Training Method

The Theory

The training techniques and education I provide are based on animal learning theory and the study of dog behavior.

The theory is simple: Behaviors that are reinforced will continue. Behaviors that are not reinforced (prove to be fruitless) will be abandoned. Moreover, if a certain behavior (the one we want) results in just what is wanted, other behaviors won’t even be tried.

The Application: It’s easy.

How do you apply this theory to dog training? It’s easy: Reinforce the behaviors you want to continue. Make sure the behaviors you don’t want provide no benefit, or prevent them from even being practiced.

For example, if you do not want your dog jumping on people to greet them, select an alternative behavior which can be rewarded, like sitting nicely. Ask Fido to sit before he jumps and reward him with your greeting or a treat. If he does jump, withdraw your attention and walk away. Soon, Fido learns nothing good comes from jumping, and good things do come from sitting nicely. Fido will repeat the behavior that worked.

Of course, this may be easier said than done, but there are tricks of the trade I will provide you to make the training go easily and effectively. It is also great fun!

The Click: It’s fun.

I use the clicker method for the training described above. This simply means marking the behaviors you like with a quick unique sound clearly heard by your dog. The sound can be produced with your voice (like with the crisp word "Yes!") or with a mechanical clicker. The point is to provide clarity.

The first step is to teach your dog that the “click” means something good is going to happen. This takes about 10 seconds, as dogs are pretty quick to pick up on what is fun and rewarding.

Once “the click" = "good things” is established, training becomes very fun and quick. The click is used to “mark” the behaviors you like. Using the above example, when Fido sits nicely (rather than jumping on Auntie Ruth) the behavior is clicked followed by his reward (greeted by Auntie Ruth). The click pinpoints the exact behavior which got him what he wanted. Because Fido got what he wanted, he will be inclined to repeat that behavior.

The Benefit: It works!

When trained with a reward marker, dogs learn at lightning speed! It takes the guessing out for the dog, as you are able to tell your dog exactly what it is you like which has earned him what he wanted. You will be so amazed at how quick and fun it is for you and your dog, you will want to teach all sorts of fun behaviors. Now you can use the extra time you have to play, go for a run, or snuggle with Fido and focus on enjoying that relationship!

Laszlo, the Mylan's 5 month old puppy, in a perfect sit-stay after 3 weeks of lessons!
Good boy, Laszlo!