Dog Training Basics Using Positive Reinforcement

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by Diane - Online Dog Coach

It’s difficult to pinpoint a definitive time for a dog to learn a trick or command, a lesson, as we call it. Each dog learns in his own time, each handler commits to the time per day to work her dog, all the conditions can be varied. Here are some of the elements and factors that will help your dog learn more quickly.

Positive Dog Training

Factors you can control are your attitude, consistency, your dog’s current level of activity and training, and reward value.

Patience and Enthusiasm

Most importantly is to have patience, praise for the dog, and enthusiasm. Make all of your training sessions fun. Just like people’s learning curve, a dog will be more open if he’s having fun. Start and end each session with play and games. You determine what that play is by what your dog already likes, i.e., retrieving a ball, catching a flying disc, tugging with you. You know what turns your dog on.

Consistency and Repetition

Commit yourself to short sessions every day. The age of the dog determines how many times per day and how long each session should be. A puppy younger than six months only has the attention capacity to train less than ten minutes at a time. As your dog matures, you can build in more time. If the lesson you are introducing to your dog is complicated (for example, jump), break it down into small steps.

Activity and training levels

Are you interacting with your dog now? Do you engage your dog and make her think? When you work with your dog regularly, your dog will respond quickly. Dogs love to learn. First, they are with you. What could be more rewarding to them than having you spend time with them? Start with building a closer relationship. Pay attention to your dog.

Rewards

Use rewards your dog loves! When your dog is first learning, reward every time he gets it right – or even close! Don’t be stingy. Once your dog performs the activity reliably, you can start phasing out the rewards. It could be toys, praise, or treats. Mix it up a little! When using treats, find the treat that motivates your dog.

Even if your dog does exactly what you say every time, an occasional reward goes a long way, and it makes you both feel good.

Uncontrolled Elements

Let’s break down the training elements you have little or no control over, and what you can do to work with these situations. You have little control over your dog’s temperament, the complexity of skill, and distractions in your environment.

Temperament - personality or breed of your dog.

Some dogs are dying to learn, some are overflowing with drive, some are stubborn, and some are less motivated by toys, treats or praise. When you choose tricks that are suited to your dog’s breed and personality, the learning will go faster. Not every dog is a super star at every trick, but you can bring out more personality by stimulating with play, fun tricks, or dance moves. You make it up. We’re here to help you do that.

Complexity of skill - start simple.

Start with one or two step exercises. Make sure you praise lavishly and immediately when successful. For the more difficult tricks, break them into pieces, as mentioned above. You want your dog to be successful. Set him up to be so. Make it simple and fun. If you find that your dog isn’t getting it, step back and do something you know he can do. Find that success. Then move forward into the harder part. Always end on a good note. Come back and try again.

Distractions - train in a familiar place.

The living room and the backyard are comfortable places for your dog. As your dog becomes more adept at learning, you can set up distractions with your friends and family or train in other locations. Take him to the park where there is activity around. Go to your son’s baseball game and work the dog there. Adding distractions to already known exercises is a good way to “proof“ your dog so your dog will respond in any situation.

Go back to the basic level of learning when working in a new situation with new distractions. If your dog can sit-stay for 10 minutes at home, try doing it for 5 seconds at the park and build back up to 10 minutes. Set your dog up for success.

Each dog is a special soul.

You can bring out the best in your dog by stimulating him, building a bond, and setting up positive expectations. Remember a bored, ignored dog is primed for getting into trouble. We encourage you to play with your dog in a safe, fun responsible way. He will thank you.