You will need:
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Your beautiful dog!
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Some yummy treats
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A favorite toy
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Collar and leash
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A dog bed or mat
BASIC MANNERS
Class One:
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Training Methodology
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Introducing a reward marker
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Attention Focus
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Jumping Up
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Doorway Manners
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Mat Training
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Sit and Stay
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Questions
Lesson 1.1 Training Method
REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR: Simply by rewarding good behaviours you are increasing the likelihood of your dog repeating this behaviour. So let your dog know when they please you! Rewards come in many forms and include your attention, play, food, toys, pats, verbal praise, access to something your dog wants ...... Remember that your dog does want to please you they often just don't know how.
BUT WHAT ABOUT BAD BEHAVIOUR? Make sure your dog receives no benefit from bad behaviour and replace "bad" behaviours with "good behaviours". Sometimes this can be as simple as ignoring the bad stuff and praising the good. For example if your dog is barking at you for attention turn your back on them, withdraw your attention and the moment they stop barking reward with your attention.
However in most cases you will need train an alternate "good behaviour" and add a consequence for continued "bad behaviour" . For example the opposite of running crazily around the lounge room is to settle on a mat. Once you have taught your dog to go to a mat you can send them there if they become overly excited.
A consequence of not going to the mat when asked could be to be sent outside. If you use "time out/isolation" as a consequence, remember to bring your dog back in after a minute or so. This way you can repeat the training many times and your dog will learn more quickly.
Lesson 1.2 Using a Reward Marker
Food can be a very useful tool when teaching new behaviours. You can teach new cues/commands quickly using food treats. It is important to be accurate. When using food in training we want to teach the new cue and then fade the food out as quickly as possible. Food should become a random reward and not used as a bribe.
A reward - marker( sometimes called a "bridge") will allow you to be more precise when using food as a reward.
The reward - marker is a special word such as "YES"or sound such as a clicker or whistle. The reward - marker marks the action for which you want to reward your dog and gives you time to deliver the reward.
Lesson 1.3 3 steps to teaching a new cue
By the end of the course these 3 steps will become second nature to you. You can use these steps to teach all basic and complex cues.
Step 1: Use the treat as a lure to show your dog exactly what you want them to do. Place the treat near your dog's nose and encourage your dog to follow the treat. As you lure your dog into position give a verbal cue (for example "look") and a visual cue (for example point to your eye). As you dog offers the desired behaviour say YES and reward them with the treat.
Step 2: Check that your dog has learnt the new cue.Take the food out of your hand and put it in your pocket. Show your dog that you do nothave the treat in your hand (you do not want to trick them). Now give the verbal and visual cue that you have just taught in step one. (for example say "Look" while pointing to your eye). If your dog performs the cue correctly say YES and immediately reach into your pocket, take out the treat and reward them. This means that you have taught you dog a new cue/command. (If not repeat Step 1 a few more times).
Step 3: Introduce a random reward schedule. Now is the time to teach your dog that they won't receive food treats every single time. Mix up your rewards. Most of the time use verbal praise "Good Dog!", pats and play. Every now and then say YES! and follow with a food treat. YES is always followed by a food reward - you will just say YES less often. easy.
Lesson 1.4 Jumping on People
You have just walked in the front door holding the groceries. Well, you were holding those shopping bags until your dog jumped all over you! Now you are scrambling to pick everything up off the floor while your enthusiastic k9 friend bounces off you. Perhaps you cringe remembering Grandma's last visit which ended with her flat on her backside after her hairy Granbaby knocked her down?
A jumping dog can be a pest but patience and consistency can remedy this problem.
Why do dogs jump on us?
A dog jumps up because he wants your attention. When he jumps onto you, he lets you know he is there. Many people react by pushing him away or yelling at him. To your dog, he knows that at least he is being noticed. The trick is to harness that energy and enthusiasm in a constructive way, so you both get what you want. You want him to keep his paws on the ground, and he wants your praise.
The solution to your jumping dog problem!
When your dog jumps up, cross your arms and turn your back. You are refusing him attention. He might try to keep jumping, but you must ignore him. Do not shout or react. The instant that he stops jumping, give him what he wants, your praise by patting him. If he jumps, back to square one.
Consistency is the key
A tip for big dogs
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Meet him at the door with a tasty treat
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Hold the snack down low to keep him on the ground
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When he stops jumping, teh reward is his and everyone's a winner
When Visitors arrive at your home
Out your dog on a leash before the visitors arrive. If he doesn't jump, he gets a treat and a pat from the visitor. If he jumps, he's evicted from the room. Dogs learn from repetition, so you must do this over and over until your dog understands the drill.
Lesson 1.5 Doorway Manners
Teaching your dog to wait politely in a doorway rather than barging through is a great way to teach them some self control. When you are trying to get through your front door carrying the shopping or the kids you will be so grateful you have taught your dog to wait politely. It is also a great way for your dog to calm themselves when heading out on a walk. Watch this video for a simple training session,
Lesson 1.6 Teaching On Your Mat
Lesson 1.7 Sit and Stay
