Starting to use positive reinforcement techniques with an untrained dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to approach the training process with patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. Here are some steps you can follow to start using positive reinforcement techniques with a dog that has not been trained before:

1. Set realistic expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations when working with an untrained dog. Remember that training takes time, patience, and consistency. It’s also important to understand that dogs are individuals and may learn at different rates.
2. Identify your dog’s motivators: The next step is to identify what motivates your dog. This will help you determine what rewards to use during training. Common motivators include treats, toys, and praise.
3. Start with basic commands: The first commands to teach an untrained dog are basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These commands are easy to teach and provide a foundation for more advanced training later on.
4. Use positive reinforcement: When teaching your dog basic commands, use positive reinforcement techniques. For example, when teaching your dog to sit, hold a treat above their head and say “sit.” When your dog sits, give them the treat and praise them with “good sit!” Repeat this process several times until your dog understands what you are asking them to do.
5. Keep training sessions short: Training sessions should be short, no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. This will help keep your dog engaged and prevent them from becoming bored or frustrated.
6. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training an untrained dog. Make sure to use the same commands and rewards every time you train. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them and reinforce good behavior.
7. Be patient: Remember that training an untrained dog takes time and patience. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t learn a command right away. Take a break and come back to it later.

In conclusion, starting to use positive reinforcement techniques with an untrained dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. By setting realistic expectations, identifying your dog’s motivators, starting with basic commands, using positive reinforcement, keeping training sessions short, being consistent, and being patient, you can successfully train your dog and strengthen your bond with them.