Instead, most experts advise training that focuses on positive reinforcement, or as AVSAB says, "reinforcing desired behaviors, removing the reinforcer for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving the undesirable behavior." Give treats for good behavior, and pay attention to your own behavior — when you react to a yipping dog with attention, for example, you're inadvertently reinforcing that action. In the end, the risk of too many treats is much lower than a stressed, insecure dog. As certified trainer Pat Miller writes, "Figure out how to prevent [your dog] from being reinforced for the behaviors you don't want, and reinforce him liberally for the ones you do, and you're well on your way to having the relationship of mutual love, respect, communication, and communion that we all want to have with our dogs."
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Learn more about what makes your pooch tick in "Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know" by Alexandra Horowitz. The audiobook is free with an Audible trial. We handpick reading recommendations we think you may like. If you choose to make a purchase, Curiosity will get a share of the sale.