Positive reinforcement training method

Dogs learn when being rewarded for good behaviour. Teaching your dog to perform an action or behaviour in order to gain a reward is known as positive reinforcement. The reward must be something your dog enjoys, such as a pat, verbal praise, a chew toy or most commonly a treat. This is the most basic form of positive reinforcement training and effectively communicates to your dog that they displayed the correct behaviour.

Only reward your dog for correct behaviours and ignore unwanted behaviours. Dogs are pack animals and respond to their leader. The reward demonstrates your leadership without using punishment.

A properly trained hunting dog must:

• be stock proofed and show no interest in any other animal apart from the target animals
• be socialised with other dogs and people of all ages and sizes
• be easily controlled at all times.

If a dog displays anti-social, aggressive or undesirable behaviour, it should not be used for hunting.

Never strike your dog for doing the wrong thing. One simple act of punishment may be impossible to rectify.