Photo from the Yahoo! Contributor NetworkSome people may be comfortable with punishments and anger as discipline tactics for their dogs, but imagine how much happier you and your pets would be if you trained them in a less stressful and more positive manner.After studying and trying out different training methods, Jennie Fajardo-Panes developed her own system of dog training. It is based on positive reinforcement and inspired by veterinarian and dog behaviorist Ian Dunbar’s methods. This is what she now practices in Pup Culture, the day care and grooming center for dogs that she owns with her husband Raoul.
“We try to speak to our dogs the entire time we are training in a manner they would understand. We support it with hand gestures and facial expressions which are familiar to them especially in critical situations during training,” she says.‘Dog language’ and the right rewards
The best way to communicate with your dogs is to first familiarize yourself with their language. According to Fajardo-Panes, “Dogs are very visual, so they understand gestures or body movements better than words during the initial part of training. If they are familiar with the way I move, the chances of them understanding me are much higher. We give them a chance to associate our emotions with our movements and expressions, and at the same time, we study their gestures.”
Positive reinforcement means using rewards instead of punishment. Fajardo-Panes uses treats, toys, praise, and attention. She also uses “other items which are of necessity to the dog like water, main meals, etc.” These depend on the personality and breed of the dog she’s training.
“When you’re interacting with your dog, you will see how eager he is to do what you want,” explains Fajardo-Panes. “Knowing the right reward is the key to a good start in training your dog.”
So pay close attention to how they respond to you and your actions. Fajardo-Panes has actually met some dogs that wouldn’t give treats a second glance because they were more interested in play and approval.What to remember while using positive reinforcement:
1. Right timing is key to successful training. When you give your dog a reward, make sure it corresponds to the behavior you wish to encourage. An example Fajardo-Panes gives is if you ask your dog to sit, make sure he is still sitting when you give him a treat. If he stands up right away and you give him a treat then, you will be rewarding the standing and not the sitting.
2. Support treats with praise and a smile. If, after your dog has followed a command, you praise him while smiling and follow it up with a treat, he will eventually recognize your smile and praise as a good thing. “Your relationship with your dog develops into the kind where your dog will always want you smiling,” shares Fajardo-Panes.
Training Tips
1. Keep the environment clear and positive. Do not instill fear in your dog. He will be more receptive when you aren’t angry. He will be more interested in what you’re teaching him and would willingly come to you when you call.
2. Spend quality time with your dog and get to know each other. Fifteen to 30 minutes every day with your dog should be enough time to communicate what you want him to learn. The more time you spend with him, the better.
3. Be flexible. According to Fajardo-Panes, “One method of training may be applicable to one dog but might not be effective with another. It is best to be flexible with one’s training system and take into consideration the abilities of the dog. Be as creative as you can when training your dog.”
4. Remember that your dog counts on you. This is what makes most dogs easy to train. This trait should be utilized to make the bond between you stronger.
5. Training is a way of life. It isn’t just limited to the training session. Do not relax the rules just because the session is over. Be consistent or you’ll just confuse your dog.
Find Jennie Fajardo-Panes and her basic training classes at: Pup Culture Dog Grooming & Daycare, Bonifacio Global City. Tel. 861.79.80, Mobile 0923.879.58.40, http://www.facebook.com/pupculture
Olivia has been writing ever since she can remember. She has written for health, teen, parenting, and children's magazines. Her latest endeavor is being a mom to her three-year-old daughter—her toughest assignment yet. Swap stories with her at threeolivias@yahoo.com.
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