While it is actually just the tip off the iceberg, most people associate dog trainers with behavior control. Because of this it the area with the most approaches and methodologies that are as unique as each trainer or dog owner. For a very long time most of these approaches were founded on forcing the dog to do what you want. We find that using our advanced positive reinforcement we are able to add, modify, and remove behaviors far more effectively by working with the dog instead of against it.
The foundation upon which each and every individual behavior is built is the communication between the handler and the dog and the very incremental steps used throughout training. All of us want to go from 0-100 mph, having a “leave it” work using a treat in the kitchen and then demanding the “leave it” to work at 50 yards while the dog is running after a squirrel. This is nearly impossible.
A trainer was speaking at a conference about why he was so effective. He said to make your training plan and then half it, making it shorter and simpler. Then half it again, and again. The point being is that successful training is born in simplicity. Get rid of “tools” and minimize treats. Make the training sessions shorter. Work on fewer behaviors. Most importantly, make the step by step progress of each behavior so small the dog can’t and won’t ever fail. Humans learn from their mistakes but dogs learn from their victories. Our job as trainers is to give them those victories.
Every behavior that you want to add, modify, or remove requires both handler and dog to progress through 5 steps. If we keep it simple and slowly progress through these steps in the proper order any goal is attainable.
1. Fluency
Does the dog understand what you mean? This can be a difficult step for people that do not understand body language. Imagine someone walking up to you and speaking a language that you don’t know asking questions. Try as you might like you simply can’t respond. So why yell at a dog to say if you haven’t clearly shown them what stay means.
2. Speed
How fast does the dog respond when the cue is given? Now that they have fluency we begin on speed. When you give the cue stay will they do it immediately or do their own thing first. At this stage you can clearly see the dog thinking “ummmm, maybe? Oh ok”. With training you will get the immediate reaction that you are looking for.
3. Duration
How long will they hold a behavior? Now that fluency and speed have been developed we can start to work on duration. Will they hold a stay for 10 seconds or 10 minutes? It is import to train this slowly and steadily with very small steps.
4. Distance
How close do you have to be for the dog to react to your cue? Your dog listening when you are 5 feet away in the kitchen is great but will they listen 50 yards away in the woods? Often the behaviors that we are asking from get more important the farther away they are from you.
5. Distraction
will the listen even when completely surrounded by distractions? Will your dog hold a stay if a squirrel runs out in front them? Can they do their job in any environment surrounded by anything?
Keep it simple, keep it slow, and move in small steps.
Using advanced positive reinforcement and relationship based training concentrating on communication and team work we are able to work towards any training goals