5 Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior

Who’s been asking for a puppy since they were little? Every Holiday I was hoping that a cute little puppy would run around the corner with a big red bow on it. Finally, I came to an age where I was making my own decisions and could bring home a furry four legged friend of my own. So, that’s exactly what I did and it was the best decision I’ve made in my adult life! With bringing home a new puppy, comes some new responsibilities, but that’s what we’re here for!

There are many studies about positive reinforcement, and how that is an efficient way to train your dog. It's important, especially at a young age, and at Modleash that’s how we like to train our pups.

I’m sure you’ve heard of positive reinforcement; it is a method in which you reward your dog for the behaviors you like and ignore them for the behaviors that you dislike. You are conveying the message that some behaviors are acceptable and others are not. Dogs are extremely intelligent, and will catch on quickly! (I mean who doesn’t love to be encouraged and spoiled with treats for doing something?)

Here are a few tips to encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement for your little pup!

1. Reward Your Dog

As humans, we feel happiness when we are praised and rewarded, dogs aren’t any different. Rub his belly, or pat his head every single time he does something well. This constant praise will encourage even more positive behavior from your dog, and it will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Don’t forget the treats!

2. Spend Time Together

A loved puppy is a happy puppy! Dogs are always seeking your approval and don’t like being neglected, just as humans don’t. Never yell at your dog. Ask him to do things nicely and with a smile on your face. Dogs respond to kindness.

3. Encourage Mental Stimulation with Challenges

Humans release endorphins when they’re physically active. Dogs are very similar to humans in this aspect. Just like humans, dogs require consistent mental and physical activities to remain happy and physically fit. When dogs are bored it requires them to have behavioral problems, as you may know. 

Dogs are full of energy and curiosity. Their senses will be heightened outdoors, and this is a great way to keep them entertained and active for extended periods of time. Take them for walks, play fetch, or introduce them to new faces and dogs. 

4. Express Love and Forgiveness

At one point in your relationship with your dog they have read your emotional state and responded accordingly. When a dog misbehaves, punishment will typically make the situation worse. The best thing to do when your dog makes a mistake is to show forgiveness and express your love to them. Dogs are very empathetic and will pick up on your emotions. Patience is key to reinforce good behavior.

5. Play Training Games - Keep it Fun

Training doesn’t have to be a strict or structured environment. It’s easy to turn a game of fetch into a simple training. Your dog loves to be active and outside, so while you’re playing fetch throw in a few commands such as “sit”, “stop”, “come’, and more. This will keep the environment fun and reduce any stress or frustration that may come with training.

We hope you and your pup are becoming best friends, and that these little tips and tricks make their adorable puppy phase just a bit easier! 

We love hearing from YOU. Let us know what you want to read about in the Mod Blog. Would you be interested in dog training videos? Let us know!