Reward training has been used for many decades to train dogs and is a great way to train small dogs like the Pomeranian who are too tiny to respond to choke collars and other harsh methods of training.
Reward training is used to train dogs to perform all kinds of activities including police work and military jobs. This type of training is used extensively in the training of dogs for movies and commercials. But you don't have to have a police dog or movie star to use reward training - it's very effective to teach your pet basic obedience commands.
As the name implies, reward training involves a reward of some sort. Typically a special treat, but even praise and a few pats on the head can be considered a worthy reward by your dog.
By using rewards, you can train your dog to do most anything. You simply need to follow a set of steps to get your dog to perform the desired task and then reward him right after. So if you want your dog to learn to sit, you might hold the treat above his head and move it backwards until he sits automatically - all the while say the command "sit" then once he has sat, praise him and give him the reward. Soon he will associate the word "sit" with the act of sitting and the subsequent reward.
Clicker training is one form of reward training that can be used if you want the dog to obey you without using verbal commands. The dog is taught to associate a clicking sound with the reward. The trainer clicks the clicker when the dog does something good, followed immediately by a treat. Eventually, the dog learns to respond to the clicker alone.
Reward training can be used to teach your dog complex behaviors if you have the time and patience. In many cases, the training uses a lure to get the dog into the position desired by the trainer. This lure gets the dog to do the "trick" of his own free will. Once the dog has performed the behavior he is given the reward. This is a great way to get the dog to do something without being touched by the trainer and is used a lot in the entertainment business.
When training your dog, it's important to make sure he will pay attention to your commands when there are other distractions around and not just when the two of you are alone in the house. You need to know your dog will obey you with distractions as this can be one of the most important times for him to listen to your commands because obeying you can be what stands between your pet and some sort of danger. Once you have perfected a command at home - take your pet to the park or other place where there will be distractions and practice the command until he learns to obey you in public as well as in private.
Related Articles
House Training Your Pomeranian
By: Lee Dobbins | 15/12/2005 | Pets
Pomeranians are lively intelligent dogs that are easily trained, but like many small dogs housebreaking a Pom can be a bit of a challenge. The key to successfully potty training your Pom is to start early and maintain a structured and organized training
The Pomeranian Dog Breed
By: Lee Dobbins | 12/12/2005 | Pets
The Pomeranian is a lively and intelligent toy breed dog. Learn about the specifics of this breed.
Are You Ready For A Dog?
By: Lee Dobbins | 29/12/2005 | Pets
Adopting a dog is a big commitment and you need to really think about if you are ready before you start shopping for your new pet. Not only will a dog take up quite a bit of your time but there is a significant financial commitment as well. Here's some
Taking Your Pomeranian Dog On An Airplane
By: Lee Dobbins | 02/01/2007 | Pets
Can't stand to be parted from you Pomeranian even for a vacation? Here are some tips on how to take him on the airplane with you.
Minimizing The Risk Of Losing Your Dog
By: Kelly Marshall | 11/03/2007 | Pets
The reality is that there are many hundreds of dogs that are lost every year that are never located again. This is a sad statistic that most dog owners hope never happens to their beloved pet. There are some things that you can do to help minimize the risk of...
9 Steps To Puppy Crate Training Success
By: Kelly Marshall | 31/10/2006 | Automotive
Crate Training
One of the most dog friendly methods of training your pet is crate training.
Top 5 Tips For Showing Your Dog
By: Kelly Marshall | 22/03/2007 | Pets
Many people enjoy showing their dog for either championship levels and recognition for their kennel, for enjoyment of seeing their dog succeed, or for the experience it provides for the dog. There are two different types of shows; those that are for purebred animals based solely on conformation to...
Dog Training Collars Are Not All Alike
By: Lee Dobbins | 02/12/2006 | Pets
All dog training collars and not created alike in some may be more appropriate for the type of training you need to do if your dog. Here's an overview of some of the different collars available and what they are best suited for.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
My 3 lb yorkie has a probin his ears, it looks ...
By: earlybird58 | 14-05-2008
my 3 lb yorkie has a probin his ears, it looks like there are a bunch of scabs forming in his ear, can anyone tell me what this could be, and how to treat it
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my ...
By: ginger's mom | 14-05-2008
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my flower bed?
My dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but ...
By: silverrunt | 13-05-2008
my dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but my ferrets would rather play whith each other . what do i do ? PLAY as in puppy play .
How to own a Falcon in the state of california
By: MP2088 | 13-05-2008
how do u own a falcon in da state of california??????????
Dogs Disobedient When Together, Angels Rest of the Time.
By: ftsisthebest | 12-05-2008
My two dogs are really obedient when they are apart, but absolutely unmanageable when together. We've started taking them on separate walks and leashing them at all times, even though we live in the country. If we're walking and one of the Boston Terriers is alone with us, a car can drive by and they will heel. If we have both dogs out together and a car drives past, they will chase it at top speed until they can no longer see it, and not heed our "stay" or "come" commands at all.
Do fish sleep?
By: ykiki | 12-05-2008
Is there a type of fish that sleep?Is it particularly interesting?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
Exercise And Your Dog
By: Janine Carter | 17/05/2008
Are you worried that your dog doesn't get enough exercise because of a weight problem and does he just sit around all day like a couch potato?
If experts have discovered that exercise is key to human health and wellbeing, it is safe to say that your Dog will benefit from...
Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!
By: Alan Largo | 17/05/2008
Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility. Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible.
Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques
By: Birgit Hulsing | 17/05/2008
This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you...
Why People Prefer Chihuahuas Over Other Dogs?
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
As the smallest breed of dogs, Chihuahuas have been gaining increasing popularity. Spotted everywhere from the beaches of Miami to the bustling metropolis of London and New York, these dogs have also been adopted by the likes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Duff.
Why the popularity...
A Quick Guide To Buying Teacup Chihuahuas
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Teacup Chihuahuas are not an official breed of the immensely popular Chihuahua breed of dogs. In fact, major dog-related associations such as the American Kennel Club do not list "Teacup" as an official breed of the Chihuahua family. Rather, the term is derived from sellers who dub this particular species...
Taking Care Of Your Long Haired Chihuahua
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Long-haired Chihuahuas are characterized by their by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the two official versions of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. With its large eyes and erect ears, it is not difficult for people to mistake this version of the...
Tips On How To Give Your Chihuahua Pups The Proper Care
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Small in stature, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile dogs. It is thus, important for owners of Chihuahuas to be equipped with proper knowledge and tips for caring for their Chihuahua pups. Care for Chihuahua pups covers many aspects and includes socialization, safety, nutrition and health. Responsible Chihuahua owners make a checklist...
Pet Immigration; You’d Like to Immigrate, But Will Your Pets Immigrate With You?
By: Lindsay Wagner | 16/05/2008
Passports for pets are becoming increasingly popular among immigrants. There's no question about it - your pets are family. Fortunately, there's no need to cast your pets aside. Your furry friends can immigrate with you.
More from Lee Dobbins
So You're Thinking About Starting An Online Business?
By: Lee Dobbins | 27/01/2006 | ECommerce
Many people dream of working at home in their pajamas but few have the drive to take that dream into reality. Are you one of the few?
Explore Your Options For Teeth Whitening
By: Lee Dobbins | 24/01/2006 | Health
Stains from coffee, cigarettes and simply aging can turn your teeth several shades off from what they once were. Luckily there are many options for teeth whitening out on the market. Which one is right for you?
Ideas For Funding Your New Business
By: Lee Dobbins | 20/01/2006 | Finance
So, you have a great idea for a business but no money to start it with? Getting funding for your business can seem impossible, but if you really do have a good idea and a solid business plan you may be able to find more people willing to invest in your i
Tips For Designing A Unique Bedroom
By: Lee Dobbins | 19/01/2006 | Home and Family
You've finally saved up the money to redo your bedroom and you want the room to be a statement of who you are with a unique flair. Whether you are doing a major remodel or just some light redecorating, there's a few things you should think about when de
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
By: Lee Dobbins | 18/01/2006 | Health
While some people are not bothered by losing their hair, many others do not like the way it looks and would like to improve their appearance. Luckily, there are many ways to deal with thinning hair or hair loss. The variety of hair loss products on the m
Taking An Interest In Your Marriage
By: Lee Dobbins | 18/01/2006 | Marriage
Making a marriage last takes work and many couples simply just grow apart. This issue is very common in couples that marry young, and it is easy to understand. At age eighteen or twenty, you are certainly a very different person than you will be at age
See More Of The Mediterranean Region With A Cruise
By: Lee Dobbins | 15/01/2006 | Travel
If you want to get the best Mediterranean vacation for your money, you might consider a Mediterranean cruise.
Tips For Keeping Your Home Based Business On Track
By: Lee Dobbins | 15/01/2006 | Home Business
While running your own home based business might seem like a dream come true, it's also a lot of work and takes constant monitoring and good business skill to keep your business on track and increasing earnings.
Home and Family 
