And How to Find One

Why is ‘Force-free’ dog training the most effective way to train your dog?

Because using this science-based method builds a strong bond of trust between the two of you and does NO harm – physically or mentally to your dog. Force-free training also means that ‘training’ is without pain, threats, intimidation, force or coercion. Simply put, ‘Force-free’ training methods use positive reinforcement to get desired behaviors to happen again. It does require patience, consistency and commitment to using repetition to help your dog understand what you want. It’s accomplished without the use of choke chains, pinch, prong or shock collars, physical manipulation to change their position, pushing or pulling them by the leash or collar, and kicking or hitting them with an object, a foot or a hand in a misguided effort to win their compliance.

What kinds of things can I use for positive reinforcement?

Food, Treats, Toys, Play and Praise. Most dogs love food rewards (cheese, dog treats) but some would prefer that you throw a tennis ball for a job well done! You will quickly learn what excites your dog so that you can use THAT as a motivator in his/her training. How does consistency and routine help my dog to learn more quickly? By providing dogs with consistent rules and predictable structure (for example, the routine to go outside to potty), they’re being taught to understand what’s expected of them. And…by promptly rewarding them for any desired behaviors, it greatly increases the likelihood of desired behaviors happening again and again!

A few tips:

Ignoring unwanted behaviors is also an integral part of force-free training. For example: Ignoring a dog’s persistent barking for attention lets him know that his behavior won’t get him either the attention or the reward he’s seeking. Examples include turning and walking away when a dog barks while you are preparing his food. Once calm, the food is placed on the floor. Rewarding for calm behavior is a far faster learning tool than yelling at a dog to ‘Be quiet”. Catch GOOD behavior (what a concept!) means that you reward your dog for what they are doing right in the moment! As an example, if a dog is simply standing (not jumping) while stopping to talk to a friend during a walk, you can reward for calm behavior! It’s catching GOOD behavior in the moment – not waiting for unwanted behavior to happen. Here’s the science part: catching good behavior accelerates the dog’s understanding of what is desired.

Looking for a force-free trainer for your best friend? The Florida force-free veterinary behavior and trainers network offers clear and concise advice on what to look for in an instructor and lots more information on force free training.

Click on the informational links below:

Force Free Florida
The Pet Professional Guild
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants