Rewards Based Dog Training Techniques Are Best For Small Dogs

by Lee Dobbins

One of the most effective ways to train smaller dog breeds is by using rewards based dog training techniques. This is because the smaller dogs are too tiny for collar correction types of training and they could become injured. This training also works for larger breeds and is the recommended type of training that has been used to train generations of dogs.

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 simply means a treat for your dog after a job well done. Treats may mean many things for your dog, may it be food or just a few pats on the head and an enthusiastic “good boy”.

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.

For example, dangling the treat over your dog’s head and moving it backwards, repeating the word “sit” over and over, until he naturally sits on his own will teach the dog to sit. After he sits, give him the treat and praise him. It won’t take long before he knows to sit down and he will be rewarded when he hears the word “sit.”

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.

Smaller dogs respond well to a rewards based dog training techniques. This method allows you to bond with your dog and avoids harsher methods which might harm your four legged friend. Using this type of rewards based training, you can both enjoy your training sessions!

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For more information on dealing with unwanted dog behaviors you'll probably be interested in this complete dog behavior manual. Read more dog-related articles at our Dog Training Course website and start having a great relationship with your "best friend" today!

Filed under Dog Training, Small Dog Training

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Dog Barking Problems?

How to make a dog stop barking is a goal of many dog owners. Dog barking control is very important. A well-trained dog is a quiet dog. They should only bark when there is a safety issue or danger. Dog barking training is very helpful.

The rub here is that dogs don’t get it the way we want them to. Their voice is their bark and thus their communication tool, just like us. If you have dog barking problems, and your expectation is that your dog should never be barking, this may not be feasible. Dog’s are inherently going to bark. It is their nature.

Why does my dog bark?

In short – there are a myriad of answers to that questions. Some dogs are bred to be barkers when they feel threatened, even if it is only their perception (like Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds who are guard dogs). Some breeds of dogs bark to assist their owners – like Beagles and Bloodhounds baying when the smell the prey. And others just like to chatter. This group includes many smaller dogs, like our Miniature Schnauzer.

Ignoring specific breed barking habits, however, there are certain circumstances where just about any dog will bark:

  • Your dog is bored.
  • Your dog needs to eat.
  • He’s lonely.
  • His signal to be let out to go pee.
  • Your dog senses another animal.
  • Your dog is telling you “let’s go play”.
  • He feels something is amiss.

If any of these sound familiar, then dog barking training will not be very helpful for you. This is the natural way for dogs to tell you what they need.

So now that you know when they will just bark, any other circumstances barking isn’t right. So to stop dogs from barking there are some great skills you can learn and use.

If you’re dog barks to try to manipulate, or bully you into doing something, you’ll definitely want to put a stop to that. If she has you trained to react when she wants to play, guess what? She’ll continue to do that until you become the boss. The best way to do this is to ignore her. Not it a passive way, where you don’t pay any attention to her, but in an active way. There’s a real art to this, and you can learn to do it in the dog training course described at the end of this article.

What if the dog is not being manipulative, what if he just wants to be heard? There are some effective hand gestures including those made famous by the Dog Whisperer that are great for dog barking control. In order for you to get all the details, click on the link below for further information.

Stop fighting with your dog. I hope that you will find more quiet in your home with these tips and the information available in our recommended product.


For more information on dealing with unwanted dog behaviors you'll probably be interested in this complete dog behavior manual. Read more dog-related articles at our Dog Training Course website and start having a great relationship with your "best friend" today!

Filed under Barking, Dog Training, Small Dog Training

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