Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: Why Dogs Learn Better from Love

Positive reinforcement dog training isn't just important. It's the best way to have a well-behaved dog—without destroying your relationship.

The other evening, as I watched my terrier Pixie perform her new "spin and pose" trick for a treat, my lab mix Bruno waited his turn, practicing "stay" on his favorite outdoor mat. As I called him to join us with a "come" command, I suddenly heard my new neighbor, Mr. Harris, over the privacy fence, grumbling at his beagle, Daisy.

I couldn't help but peek to see frustration cloud his face as he tried to keep her focus during a grooming session. This wasn't a positive experience for either of them.

I gently greeted them and offered to help.

"What’s the trick?" Mr. Harris asked as he nodded his desire for a bit of assistance.

"No trick," I replied, smiling as I guided Daisy to sit with a training treat. "Just positive reinforcement—and having the best treats for training dogs on hand doesn't hurt."

What Is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

Positive reinforcement dog training is the act of rewarding your dog for a desired behavior. Sometimes, it takes several tries to learn a new trick, so you'll reward them each time they get a little closer to what you're trying to teach.

For example, if I'm teaching my terrier to give me a high five for the first time, I reward her for lifting her paw. I don't reward her for nuzzling into my hand instead.

Don't forget to watch Amanda teach her pup, Paul to High Five before you go.

What Is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Compared to Other Methods

Punishment can have its place in humans who understand what they did wrong. For example, when my teens intentionally broke curfew, there would be consequences.

But it's not a good way to train a dog because they don't think like that. Often, they don't understand why you're mad.

Punishing a wrong action makes you seem unpredictable and scary to your dog. And they don't associate the punishment with anything they did. They think you're the "bad" one.

Dogs and perhaps all animals (and toddlers, too) think in terms of action = reward.

So, show them what you want. Reward them when they do it.

In the case of Daisy, I found out that she never learned the basic "sit" command. I tried saying it, and she just looked at me wide-eyed and confused. Once Mr. Harris teaches Daisy this one command, I promise, grooming will be so much easier.

Positive reinforcement works so well because it:

• Speeds learning - My dog connects an action with a reward. It creates a mental pathway that becomes a habit.
• Creates positive feelings & memories - When someone feels good about something they've done, the brain reminds them to keep doing it. Even if they don't get dog treats every time, they know they might. And that's enough.
• Strengthening your bond - I don't want my pups to be scared of me. I want them to learn to predict my mood. And when it's time to see the vet, I want them to hop up into the car effortlessly. That's possible with positive reinforcement dog training.
• Reduced stress - Life is just better for me and for my dogs when we can act predictably and share many beautiful experiences.

Look! You're the pack leader as far as your dog is concerned. They're looking to you to set the stage for a harmonious life.

How to Start Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

1. Start with the Basics

As I showed Mr. Harris, it all starts with basic commands. These are the "tricks" dogs can usually learn in a few minutes. And they make a world of difference. Everything you teach your dog after will build on these basic skills:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Down

When you want your dog to do something, see if you can distill it into one of these basics.

Jumping up on guests? Down

Pulling on a leash as a squirrel runs by? Sit or Come.

Time to get back on the leash at the dog park? Come then Sit

You'll find so many ways to reinforce these commands. My friends at K9 Connoisseur have created a 7-day training program covering these basic commands, and a few more, valued at $149. And they’re giving it away totally free - check it out! 

2. Choose the Right Reward

Rewards can include a mix of physical affection like a chin/belly rub, words of praise, and a treat. Rewarding your dog in several ways simultaneously reinforces the action—and gives you options if you don't carry a bag of treats on your hip as I do.

For most dogs, an irresistible treat is vital to successful dog training sessions. I go through many dog training treats when teaching Pixie or Bruno a new trick. So, I buy bulk dog training treats. It's a must.

3. Time Your Rewards

Timing matters. Reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behavior. This helps them associate the reward with the action.

4. Be Consistent

If you reward a behavior one day and ignore it the next, your dog may get confused. Always carry training treats when you’re working on new commands or behaviors. A dog treat pouch can keep your rewards within easy reach.

As they progress, reward dogs with praise and affection alone sometimes so they learn not to expect a treat every single time.

5. Limit Training Sessions

Most dogs will not stay interested in training for more than 20 minutes. If they start wandering or ignoring you after you've practiced for a while, it's time to end the session. You want training to feel rewarding and fun. If it becomes exhausting, it's lost its allure.

6. Always End on a Good Note

If you're trying to teach a new trick, and your dog isn't getting it, don't huff and stop the session. Instead, always go back to something they can do without fail, like "sit".

Reward and praise them as if it's the best thing ever. Then, end the session.

By ending on a high note, the last training memory will be a positive one. They'll begin to look forward to training—making future sessions that much more productive.

When I first started training Pixie, she was so distractible. I couldn't get 5 minutes out of her. So, we always went back to "sit" and ended it. Each day, she stayed engaged longer and longer. Now, she's a marathon trainer. Thirty minutes, sometimes an hour, and she still wants more.

7. Choose Healthy Dog Treats

You'll need many treats to train a dog, so opt for healthy treats.

It shouldn't just taste good. It helps fill in the gaps that may be missing in their all-kibble diet.

I choose grass-fed beef lung treats for training dogs. They're small, easy-to-break, single ingredients, and my dogs love them. This is organ mean. So it's full of collagen protein, omega-3 healthy fats, and lots of vitamins and minerals.

I also like to give them meaty grass-fed beef dog bones for more substantial training treats. After a long training session, a dog bone is just the thing to create positive memories around training sessions.

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