Positive reinforcement pays off with puppies, dogs

Everyone loves to be greeted by a happy dog wagging his tail. But a dog that greets visitors by jumping on them can be both an aggravation and a hazard. This bad habit can be broken by teaching pet families to positively reinforce a dog's good behavior.

Tara Oster of Positive Pooches Dog Training in Perryville says that even older dogs can be taught good manners, and she should know. She adopted a year-old Husky two years ago, and had to work to overcome established behaviors.

"When I adopted Stella she was in terrible shape and was very shy and reactive," Oster said. "The shelter believed she was a backyard breeding dog and had probably never lived in a house until she came to live with me. I began doing some research on positive training techniques just to help my own frightened dog transition into her new home.

"I really liked the training and saw how Stella began to come out of her shell and enjoy life, perhaps more than she ever did. I then discovered Animal Behavior College and became a Certified Pet Dog Trainer to help others to better understand their dog. I had a year of training and participated in an externship with an established trainer."

Oster said that dogs are happiest when they are making their human families happy, so basic obedience training should include crate and potty training as well as basic commands like sit, stay and come.

"Obedience training also addresses problem behaviors like jumping on people," she said. "Dogs jump on people for a variety for reasons; however, the most likely reason is that you accidently reinforced that behavior. Humans think that scolding should convey our annoyance at being jumped on. But to a dog all that senseless talking and touching is a good thing, and they continue to do it because we keep pushing them down. Remember, negative attention is still attention.

"In order to break the cycle two things must be done," she explained. "First, stop reinforcing the bad behavior. Second, reinforce an alternate behavior. When your dog jumps on you or a visitor, simply turn your back and do not look at the dog or speak to him. Eye contact is highly desired by dogs. They crave it. When you turn your back, your dog will try to re-establish eye contact by walking around you. Don't look at him or touch him until he sits in front of you.

"But you can't just ignore the bad behavior without teaching good behavior. Otherwise, you will find your dog gets frustrated and tries harder to get your attention by doing things like howling, nipping your heels or jumping up on your back.

"We want our dogs to greet us with all four paws on the floor, so we simply give the dog lavish attention and treats every single time we catch the dog with all paws on the ground. He'll love it so much, he'll want to have his paws on the ground all the time.

"Practice this method of positive reinforcement with everyone who enter the house. It takes some time and consistency, but soon friends and strangers who come to your door will be greeted by a very well-behaved pooch."

The best part about positive-reinforcement training is that it can be applied to any undesirable behavior.

Oster will begin her next session of obedience training on Tuesday, March 12. "Our first class in this 7-week course is for people only. We discuss my training technique and philosophy and review a handbook that you'll use throughout the course. Dogs begin class the second week."

The class is held outdoors at Perryville City Park by the Big Pavilion from 5-6 pm on consecutive Tuesdays. "It's great to get there a bit early when we are working with the dogs to let them work off some energy," she said. "A happily tired dog is the easiest dog to train!"

Oster incorporates the clicker method of training in her classes and provides the clicker for students and pets. "Clicker training has been studied extensively and is applauded for its effective and humane methods," she said.

A new set of skills is covered in class each week, and a homework assignment helps to keep owners on track. Some supplies must be purchased including a 20 to 30-foot lead and treats. Children over 12 are allowed and welcomed with parents to learn about humane positive training techniques. Oster encourages every member of a pet's family to participate in the training classes.

After owners and pets complete the course, Oster encourages them to continuously reinforce positive behavior -- and to remember that patience pays off when working with pets.

"Training will not be complete in seven weeks," she said. "Consistent training will be required for the life of your dog, but over time it will get easier and more reliable. In those seven weeks owners learn valuable relationship exercises, positive training techniques and how to communicate with their dog. Sometimes puppies or dogs will make mistakes or have accidents, even after training.

"Just take a deep breath, remember what you've learned, and keep praising your pet for what she's doing right. You'll be rewarded, too -- with all the faithful and loving companionship a dog brings to your life."

For more training tips and information on upcoming obedience training classes, contact Oster at 573-768-9361 or infopositivepooches@gmail.com. You can also visit Positive Pooches Dog Training on Facebook.