Ideas

Tips and Ideas

Wikipedia says this about dog training,

Dog training is the application of behavior analysis which uses the environmental events of antecedents and consequences to modify the behavior of a dog, either for it to assist in specific activities or undertake particular tasks, or for it to participate effectively in contemporary domestic life.

My definition is somewhat simpler. Dog training is teaching the dog to do what we want, how we want, when and where we want, and additionally to teach the dog to not do the things we don't want him to do.

That being said here's some tips and ideas that I hope will prove useful.

Always set your dog up to succeed. We all know about choosing a familiar and comfortable environment with no distractions but also make the task simple, small, and easy. Build on many small success's. Avoid failures. Practice many times a day with short two and three minute sessions.

Get attention, maintain focus. Make training sessions fun and happy.

Remember there must ALWAYS be a reason for the student to perform the task.

When teaching the student what you want him to do, a positive action results in a positive consequence. Initially we use food because it is a strong motivator and a strong positive motivator results in the student willingly wanting to repeat the task.

When teaching the dog what we don't want him to do his negative action produces a negative or unwanted consequence thereby discouraging him from repeating the offense.

Decide exactly what it is you wish to teach. Break it into the smallest teachable and learnable components. With a treat in hand lure the dog into position or through the desired action. Some training books will refer to this as "shaping" the action". When the dog is successful "mark" the success. This is done with a vocal response such as "yes" or a clicker. This is your way of telling the dog he has done what you want him to do. Now offer the treat and reward the action. Repeat this simple process and always reward.

Use the 80% rule. When your dog performs the task successfully 4 out of 5 times, then and only then do you change the criteria. That is you change the environment, lengthen a distance or duration, or introduce some distractions. Never change more than one part of the criteria at a time. Make small changes, build on success's, avoid failures, practice often and always reward.

Never let the dog repeatedly do what you don't want him to do such as ignoring a recall or repeatedly pulling on the leash. If you do not correct and change this action you are simply reinforcing this action and telling the dog that this is another acceptable way to perform this task.

Set, follow , and enforce, Rules, Regulations, and Limitations. Remember, Discipline is not Punishment. All members of a family have to follow acceptable practices and this must always include the dog. Violations are not "cute" or "just something that little dogs do". Good manners make for loving pets.