The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training

Book excerpt: The Complete Idiot s Guide to Positive Dog Training, Second Edition, takes more of a purist approach to positive training. Punishment-based training methods have long been the standard when it comes to teaching puppies new commands and correcting aggressive behavior, but these methods have limited effectiveness when it comes to training older dogs as well as some potential consequences for puppies. More and more trainers are practicing positive training methods, based on a system of rewards and encouragement, to elicit the same behavioral goals. However, some trainers who claim to embrace the new methods still cling to many of the old practices, such as choke collars. This book shows readers how to use positive training to teach basic commands and housetraining and to correct a host of problem behaviors without resorting to the old ways.