SINEAD Hughes is a Dublin-based dog trainer, whose training methods are based on positive reinforcement.

Some readers might recall an Aldi dog food commercial which featured a skateboarding bulldog - Muttley, the bulldog, was trained by Hughes to skateboard in just three weeks.

When asked to explain positive reinforcement training and the benefits, Hughes told The Irish Field: “This is a reward based, force free training - a modern approach that is based on behavioural science. The result is a wonderful trusting bond formed between dog and owner.

“Where force or fear is used, for example where a check chain is used to reprimand the dog, that brakes down the bond between dog and owner.

“We want the dog to have a positive association with good behaviour. To create this positive association we simply reward the dog with something they like when they do something we want them to do,” Hughes explained. “Correct timing is essential when using positive reinforcement. The reward must occur immediately or your pet may not associate it with the proper action. The reward makes the dog more likely to repeat the same behaviour.

“Food as a reward is important in the beginning because the dog needs to be motivated. However, you won’t need to offer your dog food as a reward forever, once they continue to exhibit good behaviour you can then reward them with praise or a pat and maybe a treat every now and again. Remember anything that is rehearsed becomes habit.”

The initial stages of a dog’s training is very important. As Hughes said, “anything rehearsed becomes habit” – this can be both a gift and a curse, depending on whether the dog is repeatedly doing something you actually want it to do or not.

Few people know where to start when it comes to dog training and a puppy can very quickly make bad behaviour a habit. Employing the help of a professional dog trainer does not just involve training the dog, as Hughes explains: “It’s more about passing on a skill set to the owner and helping them put those new skills into practice. For this owners need the help of a reputable professional, who can tweek the owner’s technique and work on retraining the dog.”

Dog Trainer Sinead Hughes, BA MSc, Positive Reinforcement Trainer

Web: dogtrainersinead.com