Training Dogs

 

When bringing home a new dog for the first time, deciding on which training strategy to use can be confusing. Conflicting advice is common. One of the first things to do when training a dog is deciding what rules that you would like the dog to follow. For example, my family always had the rule that our dog was not allowed on the carpet. The dog was only allowed on the hardwood/tile floor or outside. We were consistent at reinforcing this rule to our dogs ever since they were small puppies, and it wasn’t long before dogs knew this rule. This rule was so ingrained into my childhood golden retriever, that I would even sometimes try to test her into coming onto the carpet by enticing her with food, but she wouldn’t break the rule. I think this just shows the power of consistent both positive and negative reinforcement with dogs. Dogs also have an incredibly short memory and attention span, so disciplining them immediately is important for them to make the association between their bad behavior and the punishment. Dogs can learn practically anything with the proper consistent training.