The positive road to teaching..

We train Occa and Belle using the positive reinforcement method of dog - training.  In a nutshell positive reinforcement is when you reward the behaviour you want repeated and ignore (but not punish) the behaviour you don't necessarily like. It is a simple cause and effect technique. Dogs thrive on cause and effect, particularly when they cotton on to the fact that they can get something out of it.

To strengthen our positive reinforcement training we also use the marking method (with a clicker), which puts a mark on the moment of behaviour that we want to reward. For example, the instant the dog sits we mark and then reward. This marking technique becomes particularly useful when doing distance training and you may not necessarily be close enough to your dog for immediate treating, but they'll still know a reward is coming.

We have taught Occa and Belle not only skilled obedience but also several party tricks using this technique and the results are fantastic. This method enables an even level of communication; you both understand what the marker means. A marker can either be a clicker (pictured below and what we use) or a chosen word (just be careful to choose a word you don't use around the dog in other circumstances). We went with the clicker to ensure there was no confusion as Husband and I have different voices and therefore would be recognised as two different markers. Once the marker is chosen we must ensure pup knows what the marker means. To 'charge' your marker (terminology from the RSPCA Life Skills Courses) you must repeatedly activate the marker (repeat your word/click the clicker) and immediately treat. This will form a relationship between the sound and a reward. Continue this until pup looks for a reward once the sound is made and voila you have charged your marker!!

The marker; available from most dog training centres or your local RSPCA.

The other important thing to consider when getting started on training is identifying what gets and keeps your dogs interest; food or toys. Our dogs are particularly susceptible to raw meat, meatballs (all kinds), eggs and their ball. If your dog finds reward from toys this is a good thing to foster as it means you will be less likely to have to 'bribe' your dog to perform certain behaviours.

We use a combination of treats to keep the dogs interested.

The first and best command to teach a dog, which should become their default, is the 'sit'. The sit is quite easy to teach using a lure. Hold a treat above the dogs nose and then draw your hand directly up into the air (palm facing the roof), the dog's nose should then attempt to follow the treat and in turn they will move their body into a sit position. The instant the dog sits, mark and reward. Repeat this over some time until the dog is recognising the hand signal and then gradually phase the lure out. You can now start applying the word 'sit' every time you mark, and this too will become part of the command.

Belle; exhibiting the perfect sit and attention pose.

The lure and marking method can be used for every trick conceivable, it is just a matter of thinking and figuring out how to lure and shape their behaviour to get the desired result. We'll be sharing our training tips and secrets on this blog, so stay tuned for posts on how we taught our dogs tricks like; bow, play dead, speak, hi 5 and spin. 

Every dog is different, but it is important to pay attention to your dog's cues so you know when they may be ready to either phase out the lure, or add in the verbal command. The other point to remember is  to gradually increase challenges and not expect your dog to immediately graduate from puppy school to university. Challenges can take multiple forms, including different locations, visitors, other animals, new sounds or smells, distance (from you), duration (how long you expect them to remain in the command), different handlers and treats. The list is potentially endless, but the key to solid and dependable training is short, sharp bursts of training every where you go. 

Forever love your dog,

Emma