That's the whole point, to get the dog to follow a command without any handling. When he does so, that's when the reinforcement is given.

Any dog that is reward trained also must be reliable. If he's trained to do an important job like police work he will be doing this job with many distractions. As a result he must be trained outside of his comfort zone in new situations and with new people around.

He must learn to pay attention to his handler at all times. When the owner has the dog's attention, he has complete control. If you execute the reward dog training method properly, it is a very effective training method that will certainly earn your pet's respect and attention.

Dog trainer Daniel Stevens has put together the best dog training guide you can get. It's called SitStayFetch and you can find out more by clicking here.

If you prefer to learn dog training by watching video, then be sure to check out Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online. You can even watch a free sample video. It's available here.