Training a dog with positive reinforcement

 When training a dog its best to use positive reinforcement. If you think of what I call the old fashion way. Training a dog to go outside to go potty is sticking their nose in it when they have an accident in the house. Think about if your parents yelled at you to get out of the bathroom when you were going the bathroom. We would associate going the bathroom with a negative.

 Dog think very different than humans. They live in the moment and they don't understand what happened an hour ago. If you come home and your dog had an accident you don't yelled at the dog or stick the dogs nose in it. The dog doesn't know it wasn't supposed to not go the bathroom in the house. It always is being punished for something that might of happened an hour ago. So a dog has no idea why you are mad. Don't go over to the mess and ask if the dog did the mess. It makes no difference pointing it out. You do not want the dog to associate going the bathroom as a negative. A dog only knows by what you teach.

 It's the same as pulling on a leash. The dog has no idea until you stop and stand still that the dog begins to learn you don't want them to pull. A dog is never trying to hurt the arm of it's owner. But it doesn't know pulling on the leash is hurting your arm. This is why rewarding the dog is important so the dog begins to learn what is correct. You want a dog that you enjoy walking with, can be potty trained so your not always cleaning up mess. 

Dogs all have different personalties. Some dog learn fast, some are at their own pace and some just take a lot of time. There is no pace that a dog should learn its about them getting it correct. It takes a lot of patience as an owner. Dogs can be so funny and cute that we often want to let them get their way. But you want a dog that you want to always be around, that is a joy to be around.

You want to be the pack leader. You are teaching, learning and creating a strong bond. Always remember you are the leader of the pack, not the dog leading you. Dogs love being with their owners that is their reward. They love to learn, they love having a job in the household. Dogs love to have a purpose in order to have a fulfilling life. It makes them happy. 

You want to know the best way to train your dog and take the smallest steps to having the best dog that fits your lifestyle.