Hotdogs all the Time? What Positive Reinforcement Really Means.

Often when folks hear the words, “positive reinforcement” they think of folks carrying around a plastic bag of cut up hotdogs (Ok…I DO do this). As Pat  Miller said, “I prefer to have a cookie in my pocket than a chain around the neck of my dog.”

Positive reinforcement can be anything that your animal will work for. This means that reinforcing or rewarding the dog can be in the form of praise, play, food, toys, or anything else that your dog considers worth working for.

It has been demonstrated that the most effective way to train a dog is to reward good behavior. Furthermore, it has been shown that rewarding good behavior will increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

“Positive training helps to establish and maintain a connection that increases trust and therefore creates a stronger bond between dog and owner because if your dog feels good about you, he will be a happier, more confident and better-behaved dog.”-Victoria Stilwell

Remember that positive training relies on consistency and repetition, so be patient and you will see results.

If you need help getting started… contact PAW Positive Animal Welfare today!