Training is an important part of caring for your dog. It helps keep their mind active, strengthens the bond between you, and teaches them how to behave in everyday situations.
Dogs do not automatically understand the rules we expect them to follow. Training helps them learn what behaviours are appropriate and what we want from them.
One of the most effective and humane training approaches is reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement.
Reward-based training works by rewarding the behaviour you want your dog to repeat.
When your dog performs the correct behaviour and receives something they enjoy, such as food, praise, or a toy, they are more likely to repeat that behaviour in the future.
For example, if you ask your dog to sit and immediately reward them when they do, they begin to associate sitting with receiving a reward.
With repetition, your dog learns to respond to the command even without a treat every time.
Older training methods often suggested that dogs need a ‘dominant leader’ or ‘pack leader’ to control their behaviour.
Modern behavioural science has shown that this approach is unnecessary and can be harmful. Dogs do not need to see you as dominant; they simply need clear communication, consistency, and trust.
Positive training methods build a stronger relationship between dogs and their owners and help dogs learn more effectively.
The reward must be something your dog finds motivating. This may include:
Different dogs are motivated by different things, so it is important to find what works best for your dog.
Rewards should be given immediately after the desired behaviour, ideally within a second. This helps your dog connect the behaviour with the reward.
Dogs learn best during short, frequent training sessions, so sessions of two to five minutes are often enough.
Always finish training on a positive note after a successful attempt.
Focus on teaching a single command or behaviour until your dog understands it before introducing new ones. This helps prevent confusion and allows your dog to learn more quickly.
Use short, consistent words such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘come’.
Avoid using the same command for different behaviours, as this can confuse your dog.
Dogs make mistakes while learning. If your dog performs the wrong behaviour, simply ignore it and reward them when they do the correct behaviour as punishment can cause fear or confusion and may slow down learning.
Shouting, hitting, or using equipment designed to cause discomfort can damage trust and increase anxiety.
Dogs learn best in an environment where they feel safe and confident.
Everyone who interacts with your dog should use the same commands and training approach. Consistency helps your dog understand what is expected.
Treats are an effective training reward, but it is important to keep your dog’s overall diet balanced.
Healthy options may include tiny pieces of cooked chicken or carrot slices.
If you use treats regularly during training, you will need to reduce your dog’s regular meals to avoid weight gain.
A reward marker is a signal that tells your dog they have done the correct behaviour and that a reward is coming.
Common markers include:
To teach the marker, pair it with a reward repeatedly so your dog learns that the signal predicts something good.
Markers help make training more precise, especially when your dog is further away from you and sometimes, it’s quite difficult to get a treat out of a treat pouch and to your dog in a second or less!
Training classes can provide helpful guidance, especially for new dog owners.
When choosing a class, look for one that:
Training can begin as soon as your puppy has completed their initial vaccinations, but dogs of any age can benefit from learning new skills.
Training should always be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Short sessions, patience, and positive reinforcement will help your dog learn new behaviours while strengthening the bond you share.
