Click on the graphic to learn more about the iSpeakDog campaign, a free educational website that helps you learn what your dog is doing and why.
Training plays a crucial role in helping any animal with behavior challenges, improving behavior that may keep an animal from being adopted, and keeping animals with families who may otherwise think giving up an animal is the only way to fix a problem. Understanding basic animal behavior and positive reinforcement training techniques is critical in helping to educate the public in conscientious animal ownership and directing them to resources that provide support and potential solutions. And, as animal advocates, PawsCo supports and only uses positive reinforcement training techniques.
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is a dog training method based on the scientific principle that behaviors followed by pleasant outcomes are more likely to be repeated. In practice, this means you reward your dog immediately after they do something you want—like sitting when asked—by giving them something they really enjoy. This “something” could be a treat, a favorite toy, praise, petting, or even allowing them to do something fun, like sniffing on a walk. The key is that the reward must be meaningful to your dog, so they are motivated to repeat the behavior in the future. Over time, your dog learns to associate good behavior with good things happening, which naturally encourages them to make better choices.
Learn more about positive reinforcement here.
Why does PawsCo prefer this approach?
Many of the animals that we take in to the rescue have been neglected and/or abused. Punishing these animals can cause further emotional and mental harm. Using force-free training/positive techniques will build confidence and help the animals overcome their fears, improve the bond between pet and owner, and provide long-lasting behavioral improvements.
Many of the animals that we take in to the rescue have been neglected and/or abused. Punishing these animals can cause further emotional and mental harm. Using force-free training/positive techniques will build confidence and help the animals overcome their fears, improve the bond between pet and owner, and provide long-lasting behavioral improvements.
Science has proven that animals learn best when free of pain, fear, and coercion, and has found positive reinforcement to be more effective with longer lasting results than traditional methods. This is because the underlying cause of a problem behavior is addressed and all new behaviors are made by choice rather than force.
Why PawsCo makes training a priority
- Early puppy socialization is the best way to prevent behavior problems in adult dogs, which decreases the likelihood of dogs ending up back in the rescue system as adults.
- Good manners make companion animals more adoptable and less likely to become homeless again.
- Early interventions prevent minor issues from becoming significant behavior problems down the road.
- Promoting a positive, force-free approach to training and behavior adjustment is our responsibility to our community, to the companion animals whose well-being is our responsibility, and to our goal of reducing pet homelessness.
As a rescue, we have learned a fair share of doggy traits, however, we are not professionals, and the links provided should be used for informational purposes only. PawsCo does not guarantee the information provided on this website. Please contact training@pawscoadoptions.org if you need behavioral help with your foster animal, and the Training Team can connect you with resources and/or a professional trainer for support as needed