Animal Training Tips and Guidelines
- Connor Skripitsky
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Got a new puppy, rescue, cat, or other animal that needs training? Trying to break a bad habit or teach an old dog new tricks? Piko can help you do it safely, humanely, and effectively. Find out about the best animal training tips and guidelines.
There are lots of methods out there for training animals and lots of information that is not always 100% accurate. With so much information, it is easy to get confused about what methods are best for your pet. Some methods can even be harmful to a pet’s mental and physical well-being.
Piko does not support punishment, correction tools, or negative reinforcement. We stand for harm-free, humane training practices endorsed by the SPCA and the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB) for all animal training.
In this article, we will go over:
Common myths and misconceptions about animal training
Why Positive Reinforcement is the most effective method
Tips for building a loving, healthy relationship with your pet through training
Debunking Dominance Theory
Dominance Theory is the training school of thought that treats domesticated animals like wild ones. It uses intimidation and force to coerce an animal into obedience.
Not only is this practice harmful and wrong, but it also does not result in a truly obedient pet — only one that is scared of you. Dominance Theory has been proven ineffective and often causes long-term disobedience, fear, and a damaged pet-to-owner relationship.
Why Aversive Training Does Not Work
Aversive training uses negative stimuli and punishment to induce a desired behavior. It is inhumane, outdated, and ineffective.
Aversive methods to avoid (both in training at home or when researching professional trainers) include:
Restricting movement
Striking, hitting, or pinching
Pinning down or kneeling on animals
Physically or verbally harsh corrections
Choke chains, prong collars, or devices that shock animals (such as collars, fencing, or prods)
(Source: SPCA)
The Four Types of Conditioning
✅ Positive Reinforcement: Adding something to increase a desired behavior. Example: giving a treat, praise, or play when your pet performs the correct behavior.
❌ Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase a desired behavior. This requires introducing unpleasant stimuli first, which is generally inhumane.
❌ Positive Punishment: Adding punishment to reduce undesired behavior. Often involves yelling or hitting, which is both cruel and ineffective.
✅ Negative Punishment: Removing a reward to reduce undesired behavior. Example: ignoring your dog when they jump on you, instead of rewarding them with attention.
Best Practices for Humane Training
Training your pet should always be safe, fun, and built on trust. Here are key tips to make the process smoother and more effective:
Keep sessions short and fun
Aim for 5 to 15 minutes per session, repeated a few times a day. Pets, especially young ones, learn best in short bursts.
Be consistent with commands
Always use the same words, tone, and gestures. For example, stick to “come” instead of switching between “come” and “come here.”
Reward quickly and clearly
Timing matters. Give rewards immediately after the desired behavior so your pet makes the connection.
Use high-value rewards
For distracting environments, use extra special treats like chicken or cheese. Some pets prefer toys, play, or affection — tailor the reward to what motivates them.
Be patient and realistic
Training takes time, especially for rescues or older pets. Celebrate small wins and focus on progress, not perfection.
End on a positive note
Finish each session with a simple task your pet can succeed at, followed by a reward.
Socialize safely and gradually
Expose your pet to new people, animals, and environments at a pace that feels safe. Positive socialization builds confidence and prevents fear later.
Avoid punishment
Yelling, hitting, or harsh corrections only create fear. Stick to positive reinforcement or gentle negative punishment (like ignoring jumping).
Use clicker training as a tool
The clicker helps mark the exact moment your pet performs the right behavior, creating clear communication.
Set up for success
Manage your pet’s environment. For example, keep shoes out of reach while teaching a puppy not to chew. Preventing bad habits is easier than breaking them later.
Practice in different environments
Start at home, then gradually add distractions. A “sit” in your living room does not always translate to the park.
Know when to take a break
If your pet seems stressed, distracted, or tired, pause the training and try again later.
Seek professional help if needed
Look for certified trainers who use positive reinforcement. Always confirm their methods are humane and evidence-based.
Building a Stronger Bond With Piko
At Piko, we know pets are family. Training is not about control — it is about communication and connection. By using humane methods and celebrating your pet’s personality, you create not only good behavior but also a lasting, loving relationship.
Use Piko to:
Share your training journey
Swap tips with other pet parents
Discover local trainers and businesses who share your values
Together, we can make training safe, positive, and fun for every pet.
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