Wondering how to sort through the various kinds of training and what's right for your dog?
We know from our own Mighty Paw crew of dogs how many questions come up when you're figuring out the right training for your very individual dog. Don't worry -- we've got you covered!
Training your dog is more than just teaching basic cues —it’s about building communication, fostering trust, and ensuring your pup thrives in your household and life together.
Whether you're a new dog parent or an experienced dog lover, equipping yourself with the right dog training techniques (and the right tools) can make a world of difference in your dog's behavior and well-being.
Let's dive in and talk about different types of common dog training methods that fulfill various needs, from basic manners to advanced skills. No matter your dog’s age or temperament, there are training methods to bring out your pup's best self positively.
Positive reinforcement dog training: The foundation for trust and success
At the heart of success in every kind of training with your dog is the common sense and science-based dog training approach: positive reinforcement.
Solid professional dog trainers know that dogs learn best when you build your bond of trust in every communication and experience together. That's why positive reinforcement training -- reinforcing behaviors you want to see with treats, praise, favorite toys -- is how every truly successful dog trainer teaches and trains dogs.
A dog training pro tip and watchout: You may come across the term "balanced dog training" when you're looking for a dog trainer. Avoid anyone who uses this euphemism in describing their training program. "Balanced" means that they use aversive methods that punish or make your dog feel pain to register unwanted behaviors as part of their training for your dog (with some positive techniques in the mix to some degree). If you're looking for a professional dog trainer, always go with a certified 100% positive, force-free trainer.
To be clear, you only want to use 100% positive reinforcement (0 punitive or aversive techniques, no intimidation) for effectiveness and to keep your relationship with your dog healthy and happy. Dogs love learning how to communicate WITH you and be rewarded as they make good choices under your positive guidance.
Using a totally positive, reinforcing approach sets your dog up for success through any or all of the following types of training!
Basic obedience or manners dog training: Building blocks of a well-behaved dog
Basic manners or obedience training lays the groundwork for a happy dog who is comfortable and at ease in the world. It involves teaching essential cues that support your dog in listening and responding in everyday situations. Some of the go-to, useful cues include:
- Sit: A fundamental cue to calm your dog and establish a grounding in the moment.
- Stay: Vital for safety, especially in potentially dangerous environments.
- Come: Essential for recall, ensuring your pup returns to you promptly when called.
Other cues can be part of your basic communication with your dog depending on your lifestyle. You'll want to have a good check-in cue such as "touch" or "look" to use in different situations when you and your dog need to connect, reward, and redirect to proceed with whatever is the next good choice.
Pro tips for effective manners training:
- Keep sessions short: Aim for 10–15 minutes per session to keep your dog engaged.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime whenever your pup follows a cue with the desired behavior.
- Be consistent: Use the same verbal commands and gestures for each behavior to avoid confusing your dog. And make sure every member of your family is consistent too!
With patience and consistency, you'll start see your dog embracing the basics as second nature.
Behavioral dog training: Causes and replacements for common behavioral issues
Behavioral training focuses on understanding and gradually replacing unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, jumping, leash pulling, chewing, or fearful reactivity with calm and wanted behaviors. Every dog is unique, and certain behaviors are often linked to underlying factors like anxiety, fearfulness, boredom, overexcitement, or lack of socialization.
Pro tip: Making sure your dog gets plenty of mental and physical stimulation and exercise can go a long way toward making many behavioral issues non-issues, or at least so much easier to manage.
A couple common examples of how behavioral training works:
- Excessive barking: The key is to identify the trigger (e.g., doorbells, passersby) and anticipate these triggers before they happen when possible. That way you can begin redirecting and rewarding your dog for looking at you and staying calm before the barking starts.
- Chewing: For dogs, chewing is a hardwired instinct and one of the primary ways dogs naturally self-soothe when they're feeling anxious or have excess energy or stress. Chewing releases feel-good hormones in dogs' brains, calming and centering them. Chewing is not really a behavioral issue -- dogs just need access to the right things to chew on instead of your favorite, most expensive shoes. Try a nutritious, safer chew like a yak chew or bully stick. And remember mental and physical exercise (see above!).
Behavioral dog training thrives on positive reinforcement. Reward your dog generously with high-value treats for displaying the desired behavior, and ignore or redirect undesirable actions. Remember to reward your dog immediately to solidify the association with the wanted behavior. Having a marker word like "yes!" and/or using a clicker makes it easier to mark the behavior in the nanosecond when it happens as you deliver the treat.
Clicker training
What is clicker training?
Clicker training is a method that uses a small, handheld device, the clicker, that makes a clicking sound to mark desired behaviors. The “click” lets your dog know instantly he/she has done something right, followed by an immediate reward.
Benefits of clicker training
- Clear communication with your dog - Dogs associate the behavior that happened just before/almost simultaneously with the reward. A clicker is the quickest way to clearly connect the behavior and the reward in your dog's mind.
- Faster learning of new cues or tricks
- Strengthening of the bond between you and your dog
How to get started with clicker training
- Introduce the clicker: Press the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat. Repeat this to show your dog that a “click” means a reward is coming.
- Add a behavior: Use the clicker to mark desirable behavior (e.g., sitting), followed by a treat.
- Add a cue: Once your dog repeats the behavior, pair it with a verbal cue (e.g., “sit”).
With regular practice, your dog will quickly associate the clicker with positive reinforcement and learn cues faster and retain them.
House or potty training
Teach your dog where (and when) to go potty
Potty training is an essential part of raising your dog to be a seamless part of your family life. Consistency and patience are key whether you're working with a puppy or an older dog.
Strategies for success
- Stick to a schedule: Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Beyond that, watch for signs your pup needs to go between regular trips outside. Even better, make a "tinkle bell" or "smart bell" part of your training to give your dog a voice and sense of control in the matter.
- Use a cue word: Pair the action with a simple word or phrase, like “go potty” to help your dog associate the behavior with the cue word.
- Praise and reward: Celebrate successes immediately with verbal praise and treats.
Common mistakes to avoid when potty training
- Punishment for accidents: Any punitive reaction or reprimand can confuse your dog and create fear. Instead, clean up accidents without drawing attention to them. If you happen to catch your dog in the act, whisk your pup outside happily and quickly, then praise profusely for finishing outside (or even just to give your dog the idea that outside is where the celebration happens).
- Ignoring signs: You always want to anticipate when your dog wants to go and watch for signals like sniffing or circling so you can set your pup up for success by getting outside before anything happens. Then you can celebrate with generous rewards!
Crate training
Why crate training matters
Crate training is not about confinement—it’s about creating a safe space for your dog, similar to a den. When done correctly, this form of training can help with house-training, managing separation anxiety, and ensuring your dog’s safety when you’re not around.
Tips for effective crate training
- Introduce the crate gradually: Leave the crate open and place treats or toys inside to encourage curiosity.
- Make it comfortable: Add soft bedding to make it cozy.
- Avoid negative associations: Never use the crate as punishment.
With time, the crate will become a place your dog enters willingly when your pup needs rest or security. Crate training can be a useful, comforting tool to have in your repertoire with your dog when you need it.
Agility training
Build confidence and burn energy
Agility training isn’t just for show dogs—it’s an excellent way to stimulate your pup mentally and physically while strengthening your bond. This type of training involves guiding your dog through an obstacle course that may include hurdles, tunnels, and weave poles. It can be challenging and fun for both the dog and dog parent!
Getting started with agility training
- Invest in basic equipment: Start with simple items like a small jump bar or a tunnel. For all training as well as walks or outdoor activities, you'll want to have a reliable, comfortable harness with dual clips along with a sturdy standard leash handy.
- Train in short sessions: Keep training light-hearted with lots of encouragement. Keep it fun!
- Start slow: Focus on one piece of equipment at a time before combining them into a sequence.
Agility training provides an outlet for high-energy dogs and can boost their confidence. Your dog doesn't have to be a border collie to thrive with agility training. Dachshunds/dachshund mixes, for example, can be blindingly quick and smart and love to run, chase, and figure things out. But... their short legs and long bodies with vulnerable backs mean an agility course adjustment to extremely low or no hurdles. As with all training, adjust to do what works best for your dog.
Agility is not for all dogs, but for dogs who love it, it can be pure joy!
Training is an ongoing, lifelong process that allows you to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. From basic manners to mastering agility courses, there’s no shortage of ways to engage your dog and keep your pup thriving.
Every dog is different -- always listen, watch, and stay in sync to know what your dog needs when. Set your dog up for success at every turn and you'll both be celebrating! Start with small steps, celebrate victories, and enjoy the process of learning together.
Here's to the fun of learning and life with your dog!
We believe in helping dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives with you. We're dedicated to supporting you in the lifelong process of learning and optimizing your life together, in adventures large and small. Training to help your dog feel confident and comfortable everywhere by your side is an important part of your best life together.
That's why we're committed to bringing you high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your dog living the good life with you.
