Different Types Of Dog Training

Dogs are a man’s best friend.

However, what they mean is a “trained” dog is a man’s best friend. Otherwise, it can be a frustrating reality that is hard to navigate around.

This is why dog training remains an important subject for dog owners. For those who are intrigued by the topic and want to set their dog down the right path, it’s time to analyze the various training methods available.

There are four types of dog training methods, and each one will be discussed in this read.

1) Clicker Training

Let’s begin with a typical dog training type used by dog owners around the world.

Clicker training uses the idea of a clicker guiding the dog.

Let’s say a dog is told to “sit!” and does it. The clicker will sound, and they’ll be given a treat. It’s important to do this every time, so they begin associating the clicker sound with a delicious treat. Over time, they will begin to respond immediately to your calls.

It takes time and is still regarded as one of the better training methods available to dog owners. The clicker keeps things on the rails and ensures the dog’s attention doesn’t waver. Dogs love the idea of hearing that clicker and will immediately respond to any call that is made.

They will want that clicker sound and treat, which is why dog owners use it on a regular basis to train. It works like a charm.

2) Positive Reinforcement

This is the first method most dog owners will apply while training.

Positive reinforcement acts as a means to reward the dog when they’ve done something correctly. For example, let’s say you tell the dog to “sit!” and they do it, you will immediately give them a pat on the head or a treat. It is a way of rewarding their action.

By doing this, the dog will know that listening to their owner is a good idea as it always ends in positive reinforcement. This encouragement is enough for the dog to respond as soon as the call is made to them.

With this training method, it’s important to note the rewards should be kept reasonable and fair. This will ensure they keep listening and it gets drilled into them over time. Plus, the goal should always be to keep training fun, and positive reinforcement makes it an easier task.

3) Prong Collar

The next type of dog training comes in the form of prong collar training.

Now, the first reaction to this method is shock as it appears inhumane. However, the prong collar training method is well-regarded among dog experts because it’s a natural component of a puppy’s upbringing with their mother. The prong collar is an artificial recreation of a “mother’s bite,” which is used to correct a puppy’s poor behavior in the wild.

By creating this through training, the same results can be found while training the dog.

It is important to note the prong collar training type should be done with extra care, and the placement of the collar is essential. If it is not put correctly, it can cause harm, and that is why learning from a professional is pertinent. It will ensure the prong collar does help in the long-term.

When used wisely, it is an excellent training method.

4) Negative Reinforcement

While positive reinforcement was discussed above, it’s important to look at the opposite through negative reinforcement.

What does this training method entail? The premise is to apply negative associations with poor behavior or incorrect actions. It is a rarely applied training method but one that can be handy in certain situations. For example, if a dog is unwilling to follow through on a command, negative reinforcement can be a unique catalyst to create change.

Now, what is negative reinforcement as an action? This is where a line has to be drawn.

It is unacceptable to hit the dog as that is abuse and illegal. Instead, the best method is to apply something as simple as the act of ignoring them. This will resonate with them, and they will aim to win over your attention again. Negative reinforcement gets a bad rap because it’s associated with abuse.

It doesn’t have to be as long as the training method is applied correctly.

Each one of these dog training types has something unique and creative to offer dog owners. It’s important to understand each method and use the one best suited to you and your dog’s needs. The worst thing a dog owner can do is assume one training method will work and another won’t.

Each dog is different, and they will respond in their own manner.

Keep an open mind and understand each type of dog training down to the last detail before implementing them.