Dog Training Techniques That Work Best On Smaller Dogs

Find out why rewards based dog training techniques work best with smaller dogs and how you can train your dog using them.
Dogs of every size have been trained using rewards based dog training techniques, with it being one of the most effective ways to train small dogs. Pomeranian dogs, poodles, and chihuahuas are dogs that are too small to respond to the more insensitive training methods, like the utilization of a choke collar, though they will respond positively to reward based dog training techniques.

Reward training is used for many purposes. Along with police and military work, this training teaches dogs to perform all kinds of actions and is even used to train dogs for films and advertisements. And, of course, it works just as well on your pet for basic obedience.

Reward training is based on giving a treat or reward when your dog performs the behavior you desire. Most often it means a special treat, but simply telling your dog that he was a good boy and patting him on the head can be construed as a wonderful reward for your dog.

You can teach your dog nearly everything by using rewards based dog training techniques. All you need is consistency in training, and your dog will eventually do the desired task.

If you would like to teach your dog to sit, you may try holding a treat above his head and then pushing it back further until the dog chooses to sit. When he does this, say the command "sit." When he actually does sit, you can praise him and give him the treat. The dog will soon relate the sitting action with the word "sit" and the yummy reward!

One type of reward training is clicker training which allows you to teach your dog without using voice instructions. A simple clicker is used to communicate with the dog. The dog will eventually learn the meaning of the click sounds and associate it with the reward. The trainer just snaps the clicker every time the dog does his job, and then gives the dog a treat.

You can teach your dog new tricks with decoy training. This is when you get the dog to perform the task naturally on his own (such as with the "sit" example used earlier). Once he has completed the trick, remember to reward him. This technique, widely used in the entertainment industry, does not require a trainer handler.

Training your pet should be a fulfilling tasks for both you and your animal. The use of reward based dog training techniques will allow you and your pet to achieve your goals without the use of aggressive techniques which may injure or scare your small dog.
   By Lee Dobbins
Published: 6/23/2008
 
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