Different Styles for Dog Training

It is in a dog's nature to follow a leader, but dog training is specific and different for each dog. Find the style of training that works best for your dog so that it will become a talented and loyal member of your family. All different styles of dog training work on the relationship between you (the handler) and the dog. To properly train a dog, you must develop trust between you and the dog and gain the respect of the dog.

  1. Leash And Collar Training

    • Leash training uses force.

      One style of obedience dog training is leash and collar training. Leash and collar training employs a certain degree of force. It is best used in situations where a great deal of reliability is required, such as training a dog for the police force. The training involves teaching the dog a behavior using the leash. For instance, to teach your dog to stay on one side of the road while walking, introduce the command to the dog by pulling on the leash in a specific way. If it resists, pull on the leash more forcefully, indicating a correction to the dog and grabbing the dog's attention. Once you determine that the dog has learned the command, the leash is only used as a corrective measure for the dog for not obeying or for making a mistake.

    Reward Training

    • Dog cookies are an example of a reward used in training.

      In reward training, a lure is utilized to get the dog into a desired position or to perform a desired command. Reward training incorporates food rewards or a reward that is associated with getting to the food such a toy filled with food. The purpose of the reward is to get the dog to perform a command without any physical manipulation from the handler. Reward training is often used to teach complex types of behavior to the dog. Reward training provides faster results because it does not include touching the dog -- when you touch the dog, it pays more attention to the touch than to learning the command. After the dog has performed the desired behavior, reward it with a treat and a positive word, such as "Good".

    Clicker Training

    • Clicker training produces an immediate reinforcer.

      Some trainers also use clicker training, which is similar to reward training. Clicker training uses a device that produces a clicking sound to reinforce the desired behavior. The dog learns to associate the click with the reward. Once the dog performs the correct command, the handler produces the clicker sound and rewards the dog with its favorite treat. Once the dog associates the clicker with the treat, you can begin to train your dog to other commands, using the clicker as an immediate reinforcer.

    Training Tips And Basic Commands

    • Sit is a basic command.

      You must establish yourself as the leader to the dog. Do not let your dog ignore a command, always enforce a given command, and do not give a command that you are not prepared to enforce. Basic commands than should be included in any dog training include No, Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, and Release.