Positive and Effective Dog Training - First, your pet has behavioral problems and you want to educate it and eliminate certain annoying behaviors and promote its socialization? Second, to do this, you can call on behaviorists or adopt certain daily habits. In short, how to understand your pet and perfect its education with caring and effective dog training? We give you some keys!
Being a guide for your animal: An adventure of understanding and love
Ah, the dog! Our faithful friend, always ready to offer us his unconditional affection. Who has never dreamed of such a loyal and loving companion? However, sometimes, a small shadow comes to darken this idyllic relationship: some of us wonder if our four-legged friends are trying to dominate us. Positive and effective dog training will not only allow you to better understand your dog's behavior, but also to strengthen a bond based on mutual respect, thus eliminating misunderstandings and worries.
Let's dive into the history of dominance
Historically, to understand where this idea comes from, let's go back a little in time. For example, in the 1940s, Konrad LENZ studied wolves in captivity and concluded that there was a linear hierarchy within the pack. However, this observation has been transposed to our beloved dogs. However, ask yourself the question: are our dogs really the direct descendants of wolves? And if that were the case, why judge our loving companions based on the behavior of their "ancestors"?
The question of dominance between different species
How often have we heard: "My dog growls when he is on the couch" or "he jumps on me, he tries to dominate me"? In reality, these statements, although common, can lead to training methods based on force or constraint, which are not only harmful to our faithful companions, but also to the precious relationship we have with them. In fact, the truth is that trust is the foundation of any human-dog relationship. In fact, the dominance theory, once widely accepted, is now considered obsolete. After all, science has not found any solid evidence of dominance between two different species. Can you imagine a horse trying to dominate a goat? It's almost comical! Communication is key. A dog does not wake up with the intention of taking over its owner.
Intraspecific dominance (between 2 same species)
The nature of dog relationships is fascinating. Dominance, as it is defined, is fleeting, changing depending on each dog’s motivation for a resource. For example, when faced with a treat like a rabbit ear, Milo might snatch it and growl, while Taiko might simply sit and watch. In this situation, some might say that Milo is “dominant.” But change the context—say Taiko hasn’t eaten in two days—and the dynamic could be completely reversed. This shows how crucial it is not to hastily label a dog as “dominant” or “submissive.” Every situation is unique, as is every dog. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to observe and understand the signals our dogs are sending us.
Positive Dog Training and Promoting the Use of Treats
First of all, dog training is an enriching adventure. Then, among the many methods available, positive education, focused on rewards, stands out for its effectiveness. In addition, this approach not only strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog, but also boosts the dog's confidence. In addition, it encourages healthy habits such as cleanliness. It should be noted that positive reinforcement is particularly effective if it is introduced from the age of 2 months, a period during which the puppy is very receptive. However, it is essential to understand that learning is an ongoing process. Indeed, even at an advanced age, it is possible to teach basic commands. Finally, although beneficial, the intervention of an expert is not always necessary.
The Benefits of Positive and Effective Dog Training
Positive education, more than just a method, is a philosophy focused on the well-being of the animal. It promotes learning through respect and understanding, thus strengthening the master-dog bond. This approach:
-
Strengthens mutual trust: The dog sees its master as a benevolent guide.
-
Reduces stress: Unlike punitive methods, it promotes a relaxed and receptive dog.
-
Ensures lasting memorization: Dogs associate learning with positive experiences.
-
Offers flexibility: It adapts to every dog, regardless of age or breed.
Recommended Tools for Positive and Effective Dog Training
Positive parenting doesn't require specialized equipment, but there are some tools that can make the process easier.
-
Clicker: To signal correct behavior.
-
Treats: Small and appetizing for quick rewards.
-
Toys: Some dogs prefer these to treats.
-
Harness and lead: Useful for outdoor training.
In short, positive education is a gentle and effective method, strengthening the bond between the owner and his dog while respecting the needs of the animal.
Organization of learning sessions
For effective training, focus on short, regular sessions of about 10 minutes, with exercises lasting 3 minutes each. Allow your dog to relax between sessions. Rewards, such as treats, petting, voice, and play, are essential to reinforce desired behaviors.
Three main learning methods
-
By association: Links a behavior to a consequence, either positive or negative. Positive education focuses on rewards, while negative reinforcement uses punishments.
-
By imitation/observation: Dogs, as keen observers, may imitate a behavior if they see another dog being rewarded for it.
- Complex Actions: Reward your dog progressively as he moves closer to the desired behavior, increasing the value of the reward with each successful step.
Dog Language for Better Positive and Effective Dog Training
Dogs, like humans, have their own language to express their feelings and needs. Understanding these signals is essential for a harmonious relationship. Although barking may seem harmless to us, it can mean alert, excitement or play for the dog.
Dog communication is not limited to their voice. Facial expressions, ear movements, tail or even a growl are all means of expression. By observing and understanding these signals, we strengthen the bond of trust with our companions, because good communication is the basis of a fulfilling relationship.
Decoding Dog Body Language
Dogs express a range of emotions through their bodies. Here are some signs to watch for:
1- Signs of joy and calm in dogs
- Wag the tail
- Open your mouth
- Blink
- Adopt the sphinx position
2- Signs of aggression and discontent in dogs
- Show your teeth
- Growl
- To have a straight tail
- Raise the hairs
- Or stare
3- Signs of fear and anxiety in dogs
- Fold the ears
- put your tail between your legs
- Or avoid eye contact
Better understand canine language through dog training
In order to successfully train your dog, no matter the method chosen, it is important to understand your animal first. Analyze your dog's behavior and learn its language in order to communicate better with it.
Build a relationship of trust and kindness with our various guides and tips and make your companion a well-educated one. Your dog's education must be based on trust, obedience and communication. Pay attention to the signals he sends you. You can now observe your dog and better understand his needs and desires. To further understanding, call on a behaviorist or an education specialist such as a dog trainer. Through caring and effective training, he will help you better decipher and understand your dog's attitude.
