Dog training techniques that have been proven effective, along with some tips on how to use them:

 

Positive Reinforcement

Most effective and widely recommended.

What it is: Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or toys.
How to do it: Immediately reward your dog when they perform a desired behavior (e.g., sit, stay).
Tip: Timing is key — reward within 1-2 seconds of the good behavior.
Negative Punishment (Withholding Rewards)

What it is: Taking away something the dog wants to reduce unwanted behavior.
Example: If your dog jumps on you for attention, turn away and ignore them until they’re calm.
Why it works: Teaches the dog that good behavior gets attention, bad behavior doesn’t.
Clicker Training

What it is: Using a clicker sound to mark the exact moment a dog does something right.
Why it helps: The sound is consistent and precise, which makes learning faster.
Tip: Always follow a click with a treat!
Luring and Shaping

Luring: Puppy School in Kingston uses a treat to guide the dog into a position (like sitting or down).
Shaping: Reward small steps toward the desired behavior.
Best for: Teaching complex or new behaviors.
Consistency and Routine

Dogs thrive on routine.
Use the same cues/commands and enforce rules consistently.
Short, Frequent Sessions

Ideal length: 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
It keeps the dog engaged and avoids frustration.
Socialization

Introducing your dog to new people, environments, and other dogs.
Dog Training in Kingston helps reduce fear-based behavior and builds confidence.
Start young (puppy stage) if possible, but it’s never too late.