Authored by: Barbara Buchmayer

Positive training is a powerful, kind, and science-backed way to help your dog learn. Whether you’re raising a puppy, training an adult dog, or helping a rescue settle into their new life, positive training builds trust and cooperation without fear or punishment. It’s about reinforcing what your dog does right—so they do it again!

How Positive Training Works

Positive training relies on rewards—anything your dog finds valuable—to encourage the behaviors you want. Instead of correcting mistakes with force or fear, we set dogs up to succeed and reward them for making good choices.

Here’s the basic idea:

Catch your dog doing something good, mark it with a word like “yes” or a click, then give a reward to tell your dog what you like.
Ignore or redirect behavior you don’t want, without punishment.
Stay consistent, and your dog learns what earns them good things.

This approach not only creates clear communication but also helps your dog feel safe, confident, and eager to learn.

Common Types of Positive Reinforcement

You can use a variety of rewards, depending on your dog’s preferences:

Food – Treats are the easiest and most popular reward.
Toys – Play is a powerful motivator for many dogs.
Praise – Some dogs love to hear “good dog!”
Touch – Petting or belly rubs can be reinforcing.
Life rewards – Things your dog wants: going for a walk, sniffing a tree, or getting to greet a friend.

You can mix and match rewards to keep training fun and meaningful for your dog.

Great for Puppies and Rescue Dogs

Puppies benefit from positive training early—it helps with bite inhibition, socialization, house training, and learning basic skills like “sit” and “come.”
Rescue or adopted dogs often need help building trust. Positive methods help them feel safe while they learn how to live in their new home. Many rescue dogs are fearful or anxious; training through rewards helps them feel secure and builds confidence without overwhelming them.

Everyday Examples of Positive Training

Enrichment activities: Use food puzzles, snuffle mats, or scatter feeding to reward calm behavior and provide mental stimulation.
Dog sports: Teach basic skills that can grow into your favorite dog sport—including agility, nose work, herding, disc dog, rally obedience, and more!
At home: Ask for a “sit” before meals, reward quiet behavior at the door, or reinforce leash manners with treats or praise.

Getting started is simple: Keep sessions short, use rewards your dog truly enjoys, and set them up for success. While positive training is straightforward, it does take thought and consistency. You can begin by watching videos, reading books, or joining a local or online class. Having support along the way can make a big difference as you and your dog learn together.

With positive training, learning becomes a joyful experience—for both of you. Whether your goal is a well-mannered companion or a focused working dog, you can build it on a foundation of kindness and cooperation.

Enrichment Games Workshop – Session 1

Enrichment Games Workshop – Session 2

Enrichment Games Workshop – Session 3

Barbara’s Books