There are many dog training methods and programmes available now in the dog training community, but are they necessarily worthwhile? We outline popular programmes you may come across when researching what training is best for your dog, including both modern and traditional methods and how to find a suitable trainer. 

Dog Clicker Training 

Dog clicker training is using a clicker device throughout the programmes to enforce association with the clicker for certain desired actions. This method works by using the clicker reactively when your dog does the intended action. You need to be consistent with the clicker, however, to get effective results from this training method. 

How Does Dog Clicker Training Work? 

  1. Introduce your dog to the clicker to make them aware of the look and the sound. Ensure your dog is focused and in a calm environment during this stage, so there are no distractions. 
  2. Start introducing your clicker into daily training and create a positive reinforcement association, knowing that they will get a reward through this method. 
  3. Use the clicker for dog training actions. During this, ensure to be consistent with the association and use where possible, so your dog can make clear associations and get effective results through this method. 

What are the Benefits of Clicker Training? 

Clicker training has quickly become one of the more popular modern training methods. The benefits of this method include: 

  • You can set clear and consistent signals for your dog 
  • Gain quick responses
  • Positive associations often bring effective results

Relationship Training 

Relationship training acts as a dual role, by both training your dog and strengthening your relationship. Having a great mutual relationship is the solid foundation necessary for effective results in this method.

This type of training is beneficial because it immediately integrates your dog into the family as you learn and navigate the way to good behaviour. It highly relies on positive reinforcement, trust and understanding your dog’s emotional state. 

What Does Relationship Training Require? 

  • A nice learning environment for your dog to feel comfortable and understand the behaviour training.
  • For you to understand and notice patterns in your dog’s personality and know how they will respond or feel in certain situations to adapt. 
  • Having the patience with your dog and the ability to build trust.

Science-Based Training 

This type of training derives from the theory of Operant Conditioning, which is split into quadrants of positive reinforcement and positive punishment.

  • Positive Reinforcement = The process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behaviour by offering a reward when the behaviour is exhibited.
  • Positive Punishment = Adding something undesirable after an action, so your dog will refrain from the behaviour. 

Positive Reinforcement Training 

Positive reinforcement is the training method that rewards good behaviour. This is a popular training method because your dog will start to do repeated good behaviour once the positive associations have been established. 

Positive reinforcement is at the forefront of most learning methods and is the reason science-based training is now so popular.

What are Examples of Positive Reinforcement for Dogs?

The motion of positive reinforcement adds value to the training. Whenever your dog shows an example of good behaviour, you reinforce this by adding something positive as a reaction. This could include:

  • Food or a treat 
  • New or favourite toy 
  • Praise  

Model or Mirror Training 

Model or mirror training is used for the dog to replicate the actions their owner does. To do this effectively you need to be conscious of your behaviours, both good and bad, as your dog will also pick up on negative actions. 

This training method highly relies on being observant, so it’s imperative that you set a consistent example. It also helps produce better results if you have an existing strong bond with your dog, as they’re more likely to listen and reciprocate. 

How to Succeed in Mirror Training

  • Be aware of your own behaviour. Don’t give your dog an action and proceed to do the opposite because this will cause confusion.
  • Establish a bond and be very sociable with your dog, whilst asserting leadership boundaries. 
  • You can also use the clicker method to succeed in your mirror training. 

Our Top Training Tips 

Our specialist trainers have a wealth of experience with dog training methods and have proven success stories and exceptional client testimonials.  Here are some of our dog training tips: 

  • Keep a minimal environment with few distractions to promote concentration. 
  • Know that it is not an overnight process, be patient with the results. 
  • Be calm and positive, do not force your dog to do any actions. 
  • Keep a progress log, so you can see how far your dog has come over time. 
  • Have fun and create a solid relationship with your dog. 

Whilst you can train your dog at home, we would always recommend expert help to stop you from getting overwhelmed and get effective results in a shorter period. 

What Dog Training Does A&T Trained Dogs Offer? 

Our fantastic Lancaster-based facilities ensure we can provide the best dog training methods  We offer a range of dog training services including: 

How to Choose the Best Dog Trainer

Choosing a dog trainer for your pup requires a lot of thought. It is not something you should do on a whim because your dog’s safety, mental health, and overall well-being depend on your choice. Instead of asking about the best dog trainers you should focus more on how to choose the right dog trainer for your pooch. While there are many dog trainers out there, A&T Trained Dogs is one of the best dog trainers in the North West that you can find. 

So, which of the best dog trainers around is right for your dog? Our next tips will help you make an informed decision that will benefit you and your pup.

Ask about the Trainer’s Credentials

Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. However, it is left to you to sieve the wheat from the grass. How do you do this? Ask for the trainer’s credentials. 

  • What experience do they have in training dogs? 
  • What breed of dogs have they trained in the past or are currently training? 
  • Do they attend regular dog training conferences? 
  • What methods of training do they use? 

Ask the right questions to get the credentials of your potential dog trainer. At A&T Dogs, we are approved by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (ADPT), Guild of Dog Trainers with an approved centre from Pro Trainings.  

What is the Hands-on Experience of the Trainer?

This is very crucial because it reveals the real experience of the trainer. If your potential dog trainer doesn’t have at least two years of experience working with dogs and people, they cannot be the best dog trainer. 

Take the time to ask about the real-world experience of the trainer and see if they have what it takes to train your dog. The insight you get from this interaction can save you time and money. 

What is the Cost of Training Your Dog?

There is an erroneous notion that if it is not expensive, then it is not a premium service. The truth is that this is always not the case. The best thing is to first shop around to get an average cost. 

With this, you can easily determine your budget. You do not have to settle for the cheapest and neither do you have to go for the most expensive. If you are sure that a dog trainer is worth his mettle, go for it.

Finally, ask about the training methods of the dog trainer. Not all dogs learn at the same pace or the same way. Choosing a trainer that uses different methods that can be customized based on a dog’s need is the best.

Contact A&T Trained Dogs 

We use the best dog training methods to provide effective dog training results. Our team deliver bespoke training courses for dogs to suit their needs and tailor them to the desired results. Get in touch with our team for more information about our dog training or find out more about us.