Reward Training
Reward dog training such as clicker training, is used in all forms of dog training, including police work and military applications. Most scent detection, tracking and police dogs are trained using some form of reward training. Reward training is also a very effective way to teach many basic obedience commands.
Clicker training often incorporates the use of a lure in order to get the dog into the position desired by you, the master. The lure is used to get the dog to perform the desired behavior on his or her own and of his or her own free will.
It makes a great deal of sense to get the dog to perform the desired behavior without any physical intervention on your part. Getting the dog to perform a behavior without being touched is vitally important.
Soon, I will teach you how to do this and other clicker training points in a simple, step-by-step manner! You won’t believe how easy it is!
After your dog has performed the desired behavior, you will give them a reward, (also called a positive reinforcement). Treats are often used as reinforcer’s, but praise, such as “good dog” or a pat on your dog’s head, are also effective rewards.
Ensuring that your dog has been reward trained makes them a reliable dog. After all, who doesn’t want a reliable dog? Who doesn’t want a loving dog that can fetch your slippers and newspaper in the morning?
This is all possible — you and I have seen it done in television shows and the movies, so why not your dog? After all, the famous dogs we all grew up watching on TV like Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin were no more smarter than your dog or puppy is!
It is also important to teach the dog to pay attention to you at all times. Having the attention of the dog means having control of the dog.