What Is Positive Training?

At Ruff - Dog Training, the only training methods used to help you with your dog's behaviour, are positive, reward based training methods. But what does this mean exactly?

Why Train This Way?

Training with rewards is the best way to encourage your dog to behave as you would like on a day-day basis (for example learning not to jump up at visitors!) Alongside this, there are a variety of other reasons:

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• Reward-based training is hands down, the best way for dogs to learn.

• Training with rewards is fun, and helps build a positive bond between dog and owner, increasing the likelihood that your dog will behave better for you in the future.

• Owners that train using rewards report fewer behaviour problems in their dogs and have a better relationship with their dog.

• Reward based training can help build confidence and encourage dogs to think for themselves and problem solve, vital skills your dog needs to live an enriched and happy life with you.

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Scientific studies have shown that the use of confrontational, punitive training techniques on dogs not only does not work long term, but actually exacerbates aggressive response and makes already aggressive dogs even more aggressive. 

Do Positive Training Methods Work For All Dogs?

Absolutely. It is a pretty simple concept, but sometimes it can be hard for dog owners to remember that fighting fire with fire usually results in someone getting burned.

Positive training puts the emphasis on teaching dogs what to do, not continually punishing a dog for not doing what we want.  What sets apart a really good positive trainer from the rest is not just their ability to teach a dog to do things using reward based teaching, but to use humane techniques to also curb and prevent negative behaviour.  Positive training makes dogs more confident and builds a strong bond between dog and person. It encourages the dog to listen and respond when asked to do something and works well on all kinds of dogs including those" working" dogs with high drive.