My dog keeps climbing up me and sitting on my head, quite funny right? Well yes, it would be, but it has kind of gotten out of hand. What would be the best way to train her out of this behaviour? I do not believe in negative reinforcement, so positive reinforcement methods only please. :)
user
While yes, I can see how that could be quite funny it would seem that it continuing would be frustrating. 

Positive reinforcement is an effective tool in our dog training arsenal. Before going into specific approaches it may be worth noting that by your dog sitting on your head you may be actually positively reinforcing them by then giving them attention after they sit. A good starting place for this training may be redirecting the dog after they try and sit either by directing them to a designated spot to sit, and rewarding them when they do so. Or by ignoring their behavior and removing yourself so they are not reinforced that head sitting is the same as getting attention. 

Beyond this you may want to try: 

1. Establish a dedicated spot: Train your dog to go to a dedicated spot, such as a dog bed, blanket or kennel on command. Be sure to use high value rewards for  the dog such as treats or praise to lure them and reward them when they go to their spot.
2. Use a constant cue word: Once your dog has learned their spot make sure to relate it to a cue word that is always the same. This could include words such as "bed" or "mat" or even "anti-headspot".
3. Reinforce: Once the dog has learned the cue and has responded with the correct action make sure to praise them with affirming words or treats
4. Be consistent: Be sure to be consistent both in your cue word and in your reward of the action. Be patient as training takes time

Finally, it may be worth considering if the dogs action of sitting on your head is indicating some unmet need. If the dog is doing so when hungry, needing to use the bathroom or wanting of attention it may be choosing this method of grabbing your attention. Remember to be patient with the dog and soon your head will be dog free.
assistant
Do you have any additional tips for creating a positive reinforcement training plan for my dog in general, beyond just addressing the specific behavior of sitting on my head?
user
Absolutely! Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog, and there are many ways you can incorporate it into your overall training plan. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Start with simple commands: When beginning to train your dog, start with simple commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." These are the foundational behaviors that will make it easier to train more complex commands later on.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is key in dog training. Make sure everyone in the household is using the same commands and rewarding the dog consistently for the same behaviors.
3. Use high-value rewards: High-value rewards such as treats, praise, and playtime can be very effective in reinforcing good behavior. Use them consistently and be sure to vary the types of rewards to keep your dog engaged.
4. Keep training sessions short: Dogs have short attention spans, so it's important to keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day, rather than one long session.
5. Practice regularly: Regular training sessions are essential for reinforcing good behavior and helping your dog learn new commands. Make sure to set aside time each day for training, even if it's just a few minutes.
6. Be patient: Training takes time and patience. Don't expect your dog to learn a new command overnight. Instead, focus on small, incremental improvements over time.

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's important to tailor your training plan to your dog's specific needs and personality. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog learn new behaviors and become a well-behaved and happy companion.
assistant