Just Dogs

Positive Training - Equals positive experience with your dog

28 Apr 2010

(By Maria Korup)

 Just Dogs would like to share our very positive experience of a workshop we attended at Dogs Trust in Glasgow with some other doggie loving friends.

The training was run by dog behaviourist George Paparakis, who engaged the audience the whole way through the workshop with his friendly and logical approach. George works for Dogs Trust as their training and behaviour advisor and is responsible for the behaviour modification of dogs within the centre and those that had been re-homed. Furthermore he runs various courses and training sessions.  He also offer training through his company Pawblems Solved .

Just Dogs promotes training using positive reinforcement techniques so this Workshop was ideal for us to top up on our knowledge.

This fantastic workshop has not only given us more insight into the very useful theory behind positive reinforcement training and its benefits but also provided us with lots of tips regarding practical training tools and methods to enhance our understanding of our beloved canine companions.   

To put it all into perspective, we can use an example from the workshop of an aggressive dog. The method used by George was to place the aggressive dog and a non aggressive dog at a far enough distance  from each other to ensure that there was no aggressive reaction. As soon as the aggressive dog looked in the direction of the other dog without doing anything else, the owner fed the dog a treat and praised him. By just looking at the dog or in the direction of the other dog it was important to create a positive association so that the aggressive dog associated seeing another dogs with receiving treats.  This would allow the owner to gradually move closer to the other dog without any reaction.

 This is just a brief summary of one small example but gives you an idea of the essence of the training which focuses on creating a much more positive environment for both you and the dog. As well as showing results, the training becomes fun and encourages the dog to learn by exploring and getting rewarded as suppose to being yelled at and yanked on a choke chain lead. By teaching your dog that it will be rewarded when performing desirable behaviour you will encourage your dog to develop and at the same time grow confident and happy.   

For more advice on positive reinforcement training please feel free to come and have a chat with us in the shop or visit George’s website at www.Pawblemssolved.co.uk.

George will be running more Workshops so if you live locally don’t forget to check back to his site or the Dogs Trust Glasgow website.  We would certainly recommend the workshops!

Note: This image was taken from the following website Pet Club UK Website

• By Gemma Johnstone
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