Any dog owner will likely tell you that their dog seems more like a human member of the family than a canine. There's some truth to this as dogs respond to outside influences in many of the same ways people do, especially when it comes to positive reinforcement.

Robinwood Kennel, a Highland Heights, KY, pet boarding and grooming service, shares a few tips to train your dog with positive reinforcement:

• Proper Timing is Essential: Yelling at or chastising dogs for bad behavior can be confusing. They simply does not understand why you are so upset. Rewards for good behavior are more understandable. In rewarding your dog for good behavior, the timing has to be just right—few seconds should pass between the behavior and the reward, and immediate reward is ideal.
• Be Consistent: Every time you see your dog behaving properly, reward him or her right away. This further solidifies the connection between good behavior and positive rewards. Examples might include, "Every time I sit on command, I get a treat" or "Every time I come when called, I get a belly rub."
• Use Short, Concise Commands: A long, drawn-out command will stump your dog. Make sure you are using brief, succinct, commanding phrases like "Sit," "Come," "Stay," "Heel," "Lie down," "Drop it," etc. The shorter the command, the more likely it is to stick in your dog's mind.
• Make The Rewards Worth The Effort: Always reward with things your dog likes. Healthy treats, strokes and rubs, and enthusiastic, loving words are all good choices.

If you're in Northern Kentucky, you can trust Robinwood Kennel for all your pet daycare, cat and dog boarding, and grooming needs. Call (859) 781-2352 today to book a temporary stay for your four-legged friend.