Positive Dog and Puppy Training Tips All Families
Positive does NOT equal Permissive
Key Rule: Positive Puppy/Dog Training means setting clear boundaries without the use of choke chains, pinch collars, or harsh physical corrections.
1. Positive Reinforcement (R+)
Science based - solution focused dog training involves adding a reward immediately after the dog performs a desired behavior. This increases the likelihood that the dog will repeat that behavior in the future.
2. Teaching an Alternate Behavior
If you Don’t Like a behavior your dog is offering? Teach what you DO want!
Example: : Dogs jump up to get your attention. Which is exactly what they get when you say “Down…Down!..Off!” (Lots of attention!) Instead teach your dog to come to you and sit quietly in front of you to get the attention it desires. Warman Dog Training teaches this skill in all group classes and private behavior consultations.
3. Clicker Training (optional) - a positive marker
Example: A clicker is used to pinpoint the exact moment the dog does something right. The "click" tells the dog, “Good for you, a reward is coming” Much of clicker training is non-verbal. Because dogs are brilliant reading our body language, they quickly learn to watch us and pick the correct behavior. For example, teaching Down with a clicker yields fast downs with duration.
4. Shaping - breaking a complex behavior into small steps
Example: When teaching dog to "go to mat," you first (click) reward them for looking at the mat, then for stepping toward it, then for touching it, and finally for having all four paws on it. Rewards are tossed on the mat to keep the dog on the mat. Once the dog begins to OFFER going to Its mat, you have shaped a new behavior that is reinforced with tossing food rewards on the mat. With practice the rewards are gradually eliminated.
5. Redirection
Instead of scolding a dog for an unwanted behavior, you redirect them to a positive one.
Example: If a puppy is biting your hands, withdraw your attention and gently withdraw your hand. Gently put your hand in the side puppy’s collar to prevent the puppy from being able to bit you. When the puppy has settled and is no longer trying to nip you……? Talk to the puppy in a calm voice and gently pet the puppy. If the puppy tries to nip & bite you again? Repeat! Warman Dog Training Puppy Level 1 Classes & Puppy Head Start training will help your puppy to stop biting and learn to put it’s teeth only on toys, etc.
6. Consistency - Dog/Puppy Training is 24-7 follow through
Example: Consistency is Key to all dog training. Focused training sessions must be followed up with consistent expectations. Dogs learn through structure, routine and consistency. At Warman Dog Training we provide follow-up videos to help with follow up training.
7. Set your dog up for Success! Control their environment
Example: Counter Surfing: Train your dog to stay OUT of the KITCHEN. Move all food items to the back of the counter out of reach of the dog.
Example: Control the Space. Put up gates to keep your puppy from rushing the doorway or peeing on the rug.
Set your dog up for Success.
Control your Dog’s Environment
May 13. 2026
Written By Warman Dog Training - Jen Scheidt
If a dog can't practice a bad habit, they can't get reinforced for it.
Example: rushing and barking at the door when visitors arrive.
Solution: Put up a gate to prevent the dog from rushing the door and teach your dog to settle on it’s mat when the doorbell rings.
Example: Counter Surfing (browsing the kitchen counter)
Solution: Train your dog to stay out of the kitchen. Reward your dog for staying out of the kitchen. This skill is covered in Warman Dog Training classes and is a focus skill in private dog training in your home. Consistency is key. All family members must follow through with this training.
Solution: Keep food items at the back of the counter (control the environment) Train the dog to stay out of the kitchen.
Chaos to Calm:
Why In-Home Dog Training is a Game Changer!
Feb 11, 2026
Written By Warman Dog Training - Jen Scheidt
Most Dogs are GREAT!!! 90% of the time BUT!!! that other 10%
barking - lunging - nipping & biting - leash-reactivity - counter surfing, etc.
Why 1-1 Training for Adult Dogs is the Best Option.
Jen at Warman Dog Training will address your specific concerns and find solutions for your situation.
1-1 Training allows you and your dog to focus on learning.
Shy or Reactive dogs feel much safer in a familiar space, which leads to faster comprehension.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement.
Teaches the dog ‘what you want’ versus ‘corrections’ which discourage learning by instilling fear in the dog.
For example, instead of scolding a dog for jumping up, we reward them for keeping four feet on the floor.
Positive Dog Training strengthens the bond between you and your dog, who tries to please to be rewarded.
Your dog is willing to try harder to receive a reward instead of being afraid of a correction.
Rewards are your dog’s favorite things: Food, Toys, Pets, and praise equal positive reinforcement.
What to Expect in a Consultation.
Observation: Jen will watch how your dog interacts with their environment and you.
Goal Setting: Jen will listen to your concerns and develop a training plan for you.
Hands-On-Training: Jen will work with your dog to demonstrate techniques, then coach you through them.
Homework: Jen will give you a plan to follow up and send videos to support your training.
Time allotment: Jen will work with for 1-1.5 hours per training session
Positive Puppy Training Tips
Nov 19, 2025
Written By Warman Dog Training - Jen Scheidt
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting-but it can also be overwhelming!
Positive training helps your puppy learn with confidence.
At Warman Dog Training, we focus on solution-focused, reward-based positive dog training methods that build lasting good behavior.
‘Positive does Not equal Permissive’
Structure-Routine-Consistency are the Keys to Positive Dog Training.
Keep training Sessions Short and Fun: Puppies have short attention spans. Aim for 2-5 minute sessions filled with encouragement and end with play. Always end on a positive note so your puppy looks forward to the next training session.
Use rewards that motivate: Use your puppy's daily food to train in the house, in a low-distraction environment. Do not leave food out in a dish all day; use it for training instead. After foundation training indoors, take the training outdoors or to more distracting environments. Upgrade with treats, such as hot dogs, cheese, etc., when you move outdoors or come to puppy class.
Be Consistent: Everyone in your home should use the same cues and expectations. To help with family training, book a Puppy In-home private training session with Jen at Warman Dog Training. Consistency helps your puppy understand what is expected, making training smoother for your family and the puppy.
Stay Patient and Positive: Never punish your puppy for mistakes; instead, teach what you want it to learn. Redirect and reward the right behavior. Patience, Structure, Routine and Consistency are key.
At Warman Dog Training, we make learning fun for both dogs and their humans.
Options: Head Start In-home Training, Puppy classes, or Private Behavior consultations.
Book: Head start Puppy Training sessions, group Puppy Classes or Adult Dog Private Training Sessions.
Serving Warman, Martensville, Saskatoon, and the surrounding area.