Positive reinforcements—like treats,
games of fetch or chest rubs—are things that cause your dog to want to repeat
an action, whether it is sitting when visitors come through the front door
or walking beside you on a leash. Positive reinforcement is the most friendly
of all training techniques. Although great dog training takes a lot of knowledge
and skill, good dog training takes a basic understanding of how to use reinforcements,
a bit of knowledge about how dogs see the world, and the desire to create
a healthy and happy relationship with your dog.
DOGS KNOW BEST!
There are a few keys to using positive reinforcement correctly. One is to
remember that it’s your dog who defines what is reinforcing, not you! The
good-looking treats you bought at the market may say that all dogs love them,
but your dog might not have read the label. Your dog will be happy to help
you out, and make it clear what he wants most—just go out of your way to pay
attention to his reaction when you reinforce him. It may sound obvious, but
a common mistake of novice dog trainers is not noticing their dog’s lackluster
response to praise or petting, so watch your dog carefully when you’re treating
or petting him. Pay special attention over the next few days to your dog’s
reactions. Does he gobble your treat down with enthusiasm and look for more,
or gingerly take the treat and turn away? Does she wag from the shoulders
back when you praise and pet her, or turn away and sniff the grass? Remember
that you are competing with everything else in the environment that can reinforce
your dog, from good smells to other dogs to a treasured food wrapper in the
gutter. Use reinforcements that are so good your dog can’t help but pay attention!
IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING
Another important aspect of using positive reinforcement is timing. Reinforcements
should occur immediately after the action you want your dog to perform. If
you ask your dog to sit and she does, she should get something that makes
her happy within a half a second of her movement. Train yourself to deliver
a treat instantly after your dog responds, and you’ll be amazed at how fast
your dog can learn something new.
A WORD ABOUT TREATS
The primary concern most people have about using treats is that they’ll
have to carry around a refrigerator full of food to get their dog to behave.
However, the beauty of using reinforcements is that you can drop them out
of your repertoire as you dog’s behavior become habitual. Food is the best
way to get your dog’s attention, and to “compete” with the environment, so
use it liberally when you are teaching something new. As you progress, use
food when it’s especially hard for your dog (lots of distractions? a new
context?) and substitute praise or a ‘marker’ word like “Good!” when compliance
is easy for your dog. PLAY is another wonderful way to reinforce most dogs,
and it’s easy to combine with training. Did Georgie sit when you asked? Great,
throw her ball. Did she drop the tug toy when you said “Drop It”? Super, let
her grab it again and play tug some more.
