Why Does Positive Reinforcement Work for Dogs?

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It may be a hard concept to digest, but it has been proved million times that dogs respond the best to reinforcement rather than punishment. If you want to give training to your furry friend to make some behavioural corrections, try to give him extra praise and a stockpile of treats, and get ready for some ear scratches.

Training a dog is not easy, especially when it is a small puppy; it may become more challenging and frustrating. But at the same time, you must remember that reinforcement works better than yelling. 

What is Positive Reinforcement? 

Positive reinforcement indicates a situation where you avoid punishment for bad behaviour instead of rewards for positive behaviour. Such a type of gesture tells your dog that they did really well, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeating such an action. 

What Positive Reinforcement Includes –

Treats and some kibble they enjoy

  • Long walks
  • Car rides
  • Excited praise
  • Continuous playtime 

Always be sure that you apply positive reinforcement immediately for showing positive or good behaviour; this way, the dog will learn positive behaviour to be rewarded for his actions. 

What are the Benefits Associated With Positive Reinforcement? 

There are many benefits associated with positive reinforcement, and some of them include 

  • Positive Reinforcement Helps in Establishing Communication 

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to communicate with your furry friend. On the other hand, negative reinforcement makes your dog fearful. Dogs always show eagerness to please their masters, and positive reinforcement lets them know that their behaviour is good.

Thus, dogs become aware of how to keep their masters happy. It makes the teaching process easier. Positive reinforcement teaches a dog how to dislike such behaviour that you don’t like, which eventually helps establish communication between you and your dog. 

  • Positive Reinforcement Helps in Strengthening the Bond 

Dog owners consider their furry part of their family, and to make them feel the same thing; positive reinforcement plays an important role. Positive reinforcement helps establish a bond and provides your dog with the required confidence and trust, which is impossible to achieve in other ways.

The standard training methods help to teach your dog good behaviour and other basic commands, while positive reinforcement helps establish a strong relationship based on mutual understanding and trust.

When a strong relationship is built, you can enjoy playtime with your furry friend in your yard. Yes, if you have a yard, you can use it as a playground for your dog. All you have to do is make it secure and safe; to do this, you can install invisible fencing. This not only creates a boundary around your property but also ensures the protection of your furry friend. 

  • Positive Reinforcement Ensures Mental Stimulation 

Boredom is said to be a significant contributor to behavioural problems. But training with positive reinforcement keeps them engaged and takes away boredom. 

For all these reasons, positive reinforcement works for dogs rather than punishment.