Tuesday Training Byte: Timing makes it click

You may have heard it said that for your dog to understand what he is getting punished for, you have to "catch him in the act". While this may be true, I prefer to train using positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Nonetheless, for the dog to make the connection, your reward must be well- timed in the same way.

Dogs understand our body language and sense our emotion far better than our words. When I an teaching my dog a new skill/command such as "down", I use a food lure and body motion starting at the dog's nose, moving straight down toward his feet, then horizontally forward away from the dog a bit. Immediately upon my dog's elbows touching the ground, I use a marker word, "Yes!" and give him the treat while in the down position. After a couple of successful "downs" with the food lure, I now add in the command, "Down" as soon as the dog begins moving into position. Once, elbows touch the ground, I again mark the correct behavior with a "Yes!, good down!" and the treat is given while he is still down. After about three of these, put the treat in your treat bag and only use the hand motion and the command down simultaneously. Be sure to immediately mark the behavior with a "Yes!" and some pets and praise while he remains in position. Perhaps give him a little treat while he is still down, repeating good down! Adding the command as your dog begins the motion will help him connect that word with that specific movement. An immediate marker will give your dog that instant feedback he desires. Some people use a clicker to mark behavior, while I prefer to use the word yes. Here is another tip: Dogs often smile when they are happy and they understand when we smile. So as I say yes, I make sure to have a big cheesy smile on my face. This instantly communicates he is a good boy.

Once my dog has made the connection of the command to my desired position or movement, I take away the food lure and just use the command and/or the hand motion. I will ask for a few different commands before treating him for a job well done. I am sure to use my smile or mark the behavior with a "yes" intermittently so that we can work through a few minutes of various activities before the reward comes. In the obedience or rally competition ring, no food is allowed and hand movements when permitted cannot look as though we are holding a fake treat. I can smile all I want, and my dog now fully understands because of the precise timing of the marker word coupled with the smile, followed by a treat. Be sure to "pay" your dog for his good efforts by giving plenty of praise. Happy training!

My girl, Garnet just earned her Rally title and we are waiting in the ring for the ribbons. Garnet knows she is a good girl because of the smile.