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Rottweiler Aggression: What are the Signs, Causes, and How to Handle it thumbnail

Rottweiler Aggression: What are the Signs, Causes, and How to Handle it

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Puppy Socialization: A Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

Puppy Socialization: A Comprehensive Guide

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Dog Psychology: All You Need to Know thumbnail

Dog Psychology: All You Need to Know

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Dog Chasing Tail: The Complete Guide thumbnail

Dog Chasing Tail: The Complete Guide

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German Shepherd Aggression: 101 Guide thumbnail

German Shepherd Aggression: 101 Guide

How to Teach a Dog to Sit thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Sit

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior thumbnail

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs thumbnail

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing thumbnail

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing

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dog training

The relationship between a dog and their human is a beautiful, complex thing. We know so little today about how a dog's mind works and every dog is different. Add to this the cultural history of not really viewing dogs as sentient beings, but rather as objects or possessions. Dog training encompasses all of these complexities. It is one of the most challenging topics covering dogs. Despite the challenge this topic is well worth covering. Only by diving deep into this topic can we begin to understand how we can nurture healthy relationships with dogs.

In this section, you can read about all kinds of dog training topics, including food aggression, dealing with common difficult behaviors in dogs, ways to train your dog, understanding dog behavior and more. We have separate sections for dog reactivity and dog enrichment.

Our blog is dedicated to relevant, high quality articles with modern advice aligned with recognized dog experts. All of our articles are force free and we do not endorse any kind of aversive training.

dog training FAQ

What is positive reinforcement training, and how is it different from aversive training?

Positive reinforcement training is a method of dog training that involves rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This technique is based on the idea that dogs are more likely to repeat behavior that is rewarded than behavior that is punished. Aversive training, on the other hand, uses punishment such as shock collars, choke chains, or physical force to stop unwanted behavior. Positive reinforcement training is more effective in the long term, as it strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner and builds trust and confidence in the dog.

How do I train my dog to come when called?

The best way to train your dog to come when called is to use positive reinforcement techniques. Start by calling your dog's name and rewarding them with a treat when they come to you. Repeat this process several times, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog. You can also use a long line to ensure your dog comes back to you. Never call your dog to you if you plan to punish them. This will create a negative association and make your dog less likely to come when called in the future.

How can I prevent my dog from jumping on people?

To prevent your dog from jumping on people, you can use positive reinforcement training to teach them an alternative behavior, such as sitting. Whenever your dog jumps on someone, calmly remove them from the situation and ask them to sit. When your dog sits, reward them with a treat or praise. Consistency is key to training your dog, so make sure everyone who interacts with your dog is on board with this method.

What is clicker training, and how can I use it to train my dog?

Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker to mark desirable behavior. The clicker is a small, handheld device that makes a distinct sound when pressed. Clicker training is based on the principle of operant conditioning, where the dog learns that the sound of the clicker is associated with a reward. To use clicker training, you first need to associate the sound of the clicker with a reward, such as a treat. Then, you can use the clicker to mark good behavior, such as sitting or staying. When the dog hears the click, they know that they have done something right and will be rewarded.

How can I train my dog not to bark excessively?

Excessive barking can be a problem for both the dog and the owner. To train your dog not to bark excessively, you can use positive reinforcement techniques to reward them for being quiet. Start by identifying the triggers that cause your dog to bark, such as the doorbell or other dogs. Then, work with your dog to desensitize them to these triggers by gradually exposing them to the trigger and rewarding them for staying quiet. You can also teach your dog a "quiet" command, which tells them to stop barking.

Is it possible to train an older dog?

Yes, it is possible to train an older dog. While it may take longer for an older dog to learn new behaviors, positive reinforcement techniques can be effective at any age. It's important to remember that older dogs may have physical limitations, so be patient and adjust your training methods accordingly.

What should I do if my dog has behavior problems?

If your dog has behavior problems, the first step is to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you identify the underlying cause of the behavior and develop a training plan that works for you and your dog.