The dog trainer’s ability to build a trusting relationship with dogs of all sizes and breeds is essential to effective dog training, making it possible to address even the toughest issues. At Bark Avenue Daycamp, we provide both dog and puppy obedience and behavioral training. Our clients work with the trainer to learn the skills necessary to bring out the best in their dog or puppy ensuring that they exhibit positive behavior at all times. Here are 5 ways that you can encourage this positive behavior in your dog.
1) Using treats as motivation in dog training
Using treats or kibble as positive dog training can be motivational and a positive reward for wanted and desired behavior from your dog. Not only is this one of the easiest ways to train your dog but most likely encourages them to repeat the positive behavior. For instance, if you ask your dog to sit and he obeys, you reward him with a treat. You’re rewarding his good behavior. Recognizing positive behavior and praising them goes a long way. You can also reward with healthy dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, favorite toys, and physical rewards such as belly rubs, hugs, kisses, etc. Even check out these simple, quick, and delicious dog treat recipes.
2) Keep them physically and mentally engaged
A common quote at Bark Avenue is “a tired dog is a happy dog”. This comes from keeping a dog physically active and mentally engaged. Consistent stimulation and exercise help promote good behavior and help deter destructive behavior out of boredom. Dog training obedience classes tackle both mental and physical stimulation that allows you and your dog to work on something together. Daycamp is another great option to make sure your dog is exerting all that excess energy they may otherwise not get while you’re at work and they’re sleeping all day – a lot of dogs are understimulated and require more physical activity. Encourage mental stimulation by teaching your dog new tricks, puzzles, enrichment toys, and interactive games, giving them new chew toys, and rotating the old ones out. Just like us, we can become bored with the same routine every day. Giving your dog more interest in their day will definitely help with a happier and healthier life.
3) Spend quality time together
Between work and social commitments, it can be difficult to find extra time with your dog. It’s important to remember that dogs are a part of our family and they need time with you too. After all, they are social creatures with emotional needs who want to feel cared for and loved. Dogs who feel neglected are more likely to be anxious, stressed, or retaliate with negative behavior. When you spend quality time with your dog, they are going to be much happier and form a stronger bond with you. Building this trust makes it much easier to train them as well. Spending time with your dog is also shown to decrease your stress and happiness, so it’s a win-win!
4) Keep dog training ongoing
Dog training sessions should be kept on the shorter side, but consistent. It will create a positive experience for you and your dog. Fewer sessions a day go much further than one long session; you may lose your dog’s focus when the sessions become too long. It’s easy to become frustrated if your dog is not picking up on something as quickly as you’d like, but it’s important to remember patience is a virtue. Mistakes are going to happen, forgiveness is needed. Not only is dog training a great way to strengthen your bond, but it can also become structured playtime with positive reinforcement, rewarding them when they display wanted behavior and manners. Not only is this quality time with your dog, but your dog will also feed off the positive way you respond to them.
5) Get family and friends involved
If you’re a family of more than one person, it is extremely crucial that your dog has bonding time with all the family members. This would make sure that they are taking commands, listening to, and obeying all members of the family equally. Even if you’re the primary caretaker of your dog, other members of your family, roommate, friends, etc. should be carrying out positive reinforcements. This lets your dog know that you are not the only one they should be listening to and the only one with the ‘rewards’. Otherwise, this would lead to them listening to ONLY you, and misbehaving with your guests.
At Bark Avenue, we are here for you for all your dog training needs, whether it is puppy training classes or obedience classes, we have a variety of options to fit your needs. Whether you live in Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Elgin, or Schaumburg, call us at (630) 289-8470 or contact us online to book your dog or puppy training with us at Bark Avenue Daycamp.
