Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

What exactly is positive reinforcement training?

According to expert dog trainer, Don Hanson, it is the practice of rewarding your dog with food or play for behaviors you want repeated. Hanson says that “rewarded behaviors tend to be repeated and unrewarded behaviors tend to be extinguished.”

By using using positive reinforcement your hunting dog will be performing certain behaviors in order to get a reward instead of to avoid being punished. Hanson says that the most effective negative punishment is “simply withdrawing your attention or the opportunity for a reward.”

Actions such as sitting, coming, staying, and fetching can all be easily taught by using this method. Furthermore, breaking your dog from jumping on you or other people or any other undesired behavior can be broke efficiently using positive reinforcement.

I have implemented this method with my new hunting dog, Layla. The results have been fabulous. By seven weeks old Layla was sitting and would come when called. She is nine-weeks old now, and is by far the most well minded dog I’ve had.

For just a pup, she has got it together. She goes to the door to potty, sits when she wants a treat, retrieves well and is a pleasure to own.

The only thing I’m having trouble with is getting her to stop biting my hand when she gets excited or wants to play.

Does anyone have any advice to help stop this? Your thoughts are welcome..

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

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