PRINCIPLES OF DOG TRAINING
There are five important principles one must keep in mind when training dogs:
1. Know How
2. Repetition
3. Patience
4. Praise
5. Correction
6. KNOW HOW
The most fundamental principle in dog training is that the handler must know how each
maneuver, act, technique, method and position is accomplished before he/she can
properly train the dog.
There are standards of performance described for each training exercise and the dog handler must adhere to the proper methods and techniques so that these standards are achieved.The handler must conscientiously apply all the principles with interest, enthusiasm and a desire to attain perfection.The handler must demand complete obedience from the dog at all times. If the handler is negligent in the training procedures, the results are reflected in the dog's performance.Therefore, it is essential that the handler possess personal discipline.This is especially true during the time that you are applying the principle of repetition.
PATIENCE
PRAISE
The dog trainer who displays patience can motivate the dog properly through praise. Whenever the dog successfully executes a command, even if its performance takes more time than expected, always reward it with a pat on the head or praise it in some other way.The dog is anxious to please its trainer, and the trainer should respond by praising the dog lavishly.When it is praised highly, the dog senses that it has done the correct thing and does it more readily the next time the same command is given.
Several effective methods are used to praise a dog.Kind words often do the trick.One handler might prefer to pat the dog each time he/she wishes to reward it. Another handler might allow the dog a few minutes in which to romp and play, or he/she may allow the dog to perform its favorite exercises.Still another handler may apply a combination of these methods of praise.
Each dog requires a special method. Each handler must determine which method of praise best suits the individual dog and this can be determined during the handler's early association with the dog.If the dog trainer is to maintain the dog's enthusiasm for work, each training period must be concluded with petting, praise and encouragement.When the dog's performance of the training exercise does not warrant praise, allow it to perform a short exercise which it already knows thoroughly and does well so that it can earn a reward. Although the dog must be amply rewarded for those exercises performed correctly, it must be corrected when its performance is not satisfactory.
CORRECTION
A dog does not understand right from wrong as humans do.Reward and correction are the means by which a dog is taught.If the dog does an exercise incorrectly, do not allow it to go uncorrected. Withholding praise, or the simple admonition,"NO!", spoken reprovingly,proves to be sufficient for correction purposes.
TIMING is probably the most important factor in administering any form of correction. Therefore, a reprimand, in whatever form, should be administered immediately when the incorrect act is performed. A dog cannot mentally connect a reprimand with an incorrect action committed some time before the reprimand.
NEVER correct a dog for clumsiness, slowness in learning, or inability to understand what is expected of it. In these cases, correction slows down the dog's training instead of accelerating it.
Observation, patience, self-control and discretion are essential in correction. If the dog makes a mistake, the handler may be at fault, and the handler should think for a second about why the mistake was made. Proper correction indicates proper thinking.