Pets are usually friendly animals that want to have fun and please their owners. But we must remember that they come from different backgrounds and need adequate training to behave in a way we consider appropriate. They are just like kids, and when an action is encouraged and rewarded, eventually, they perform the activity more frequently.
The reward system or positive reinforcement is a method of pet training where pets are given rewards in different forms to encourage desirable behavior. These rewards can be in the form of treats, playtime, toys, or even your praise and attention.
Some instructions have to be followed, and care has to be taken to make it effective. The following list contains what you should do, shouldn’t do, and should note during this exercise.
Use short commands
Pet brains work in a slightly different way than ours. Using short commands like “sit” and “stay” is advised. Short phrases can also be used but may be less effective, while long phrases like “sit down here” might not get you a quick response.
Make sure they know what you want
When you first begin the training, your pet might not know what you mean when you say “come” or any other command you plan to use. First, you must teach them this actions’ relationship with the word. This can be achieved by using a treat as a lure. For instance, to teach them what “come” means, walk a few feet away and dangle the treat, then tell them to come. Or nudge their leash downward to demonstrate “sit.”
Start at a quiet place
To avoid your pet getting distracted, you can start the training in a quiet environment like your living room or garden. Anywhere with no distraction will work.
Be reassuring
Instead of fear, pets respond more to the feeling of being secure. So, let your tone be reassuring and kind yet firm. No one wants to “come” to a person who sounds angry.
Practice instant gratification
When your pet obeys your command, the reward should come while they follow it or not more than a second later. This is so they don’t confuse the behavior you are rewarding. For instance, when you tell them to sit, reward them immediately they sit. If you wait until your pet is barking or meowing after sitting, they might think you are rewarding their bark.
Space it
In the beginning, rewards can come after every desirable action. Later on, it is better to space it little by little until they no longer need rewards. This ensures that the commands stick.
Reward Training schedule
For maximum efficiency, train them when they genuinely want the reward. For instance, if you’ve been out all day and your pet wants your attention, don’t give in. Instead, make them work for it. When using treats, train them right before their mealtime when they want to eat.
Conclusion
Instead of lashing out or beating your pet for negative behavior, it is better to use the reward method to enhance positive ones. This way, they learn to trust you while training.