The different types of positive reinforcement for dogs


Positive reinforcement is the key to getting your dogs to listen when you are teaching them what to do and what not to do,  but many people find it difficult to use them.

While many think they are not effective, there are some  that usually work. Here are the most used.


Reward them with food

During the early stages of training, a dog must be rewarded for feeling stimulated. That is, your furry friend must know that if he obeys you you will give him a nice reward , and this will be a very decisive conditioning.

Once you understand this, your pet will do whatever you want without any more inconvenience,  as it will know that its efforts will not be in vain, and this will facilitate your task.

You should know that  this type of reinforcement is used most often when training rescue dogs ,  or even in cases where the animal must quickly learn a certain behavior.

It is also not recommended to reward dogs with obesity issues with food ,  as it may cause further health problems.

In these cases, the ideal would be to use low-calorie foods, prepared with natural ingredients. 


Physical contact is a positive reinforcement for dogs

Everyone knows that  4-legged friends love to be petted by their owners, and this can be done during training,  as they could obey you more easily with this simple method.

If, for example, you want your dog to lie down or give you his paw, you need to treat him normally before you start teaching him,  so that you are much more serious than usual during training.

Your pet will notice a change in your behavior and will do everything possible to get it again,  so at these times we recommend that you give it an order and wait.

If the dog does nothing, repeat the command until he obeys, then pet and pet him as you always do. 


Walking them is the best reinforcement for dogs

As with food,  if there is a common denominator in almost all dogs, this is the passion they have for outdoor walks,  because not only does physical activity improve their health, but they have a lot of fun smelling it. that surrounds them, to be in contact with other people, with their fellow men and with their masters.

If you are educating your pet, take him for a walk to make him feel more motivated. It will associate the learning process with fun; this will avoid stress and keep him entertained.

This is the most effective way to teach him to do his business outside the home , especially when he is very young. This will solve one of the most annoying problems caused by dogs.

To do this, these are some tips to follow:

  • Take him to a place where he can only do the needs.
  • Stay there and don’t prove hostile.
  • If your dog does nothing, bring him back to the place you started from or wait a few minutes.
  • Once he has done his business, congratulate him and continue with the walk.

If you want to train your pet quickly and effectively, these positive reinforcements will help you.


Dog BehaviorDog Food and Nutrition
Dog TrainingDog Grooming
Dog HealthTips for Dog Owners
PuppiesDog Breeds
Dog AdoptionTravel with Dogs