Positive conditioning

Positive conditioning must be employed to reward any action the dog has done that needs to be reinforced. It is always convenient to apply this positive conditioning immediately after the action. This conditioning must be different for each of the members of the family group, not to limit the positive reaction from the dog to only one member. Also, one will have in mind that such conditioning must be gratifying for the dog, not the person. This is a frequent mistake. What can we use as a positive conditioning? We will have to find something that is highly gratifying for the dog that is always at hand.

There are those that choose to reward the dog with a cookie, slice of cheese, or any other thing after a specific action. This is okay only in some cases, but the ideal thing to do is caress the dog, say something in a soothing tone of voice or only even encourage the dog to play. These options would be considered as ideal positive conditioning because petting the dog and saying nice things to him will make the dog want to repeat the action once and again.

If there is something the owners must feel guilty about is not participating in a more active way in playing with the dog. Mending this attitude by not only rewarding the dog, but playing with him even if it is for a short period of time will assure you that the dog will be willing to respond immediately to any command you give him.

Dogs must not only obey its master because of gluttony or fear, but because of affection, respect and positive conditioning. The animal must relate –at a first stage and without the dog getting used to it- acting properly to any given command with a rewarding outcome. A balanced combination of positive conditioning to encourage the animal and negative conditioning to hold him back will allow you to expect a desired response from the animal at any time, place or circumstance.

Dog Behaviorist Choosing a Male or Female Dog Campbell's Test Qualifications The adoption process Dog Adoption Socializing your Dog Dog and Family The acquisition of an adult dog Adult dogs for adoption Breed classification Needs of exercise Need for affection Tolerance to children Tolerance to other dogs Dominant character Territorial character Activity Level Obedience education Dog psychology Association power Conditioning Reflex Family environment Dog's Views Dog's Education Positive conditioning Negative conditioning Training and education Training Program for your Dog Dog Fear How to Overcome Dog Fear Attenuating conditions Dog Aggressiveness Aggressiveness by depredation Aggressiveness by dominance Territorial aggressiveness Self-defense aggressiveness When your dog attacks in self defense Injuries in dog attacks Second case of Injuries in dog attacks Sensibility suppression Dog sensibility issues Territorial Factors Expression canals Complete body language Your Dog's Diet Phobia or fear to the collar or leash Collar and Leash usage Dog understanding Other Strategies Jealousy with Dogs Non traumatic introduction Correct location of the child in the family hierarchy Progressive raise of rank of the child Vehicles: excitement or fear Exercises with your Dog Dogs Fear of Cars Starting your dog with real experiences Not mixing new experiences with meals Vehicles and dogs Dog Hyperactivity Frequent Dog Owner Mistakes Excessive barking Indoor dog rules Controlling your barking dog Anxiety pattern Lack of confidence Socializing with the outside world Excessive dominance Lack of dominance in dogs At home Excessive biting To personal objects, furniture, etc Space the dog is allowed to have Aggressions to other dogs Self-defense aggressions Bossy aggressions Aggressions between two dogs from the same home Aggressions to strangers due to territory Backing out from a dog attack Aggressions to family members First time aggressions Not enough exercise in relation to age and breed Scarce contact with other dogs Punishment to a late response Emphasizing conditions and appeasing to evasive behavior Lack of control over feeding and going out schedules Lack of self-confidence Lack of attention from the owners Marking their territory Coprophagy Ingestion of its own feces Agoraphobia Dog Depression How to prevent depression Psychological pregnancy Pulling the leash excessively Corrective methodology Ingestion of strange substances Destruction of gardens Bathing struggles Practical Guide to Canine Behavior Site Map