PET BEHAVIOR
Training and Re-Training Your Pet
Types of Behavior Training:
There are several types of behavior training you can use with your pets. Operant Conditioning uses manipulation to increase or decrease a behavior. The 2 main categories are reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcement increases a behavior while punishment, in this case, means decreasing a behavior. Reinforcement and punishment can be broken down into 2 further categories: positive and negative. Any time you add something to your training session, it would be considered positive (i.e. positive reinforcement and positive punishment). Any time you remove something from your training session, it would be considered negative (i.e. negative reinforcement and negative punishment).
Practice Makes Perfect:
Whatever type of behavior training you decide to do, timing and consistency are key. You need to reinforce or react to your dog’s behavior immediately. The treat (if you choose positive reinforcement) itself should not be a crunchy or large treat. By the time your pet is done chewing, they will have forgotten why they got the treat! Reinforce good behavior quickly and frequently so that your pet understands he/she should continue the behavior regardless if they received a treat or not.
Tips for Keeping your Pet Healthy in General and During Training:
Remember: an exercised pet is a well behaved pet! Find your dog’s favorite activity and do it frequently! The more exercise your pet gets, the happier they will be and the better they will behave.
When you’re shopping for treats, keep in mind how often your pet is going to get the treat. If you’re in the middle of training, opt for small or breakable, non-crunchy treats. Make sure the treat is low fat and high in protein! Stay away from smelly, super meaty treats. If you can’t resist buying something fancy, make sure to check that the first ingredient is indeed meat. The more natural the better the treat!
Consider Investing in Pet Insurance
Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Our dog insurance and cat insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your furry family members deserve. Get your free quote today.
Need Pet Insurance?
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.