Author archive: Terrie Hayward

Luna is available for adoption through ARF www.arfrincon.com
Photo curtesy of Lauren McLaughlin photography www.photographyLAM.com.

Often folks are encouraged to let dogs know that they are displeased or prefer that they don’t continue with certain behaviors by saying the word, “no.” The word, “no,” however is one that you might consider eliminating from your vocabulary with your pup.

“No” doesn’t tell the dog what exactly we don’t want him to do. It doesn’t let her know what we would like her to do. And, bonus, saying “no” actually acts as a reinforcer for the dog. When you say, “no” you are paying attention to your dog, you are speaking to your dog, and often the word is exclaimed with great enthusiasm which may seem exciting to your dog as well.

Instead, consider ignoring a behavior that you prefer not to see repeated. Without reinforcement, research shows that the behavior will extinguish. Furthermore, you can teach and put on cue an incompatible behavior as just as you can’t be in two places at once, you can’t do two opposing things at the same time (think sit & jump up).

Finally, catch your dog doing something right and praise and reward. After all, if you change your vocabulary to include more of the word, “yes” you will find you have a happier, healthier relationship with your pet.

PAW can help you get started on these changes today!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xBe6BLg5zI

Would you like your dog not to scavenge all types of disgusting (and sometimes dangerous) things from the ground? Impulse control can be taught quickly and easily with positive reinforcement. There is no need to  reprimand a dog, but rather you can teach your pup that good things happen when he makes the correct choice.

In this case, George is choosing to wait until he is given the food/treats. He knows that if he makes the decision to hold off and not try to scoff up the bits on the ground-or even the piece on his paw-that he can have them!  By making a good choice he gets what he wants-in this case a very desirable bit of hot dog!

If you would like your dog to behave with such nice “table” manners contact PAW-Positive Animal Wellness today!

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!