Finding the right type of training method that will suit both you and your dog is very important.  Take the time to research, explore and inform yourself about the various methods and techniques used in training procedures before you embark on this important journey.

Seek out friends, family members, collegues, neighbors, etc., who have well mannered and well behaved dogs.  Ask them where or how they trained their dogs.  Owners of well behaved dogs are some of your best resources and can provide you with great advice, tips and resources.

If you choose to enroll your dog in an obedience class or hire a private trainer, it is not recommended to let anyone anywhere near your dog until you are very sure who they are and what their qualifications are.  It is advisable that you visit and take the time inspect their premises.  Sit in on a few of their sessions as an observer even if you know nothing about training techniques or dog training methods yourself.  By observing the practices of a dog trainer you will soon discover what their training methods are and how they interact with both the dogs and the owners.

Until not very long ago, negative reinforcement was widely used as a training technique and today some trainers still use this method.  However, animal behavioral experts think that this method can actually teach new unwanted behavior.  An example of the principle of negative reinforcement for instance is where someone may be teaching a dog to sit.

The dog is put on a leash and the leash is jerked upwards on the command of sit, making the dog’s collar uncomfortable.  With dog training methods like this, each time that the dog sits, the leash is loosened and then sitting becomes negatively reinforced because the dog is alleviating the pressure on his neck.  In a way it is a punishment, and many people use choke chains, pinch collars and other devices in this method.

Using positive training methods, it is actually difficult to abuse a dog because most of the techniques promote encouragement and reward.  If positive behavior training is not correctly given, the desired behavior from the dog will not occur and the original undesired behavior will remain.  Positive dog training methods do not result in physical injury, or aggressive behaviors that can occur with negative reinforcement methods.

Think positive, when you’re deciding on the method of training that your dog needs.

A dog that behaves well is loved by everyone and displays the example of good training.  Any or all dogs can develop bad behavioral habits, which most of us have all noticed at one time or another.

Often, bad behavior is laughed at and looked on as funny, like when a dog runs off with a child’s toy, or he won’t get off of someone’s favorite chair. Such behavior is re-enforced by the laughing reaction from humans.  If a dog then repeats the “funny” behavior at the wrong time, he is in big trouble.  Good dog behavior training must be more consistent as confusion will make inappropriate behavior worse.

Many signs indicate to us that a dog does not understand what is expected from him.  These signs are common behavioral problems such as:  jumping on people when they come into the house or talk to the dog, refusing to get off of the furniture, dragging owners while out on a leashed walk, unintentional approval from owners by petting when a dog jumps up, unintentional approval from owners by petting or cooing if the dog is afraid of a noise outside and/or cowers, or attention (positive or negative) for nuisance barking.

All such behavior requires positive dog behavior training methods to put it right.

Some behavioral signs mean different things. For example, jumping up for a small dog may simply mean he is pleased to see you and if you were his size and a dog he would lick your face in the pack.  A larger dog may intend to dominate you.  If you respond to jumping up affectionately, the small dog sees that as confirming his behavior and the large dog might see it as submission and both will repeat the behavior.

Basic obedience techniques will place boundaries for a dog and reinforce respect for the owner.  Enrolling in a structured obedience class, reading training books, eBooks and articles, or implenting an on-line program are the first steps to educate owners on dog behavior training that will suit their dogs requirements.

Positive help and information may also be the best way for owners to bond with their dog and begin to learn more about these strange and wonderful animals that share their lives with us.