Out with the Old: Why Harsh Training Techniques Don’t Work
For too long, dog training has relied on dominance and punishment methods, which often cause more harm than good. Methods like shouting, leash jerking, or using intimidation might stop certain behaviours in the moment, but they don’t help your dog feel secure or understood. Without trust, there can’t be true learning or lasting results.
As highlighted in our recent At Home with Marltons podcast with local dog training experts, Andre and Sharon Van Schalkwyk, modern training is all about connection, not control.
When dogs feel safe and understood, they’re more confident, more willing to learn, and much happier. Positive reinforcement creates confidence, which in turn leads to long-term behaviour change.
The Five Tips for Successful Training
1. Be Consistent
Dogs thrive on routine and clear signals. Use the same words and gestures each time so your dog can quickly connect the dots. Mixed messages lead to confusion and slower progress.
Clear communication is everything. Dogs don’t speak our language, so we need to make our signals as simple and consistent as possible.
2. Keep Sessions Short & Fun
Training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. Stick to short, focused sessions (5–10 minutes at a time), and always end on a positive note. This keeps your dog engaged and eager to learn.
Training isn’t just a “lesson”, it can be built into everyday life. Moments like mealtimes, walks, or playtime are natural opportunities to reinforce good behaviour.
3. Use Rewards, Not Punishment
Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime. Positive reinforcement motivates your dog to repeat desired actions. Punishment, on the other hand, can damage trust and create anxiety.
When it comes to rewards, healthy snacks make all the difference:
Marltons Originals Beef Training Bites are protein-packed, high-value bite-sized treats made from 100% real meat, perfect for rewarding good behaviour in the moment.
Marltons Veggie Bites offer a delicious, wholesome vegetable option for pet parents who want a healthy, plant-based alternative.
Both ranges are tasty, nutritious, and sized just right for training sessions, making it easy to reinforce positive behaviour without overfeeding.
4. Be Patient & Positive
Every dog learns at their own pace. Celebrate small wins and be patient with setbacks. Encouragement and kindness go much further than frustration.
The Van Schalkwyk trainers reminded us that progress is often “two steps forward, one step back”, and that’s completely normal.
5. Set Your Dog Up for Success
Make it easy for your dog to succeed. Begin training in quiet, distraction-free environments and gradually progress to more challenging situations. Always set realistic expectations.
Building a Stronger Bond
Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about communication, trust, and building a happy relationship with your dog. By focusing on positive methods, healthy rewards, and these training tips, you’ll create a confident, well-behaved companion who truly enjoys learning.
At Marltons, we believe in training that reflects care, authenticity, and trust. Because a well-trained dog isn’t just easier to live with, they’re happier, healthier, and more connected to you.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into expert advice? Listen to our full podcast episode on dog training.
