Training Should Be Fun!
Keeping our pets happy, healthy and demonstrating polite behavior has a lot to do with how we train them — and to train them, we must understand what motivates them. If you were asked to work without pay, would you still go? To encourage our pets to behave in a way we desire, we need to motivate them. Every pet is different, and so are their motivations. When we identify our own pets’ motivators and use them to reward the behaviors we’re looking for, we’re building a foundation for success.
To learn how to use positive reinforcement to train your pet, follow these steps:
First, commit to keeping it positive: 
- Pay your pet! The general concept of positive reinforcement training is to reward your pet for displaying the behaviors you want to see by using whatever their favorite motivator is (a treat, a game of fetch, a tug toy). You’ll know you’ve found what motivates your pet when they can’t wait to start a training session!
- Never use fear, pain or intimidation: Using pain and fear as motivation damages the human-animal bond and can lead to increased fear, aggression and stress. The fastest, most effective way to get good behavior is positive reinforcement.
- New to positive reinforcement? Read our article Positive Reinforcement: Does it Work?
Next, identify what motivates your pet:
- What does your pet love? Some pets love treats, others love a game of fetch or a favorite toy.
- Train anywhere! If you’re on a walk and your pet wants to follow a scent, first have them sit (or any other behavior you’re training), and then let them track the scent as a reward.
- Switch it up! One training session may use treats and another one may end in a game of fetch. By surprising your pet sometimes, you can keep them engaged and on their toes.
Then, use that reward to motivate your pet to learn new behaviors:
- Keep up your enthusiasm! When you’re training, you have to be more interesting than any distractions that may be present. So, be excited and use a happy, expressive voice to keep them engaged and listening.
- Remember, pay the pet! Make sure to reward your pet every time they perform the behavior. The more repetitions they do and the more you pay them, the better!
- Sit to say, “Please.” Use everyday interactions to reinforce positive behaviors. For example, if your pet knows “sit,” ask them to sit every time at the door before going outside, before petting, before eating, before throwing a ball, etc.
- Be consistent: If you regularly pair cue + behavior = reward, then your pet learns to be excited for the training itself. This cycle strengthens positive reinforcement, and your pet will be eager to learn new skills!.
Break complex behaviors into smaller steps:
Teaching your pet to sit is a more simple behavior, but teaching them not to bolt out the front door at the mention of a car ride is a process. Teach and reward these smaller steps to reach your final goal:
- Sitting patiently can make you touch/turn the doorknob.
- Waiting for the release word can get them through the door.
- Walking nicely without pulling may get them to the car (pulling causes you to stop).
- Sitting at the car door will open the door.
- Waiting for the cue to "get in" gains them access to the ultimate jackpot — a ride!
And finally, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Quit while you’re ahead. Stick to training only a few minutes at a time. End on a good note and not when your pet is bored or overexcited.
- Mind your environment. A dry cookie is no match for the squirrels in the park. Try small bits of boiled chicken or cheese instead to keep your dog’s attention around distractions.
- Use life rewards. Ensure you vary what you’re using to reward your pet so you don’t accidentally teach them only to listen when you have treats. Ask them to look at you and then let them out the door, ask them to heel on the way to the park, etc. Find a few different motivators for your pet so that they listen even when your pockets are empty.
The time you take to train your pet is invaluable: It’s an investment in your bond to each other, and it keeps your pet mentally stimulated. An engaged, trained pet is happier, healthier and less likely to get into trouble. Find out what motivates your pet and get started today!