CPR OF TRAINING
Timing is crucial in order to give your dog feedback at the exact moment of the correct or wrong
behavior, so that your dog knows exactly what to repeat. I help people improve their timing. The
following 3 elements may help you:
COMMUNICATION
Learn how to communicate clearly with your dog in the language they will understand. Teach
your dog that you are a kind and firm leader to be loved and followed. Leave behind harsh
methods and discover the effectiveness of rewards-based training. Understand the differences
between effective and humane uses of reinforcement and punishment. Your dog will thank you
for it.
PATIENCE
Train and work with your dog when you have the patience and ability to respond as a good
trainer, minimizing reacting out of frustration. Learn how to train pro-actively, minimize reactive
training, and utilize prevention. Whenever possible, end your training sessions on a positive
note. When needed, utilize the services of a trainer and behavior specialist who can help you
get faster and more satisfying results, as well as minimize frustration.
REINFORCEMENT & REPETITION
Whenever your dog's behavior is rewarded or reinforced, that behavior will increase. Use what
you want to give your dog anyway - like attention and toys as rewards for good behavior.
Instead of talking to your dog, petting and playing with them all the time just because you love
them, ask for a sit before the toss of the ball, or a down before a belly rub session. Reward a
calm sit at the door by opening the door and releasing your dog to go play. Without meaning
to, many owners reward pushy behaviors, like jumping up or whining or pawing, by paying
attention to their dog. Reward and praise your dog when they are being quiet and have 4 paws
on the floor. Dogs also need a great deal more practice sessions than we realize. Vary the
locations of the training, and slowly increase the length of time for the sit, stay, heel. Proof the
behaviors by slowly increasing the distraction level. This is especially important for coming
when called & greeting people at your door.
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