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Positive reinforcement key to dogs and domestic bliss

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Jade Lee-Duffy
Many people are starting the year with a new addition to the family: a dog or puppy. And, as these furry four-legged companions bring joy to the household, they require effort and training to be your perfect pet. Dog trainers Rosemarie Tang (www.petbehaviourhk.-com/follow-up.html) and Welshman Mark Peters (www.wishyouwereherehk.com) share their top canine tips.

One of the most important things to remember in teaching your dog, says animal trainer and behaviour counsellor Tang, is to stop hurtful training and use positive methods. 'There's never an excuse to hurt a dog when you train a dog, force isn't necessary,' Tang says. 'We must stop dominance-based and punitive training methods. There's no science there and dogs don't learn anything except to fear us.'

Rosemarie Tang's Dog Training Tips

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Tip 1: Work with dogs' natural drives and instincts, not against them

Understanding canine behaviour is the key to becoming a better trainer for your dog. Motivate dogs using treats or toys, or use clicker training. Jumping up and biting are natural dog instincts, so you need to know where the dog is coming from. Since it is instinctive, you can't work against it, if you knee them or push them, any contact will be reinforcing to the dog.

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Tip 2: Nothing for free - train good dog manners

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