Category: Training
Ditching the Treats
One of the most common questions I’m asked is how to get your dog to listen without the need for constant treats. The answer – implement an intermittent schedule of reinforcement (i.e. reward your dog randomly for things she has learned and understands).
To better understand this, think about a person at the slot machine of their favorite casino. Humans spend hours sitting there, putting in money and pulling the lever, without being rewarded with a payout, all because they know a payout is coming EVENTUALLY, even if not for them.
This is exactly the thinking we want to instill in your dog. She will follow your instructions even without a reward because she knows one is on the horizon, eventually.
Please note – when teaching new commands, consistency and repetition are key! So when you start “sit”, you will likely be rewarding every time to build a pattern with your dog that we really like this behavior, and there is something in it for him if he listens. Randomly rewarding is a tool we use down the road, when your dog understands the behavior you are asking for.
So how do you do it?
For commands your dog knows reliably well (think you ask him to “sit” ten times and he complies without hesitation at least eight of those ten times) begin to randomize the rewards. Some “sits” receive a treat, some receive praise or a pet. Better yet, mix in “life rewards” (walks, dinner, you tossing the ball one more time) for following that command.
It is important when doing this to go against our human instincts and not follow a set pattern of rewarding (humans are so predictable!). Rather then rewarding every other time your dog follows a command (pups catch on to this very quickly), mix it up, so he may get two rewards in a row, then not another for the following three commands.
And while you’re at it, get those treats out of your hands! When my client’s pups are responding well we move to putting treats around the house in various locations. Then, when we ask the pup to “down” and she complies, we praise and go to the nearest treat location for a reward. Now your pup is figuring out just because there isn’t anything in your hand does not necessarily mean no reward!
Try these tips to take your training to the next level, and have a more responsive pup, sans treats!
Socialization, teaching the “come” command and more!
Socialization Is The Key To A Well-Adjusted Dog
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Learn to Earn – Teach Your Pup to Say Please!
- You can teach your pup to ask nicely for things she would like (attention, food, walks, playtime etc) by asking her to sit each time she approaches for these items.
- Ignore behaviors like jumping up, barking or pawing at you for attention. When she calms down ask her to sit and reward when she complies.
- Over time, and with consistency on your part, your pup will start to sit automatically for anything he would like.
- Remember, your puppy is learning every time you interact with him. Establishing clear rules and good habits now will pay off with a lifetime of a well behaved dog!
Noise Sensitivity Protocol
Thunder and fireworks and motorcycles, oh my! Is your dog nervous about noises? Help them restore their confidence.
Desensitize and counter condition
- Have high value treats ready.
- Start by making a noise that your dog is afraid of, but at a very quiet level and immediately reward your dog. You can readily find audio of sounds like thunder and fireworks online.
- As she is calm with the low level noise gradually make the sound louder, stopping if she won’t eat or starts to panic, and going back to a softer sound.
- Make it a priority to expose puppies to new sights and sounds while young. This will decrease the chance of him developing a fear down the road
Management
- If you can’t avoid the noise (think thunderstorms and fireworks) be sure your dog has a safe place like a crate or small room he can escape to if needed.
- Use the radio or TV to drown out the noise
- Provide a high value, long lasting treat (stuffed Kong, favorite chew) to occupy him
- Try a wrap/shirt or natural supplements that are specifically designed to calm your dog
- If she is extremely stressed discuss medication with your vet
The Rules of Tug
Unsure owners often ask me if it is OK to play tug with their dogs. Will it lead to behavior problems? Teach the pup to be aggressive?
Done correctly, tug is a fun and appropriate way to interact with your dog, and can burn energy, increase your bond and be used as a reward for a command well done.
So go ahead, enjoy a tug session with your dog, just follow these rules!
- Rule 1 – You initiate the game and you keep the toy. Your tug toy should be long to discourage grabbing close to hands (see rule #2), brought out for tug sessions and put away when the game is over. You keeping custody of the toy is especially important for pushy dogs who may not want the game to end!
- Rule 2 – If your dog grabs your skin or clothes (even by accident) the game ends. Take the toy and walk away. You can try again after a few minutes.
- Rule 3 – Teach your dog to drop it. Tug should only be played in a controlled manner. Frequently during the game stop pulling and ask your dog to drop it (you can show him a treat at first until he gets the idea). When he lets go ask him to sit or down, and restart the tug session as a reward when he complies. If you dog gets out of control or begins to jump on you or grab at the toy before you have offered it end the game temporarily.
*A note on growling. Growling is a normal part of play but sometimes can be difficult to interpret. If you dog begins to growl during a tug session take his overall body language into account. Is he happy and bouncy, with a relaxed body? He’s just having fun.
Breed Face Off, Ask the Trainer & More!
Tips to Make Halloween Less Spooky for Your Dog
While ghosts and goblins may be your thing many dogs find all the ghoulish decor and costumes of Halloween a bit frightening! I can only imagine what they must be thinking… For a month of the year the whole world looks different and there are sketchy characters lurking everywhere! It’s their job to let you know when something is not right and most of them believe body parts dangling from trees firmly falls into the “wrong” category. Try these tips to help your dog cope with this spooky day.
- While walking your dog around the neighborhood encourage them to investigate new decor by letting them give a sniff. Treats work wonders to get them close to something they think they should avoid!
- After the initial exploration many dogs calm down. If you pup is still worked up spend a few minutes near the “scary” items while feeding their favorite treats to create a positive association.
- If you dog will be exposed to people in costumes start by acclimating them to your family in theirs. Keep interactions with you in costume positive by giving treats, attention and playtime while donning your masks.
- Refresh your dog on the leave it command (show a treat, say leave it and reward when your dog doesn’t touch the item and backs away). This will come in handy if your pup outside during trick or treating (think candy on the sidewalk).
- For dogs who will be sporting costumes of their own acclimate them at home first. Remember to keep the experience positive with lots of treats!
- When selecting costumes for your dog look for those that do not cover her face or eyes. If your dog is less than thrilled about being dressed up let him go as himself this year!
- If you dog will be greeting trick or treaters keep a baby gate across the front door to keep your dog and those at the door safe! Reward good door greeting behavior such as sitting calmly.
- Last but not least, make sure candy is well out of reach. Chocolate and certain kinds of sweeteners are poisonous to your pooch!