Training your dog is essential for their happiness and in fact your happiness and indeed peace of mind. With numerous training methods out there, it’s important to choose an approach that best suits your dog’s personality and your own training style. In this guide, we break down the most common dog training methods to help you decide what’s best for your canine companion.

Core Dog Training Approaches:

Dog training philosophies typically fall into three main groups:

1. Positive Reinforcement Training (Highly Recommended)

Positive reinforcement training is widely recognised as the most humane and effective training method, supported by extensive scientific research.

How it works:

Reward your dog immediately after they display a desired behaviour with treats, praise, or play.

Key Principles:

• Immediate rewards: Offer treats or praise instantly so your dog clearly connects action and reward.
• High-value rewards: Use treats your dog absolutely loves to motivate them (It can take some time to figure out his favourite but it’s worth the effort)
• Consistency and patience: Use the same cues and rewards consistently. Dogs learn by conditioning, so keep the conditions the same and they will get it quickly.
• Short, fun sessions: Aim for frequent, engaging sessions lasting 5–15 minutes each. After that, take a break and return to training later.
• Dogs trained with positive reinforcement are typically happier, better behaved, and have a stronger bond with their owners, 100%

2. Balanced Training (Cautious Approach)

Balanced training mixes positive rewards with fair corrections after a dog understands the expected behaviour.

Balanced Training Essentials:

• Corrections should never cause pain or fear, but rather guide gently.
• Positive rewards follow immediately when the correct behaviour is shown.
• This approach is about clear communication—dogs learn actions have consequences, both pleasant and unpleasant.

3. Dominance-Based Training (Not Recommended)

Dominance training is based on outdated beliefs about dog behaviour and has been scientifically debunked. It assumes dogs misbehave to assert dominance, which is incorrect.

Why Avoid Dominance Methods:

• It will damage trust between your dog and you.
• Increases fear, stress, and aggressive behaviour.
• Modern research shows dogs thrive on cooperation and positive relationships—not dominance.
• Pet Parlour strongly advises against this outdated method in favour of more compassionate, science-backed approaches.

Popular Specific Training Techniques

Clicker Training (Positive and Effective)

Clicker training is a precise and positive technique using a small clicker to clearly signal exactly when your dog gets it right.

How Clicker Training Works:

• Conditioning: Your dog learns that the click sound equals a reward. After a period of time, you can drop the reward and the dog will react to the click.
• Capturing, Shaping, and Luring: You mark and build behaviours step-by-step.
• It offers clear communication, speeding up the learning process.

Relationship-Based Training (Building Trust)

Relationship-based training is about nurturing a deep, cooperative bond with your dog. Rather than issuing commands, you have conversations.

Key Points:

• Training becomes mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Each interaction is a chance to build trust and strengthen your bond.
• Dogs become eager participants rather than merely obedient pets.

Model-Rival (Mirror) Training (Observation-Based)

Dogs learn by imitating others in this method. Trainers demonstrate good behaviour or act as friendly rivals, encouraging dogs to mimic desired actions.

Why It Works:

Dogs naturally observe and copy behaviours.

Introduces friendly competition, motivating your dog to learn quickly.

Specialised Training for Different Needs

Puppy Kindergarten & Early Socialisation (Essential for Puppies)

Puppy kindergarten is ideal during the critical developmental window (7–16 weeks). It sets puppies up for lifelong success.

Benefits:

• Safe exposure to new environments, sounds, and experiences.
• Early socialisation leads to confident, calm adult dogs.
• Establishes basic manners and obedience early on.

Agility Training (Active & Stimulating)

Agility training involves navigating obstacle courses and is excellent mental and physical stimulation.

Agility Benefits:

• Improves your dog’s fitness, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Strengthens communication between you and your dog.
• Fun and rewarding for both pet and owner.

Service Dog Training (Specialised & Intensive)

Training a service dog is specialised, requiring dedicated professional support and a significant time commitment.

Stages include:

• Foundation skills (reliable obedience).
• Task-specific training.
• Public behaviour and access training.
• Ongoing skill maintenance.

Behaviour Modification Techniques (Addressing Problem Behaviours)

• Sometimes dogs develop behavioural challenges. Specialised techniques help address underlying emotions:
• Desensitisation & Habituation: Gradual exposure reduces stress around triggers.
• Counterconditioning: Changes negative associations to positive ones.
• Response Substitution: Teaches new, positive behaviours to replace problem ones.
• Always approach behaviour modification gently and patiently, ideally under professional guidance.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Dog

• When choosing a training style, consider:
• Your dog’s breed, personality, and age.
• Your specific goals (basic manners vs specialised skills).
• Your experience and confidence levels (this is important)
• Any existing behavioural issues.

Top Tips for Effective Training:

• Start Early: Early training and socialisation yield the best results.
• Stay Consistent: Keep commands, cues, and rewards consistent – key to success!
• Make It Fun: Positive experiences encourage ongoing learning.
• Get Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for challenging behaviours.

Final Thoughts: Training for a Happy, Healthy Dog

Ultimately, dog training is about more than obedience—it’s about building a happy, confident, and cooperative relationship with your canine companion. Choose methods that prioritise kindness, patience, and mutual respect. Your dog will thank you with years of loyalty and companionship.

Looking for high-quality training treats? Browse our selection of nutritious treats here.

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