Build A Foundation of Communication

To help your dog learn what we are asking them we create "Reward Markers”.

A "click" of a Clicker or verbal cue of “Yes” are ways we tell our dogs that is what we wanted, here is some food. The markers will be used to predict that food is coming.

We use these markers to let the dog know when they are doing the right thing or to change an association from a negative to a positive. Using a Clicker or word such as “Yes” can provide clarity to the training process by marking the correct behavior in a timely manner and can help teach and reinforce positive behaviors.

Reward Markers (Taking the picture)

Mark the exact moment you like behavior with a verbal marker "Yes" or a "Click" of a Clicker. Then reward your dog for a job well done with a tasty treat or better yet use their meals for training.

I like to use Clickers in the beginning stages of training a new behavior and then weaned off or replaced later with the word "Yes". You can always reintroduce the clicker later again if you decide to teach a new trick or to counter condition and desensitize a bad association.

Think of the clicker like taking a photo of the exact moment the behavior is achieved.

When using treats use small pieces. Soft treats work best so they can quickly swallow him and move on rather than crunching on a biscuit and then going from crumbs on the floor and getting distracted.

Homework: Charge The Marker.

Dogs learn from a series of still images, so we want to create a camera. Start the process of "Charging" the markers of the sound of a Clicker and a verbal "Yes."

If you do not already have one, purchase a Clicker and Training pouch for each member of the family.

Press the clicker once away from the dog, even behind your back, and then give your dog a treat, a piece of food, or a handful of their meal. If your dog flinches at the sound, skip to just using a Verbal “Yes” for now instead.

Finish the meal by using a verbal “Yes” in an upbeat tone, then give your dog a piece of their meal.
Remember to Mark and then go get the food
Marking “Yes” or a Click is always followed by a treat/food.
Practice a few times a day, at least 10 repetitions per marker. It's a great way to feed your dog as well and can be a handful of food at a time.

How we say things matter (Voice Tone)

Your voice can be an amazing training tool. When giving your dog a cue/command, speak naturally. When praising use a higher tone of voice, and when interrupting or correcting (No, Ehh Ehh) use a lower tone of voice.

Capture the moment

This is geared more towards puppies but can be used to teach good habits as well to older dogs. We want to reward your dog for positive behaviors, we do this a lot with puppies. So when your dog does a positive behavior such as sitting, lying down, going to their bed or crate. Mark with a "Yes" or Click, if the clicker is handy, and reward and praise. By doing this you are building a “Reward History" of positive behaviors.

For our dogs to be successful, we need:

When it comes to training our dogs, timing is everything. This is how we let our dogs know what they are getting rewarded for. You have about 1.3 - 1.5 seconds to mark the behavior you asked your dog to do.

By marking the exact moment you like behavior with a verbal marker "Yes" or a "Click" of a Clicker, you are taking a photo of that moment to help your dog understand what we are asking of them.

It's how we let our dogs know what they are getting rewarded for. Mark and reward all positive behaviors the moment it happens, just like taking a photo of that moment. The Marker is your bridge to give you more time to get the treat into your dog. Remember that marking the behavior at the right moment is imperative and then get your dog the treat.

There and many ways to reinforce behaviors, but only your dog can tell you what motivates them.

Finding the right motivation for your dog is an integral part of teaching and creating a common language with your dog. A great way to start is to use your dog's existential meals for training. We all need to eat.

However, we also need to take into account the environment, and emotional state of the dog when we are seeking the best way to motivate them. You can also use play, toys, and praise when training your dog to keep training sessions fun and upbeat,

Think of the motivation as being paid for a job well done not as a bribe to do it.

Dog training is all about consistency. Though this can be one of the hardest aspects for us, it's essential that everyone in a dog’s life be on the same page for the best results.

Make training part of your daily life to build a foundation of good behaviors. Create clear communication, establish rules and boundaries, so your dog knows what is expected from them.

We also need to generalize behaviors by practicing everywhere and under various distractions so our dogs can truly understand what we are asking of them applies everywhere, not just at home.

The more consistent everyone is, the sooner you and your dog can live in harmony and have a better relationship.

Play is the way

Having fun is also a very important part of training too. Through training we build a better relationship with our dogs, so rewarding with play during a training break or as the reward for good behavior is a great way to have fun with the training. Teaching your dog a new trick such as rollover or puppy push-ups is always fun. Playing a proper game of Tug can be a biologically fulfilling exercise and reward. You should always initiate and end the game as well. If your dog gets overly excited, stop the game and ignore them.

While I was visiting the Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter I had chat with Dog Rescuer Extraordinaire Debby Nelson, about how dogs learn.

Use Life’s Opportunity To Train

Finding time to train can be challenging at times. Use life’s natural moments to train such as on walks you can add "Heel" and Structured walking, "Sit" at all thresholds, corners, and when you stop. On a long stop, you can even add a "Down" or work on their focus and attention. Remember any time there is something the dog might want to eat on the street can use that to practice "Leave It". At home, practice "Place" and "Down" while you are watching TV, on the computer, or reading a book, even while eating or preparing a meal, and when you know someone is coming over.

Name Recognition (Attention)

A great way to start your relationship with your dog once is to teach them their name. When training your dog, it's most important to have their attention. Please watch both videos.

Say your dog’s name in an upbeat tone once,

If they do not respond, pause a 2-3 count and repeat their name in an upbeat tone once. Continue until they respond.

2. Mark with a clicker or a verbal “Yes” when your dog turns their head to look at you; you want to mark the exact moment the dog turns their head; think of it like snapping a photo of that moment.

3. Encourage your dog in an excited tone to come to you. Praise, Encouragement, and Compliment your dog to create excitement to run to you and get their reward.

If they do not respond, kneel and open your arms to welcome them or toss a piece of food on the floor by you.

4. Reward your dog with a tasty treat or meal.

Work on name recognition in many different environments. You want your dog to spin their head around and look toward you every time you say its name. Have fun with friends, family, and your roommate standing or sitting in a circle and practice the name game.

Here are a few Videos playing the "Name Game";

Here is an example of the “Name Game” with 3 people.

Here is the one person approach with me Changing Jansen into Whiskey

Training Guidelines Index