Beginners Guide to Training a Dog

    Hi, Everyone! This week I want to share with you my guide to training a dog! There are many benefits to training your dog. Training makes the dog much more obedient, safer when unrestrained, aware of boundaries, and it provides a great source of mental stimulation and exercise for them. Finding a trainer is a reasonable option for training, but it is quite easy (and even fun) to do at home. You can technically train any kind of pet that you have, but the difficulty ranges from species to species. Since dogs are the most popular household pet in the United States, I decided to base this guide off of training a dog.

Photo of puppy being trained with a clicker: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-to-train-your-dog-with-a-clicker

Different Methods of Training:

1. Positive Reinforcement- This method uses the theory that dogs will repeat the desired behavior when rewarded. You don't you any harsh reprimands with positive reinforcement. If bad behavior must be corrected, simply take away rewards. Dogs will eventually follow the command without getting a reward.

2. Clicker Training- Clicker training is a method that is based on operant conditioning. By using positive reinforcement and a clicker, the dog associates the right behavior with rewards and the clicking sound. After that, a verbal command should be introduced so that a new association can be made. Eventually, the dog will do the desired "trick" with just the verbal command. 

3. Scientific Training- Scientific training uses both positive and negative reinforcement. You reward the dog for doing good and punish them for doing bad. The punishment shouldn't be harsh; it could be taking away a toy when they grab it before you say the command. This method teaches the dog that the wrong behavior doesn't work and won't result in a positive outcome. 

How to Apply The Methods of Training:

1. Potty Training- Potty training is necessary for household dogs. My preferred method of training for potty training is scientific training. If they go out to use the bathroom as you want them to, provide them with a treat or positive words and belly rubs. If you find them doing their business in the house, use startle techniques such as a spray bottle full of water, or a can full of coins to show them that the behavior is unacceptable. 

2. Tricks- I believe the positive reinforcement and the clicker method both work amazing for teaching dogs tricks! The clicker method is basically just positive reinforcement with a clicking sound added in for more association. For example, teaching your dog how to sit. When approaching your dog, click your clicker and say "sit" as soon as their rear end touches the ground and then reward them. By doing this over and over, they will associate the behavior with the clicking sound, verbal cue, and reward. Over time you can take away the click and reward, then they should still respond to the verbal cue.

3. Staying Calm Around Others- My preferred method for training your dog to be calm around others is the scientific training method. As you approach other dogs or humans, if they get too excited turn around and take them away. Keep approaching the other animal as close as you can without your dog getting too excited, and if they do take them away again. In their perspective, seeing the other animal is a reward, but being taken away from them is a punishment. They will start to associate being calm with being around the animal and they won't get overly excited or rambunctious anymore. 

Tips:

Be Patient- Training takes time and patience. Every dog develops their intelligence at their own pace, but with repetition and hard work, you will achieve your goals in no time!

Practice Often- Practice makes perfect. By practicing often, your speeding up the amount of time it takes for your dog to understand a new concept. 

Have fun- Occasionally, we take things too seriously and we tend get frustrated when they don't turn out as expected. Training your dog is a very fun process that benefits both the dog and the owner. Have fun with it and make it enjoyable!

    Training your dog all comes down to dog psychology. It deals with how your dog receives, processes, and applies information. The dog is an extremely intelligent creature that can be taught an abundant amount of tricks! Ultimately, your dog is a great companion that will love you and try to please you the best it can. If you work with your dog, it will try its best to work with you back!

Works Cited

   Cherry, Kendra. "What Is Operant Conditioning and How Does It Work?" verywellmind, verywellmind, 4 June 2020, https://www.verywellmind.com/operant-conditioning-a2-2794863. 

   Čirjak, Antonia. "The Most Popular Animals Owned as Pets in the US." World Atlas, World Atlas, 20 August 2020, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-popular-animals-owned-as-pets-in-the-us.html.