Dog trainer gentle methods, positive dog training

Positive dog training: What gentle methods do dog trainers use?

On 2025-11-12

In Pet News

POSITIVE DOG TRAINING: WHAT GENTLE METHODS DO DOG TRAINERS USE?

 

Faced with traditional methods based on coercion and correction, positive dog training has become the go-to approach for training balanced, confident, and cooperative dogs. This gentle method is all the more relevant given recent legislation, such as the Decree of June 19, 2025, which aims to restrict the use of coercive tools by professionals.

But what exactly is positive dog training? It is a scientific approach based on learning and reinforcing desired behaviors.

ServicesPourAnimaux explains the three methodological pillars used by certified dog trainers.

 

1. The Fundamental Pillar: Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of this method. The goal is to make the occurrence of a behavior pleasant for the dog so that it will want to repeat it.

_ How does it work?: As soon as the dog or puppy performs the desired action, such as sitting, coming, or staying calm, it immediately receives a reward that increases the likelihood of repeating the behavior.

_ Rewards: These are varied and must be highly valued by the dog.

Food rewards: Treats, small pieces of meat, cheese...

Social rewards: Petting, enthusiastic praise, play...

 

2. The educational pillar: Desensitization and counter-conditioning

Positive dog training is not just about teaching commands; it is essential for managing fears and reactivity such as barking and aggression.

_ Desensitization: This involves exposing the dog to the object or situation that frightens it (for example: another dog, a bicycle, a noise...) at a very low intensity and from a great distance. The goal is never to provoke fear but to gradually accustom the animal with patience and calmness.

_ Counter-conditioning: This involves changing the animal's emotional perception. As soon as the dog or puppy sees the stressful element, it receives a reward. The dog eventually associates the negative element with something positive (the treat, etc.) and its fear diminishes.

_ The dog trainer's service: These techniques require rigor and a great deal of patience. The dog trainer determines the safe distance, also known as the reaction threshold, and designs a protocol to make it effective without traumatizing the dog.

 

3. The relational pillar: Enrichment and communication

Positive dog training is based on respect for the canine species and improving the human-dog relationship.

_ Calming signals: Dog trainers teach dog owners to decode a dog's calming signals, such as yawning, lip licking, and averting their gaze. Understanding these signals helps avoid stressful situations and prevent bites.

_ Environmental enrichment: The dog trainer shows how to meet a dog's basic needs, such as chewing, sniffing, and olfactory stimulation, to prevent boredom, a source of destruction and hyperactivity.

_ The dog coach service: By focusing on animal welfare and mutual understanding, the dog trainer builds trust rather than forced obedience, making the dog more cooperative and reliable in everyday life.

 

In summary: Investing in positive dog training with a dog trainer or puppy school is investing in your dog's well-being and balance. Easily find a certified dog trainer near you on ServicesPourAnimaux.

 

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