How much affection to show during training?

[PugJackie]

I'm starting my daily training sessions with my middle pug and I'm curious to know what approach should I take? Should I take a very hardline and stern approach or should I be my normal hugging and affectionate self during training?

I really want the training to be effective, so I'm willing to adapt to whatever role would work best!

Thanks for any advice

[shihtzumom]

our trainer told us not to spoil our dogs to much, but she prefers the positive approac, being stern and hard seems to me would make him not want to learn and learn to fear you. He doesnt know what you want until you show him what you want, example would be: Hershey sit using a treat in my fingers pointing down close to mouth moving it in a backwards motion kinda of like over the head will make them sit, onces he sits turn hand over give treat praise reward We do 20 mins work on leash, 10 mins playtime off leash then 20 mins on leash and 10 mins playtimem playtime is with the other puppies. Once done with our training session then its playtime for Hershey and mom Make it fun and happy

[Bill]

You don't ever want to be stern or harsh or "bossy" while training your dog. You will be much more productive being happy and "up" all during the training sessions. Show a lot of excitement, specially when the dog does good. However, eventhough you are excited and energetic, you don't want to do much "to" the dog unless the dog has just completed a behavior you have asked for.

The secret of a good dog trainer is to motivate the dog to WANT to do what you ask of him. Not to FORCE him to. Learning will be faster and training sessions more fun that way. The learning will be retained better also. Think of yourself as a teacher instead of a trainer. It's a small attitude adjustment but a very important one.

[Stephanie]

I think training should be fun, for both of you!

[luv2write]

I think training should be fun, for both of you!

Yes it should. Lots of praise is great. And by all means be sure to have excitement in your voice.

[kernow]

I give her lots of praise when she does what I ask, I probably touch her more than I would with a dog that wasn't deaf

[Justontime]

My dog was very nervous (due to previous ill treatment) so it was really important to give her lots of praise and encouragement and to give her as much reassurance as possible.

[Orrymain]

I am all about positive and caring reinforcement. I can't be stern and negative.

[Syn]

I agree as well. Training should be fun for both of you. Ask yourself... if you were your dog, would you rather have fun like at the park or dread it like at the vet.

[GoodPup]

Always positive, keep it fun for both of you. Use a variety of rewards: treats, verbal praise, toys, physical touch - keeps them from being bored (they pay better attention when they don't know what to expect). Also, I find shorter, more frequent sessions at home to reinforce what you've learned in class keeps them revved up!