As most books and websites will tell you, the basis for training an animal is reinforcement of commands and disciplines. Lab puppies like Jazz are no different. Like human children, helping you're dog identify what is "right" and "wrong" early in life is essential to their training. I learned early with Jazz that a puppy's curiosity is what guides their natural decisions, and if left unchecked, can lead to a disastrous relationship. In order to curtail her natural curiosities and destructive playfulness, I chose the route of constant attention that was rewarded with treats and more attention when Jazz followed commands, instead of punishing her for anything and everything she did wrong.
As noted on the "
Dog Training Secrets" website:
"This philosophy believes that animals are much better behaved and easier to train when they’re earning rewards and praise than if they’re being punished.
Punishment and negative reinforcement training has actually been proven to cause aggression and unwanted behaviors. "
Given that that logic applies to all living creatures, I thought it made for an interesting, and later fulfilling piece of advice to follow in training my Labrador.
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