I train dogs and puppies (and parrots and other animals) and teach others how to train their pets using positive reinforcement. That means teaching behaviors by building contingencies between those behaviors with consequences the learner values. And food is the most common form or positive reinforcement used in teaching new behaviors. Small pieces packed with savory flavor and scent. Most often ‘people food’. But occasionally clients are reluctant to use ‘people food’ in training. I thought it would be worth addressing why 'people food' is good for dog training in this blog post.
dog training with positive reinforcement
LIMA – Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Training
When it comes to dog and puppy training (as well as training of parrots and other species), I believe whole heartedly in using and teaching the most positive approaches for creating behavior change. LIMA is an acronym for ‘least intrusive, minimally aversive’ training and it speaks so perfectly to my commitment to helping people and pets to live their best possible life together. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) all came out in strong support of LIMA.. I wanted to share more about it and why it is important to me. [Read more…] about LIMA – Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Training
Is Saying Good Sit Good For Training?
So often I see people tell their dog GOOD sit after their dog sits, or GOOD whatever the behavior is that the dog is doing.
However, to help their (and your) dog to learn to do that behavior when asked, just saying GOOD or YES or CLICK and then following that with something your dog values gives better information to your pet to help that lesson succeed. [Read more…] about Is Saying Good Sit Good For Training?
Only Your Pet Chooses The Value
In this video, I want to remind you that an important component to training your dog with positive reinforcement is knowing what YOUR DOG values. [Read more…] about Only Your Pet Chooses The Value
Cues vs Commands In Dog Training
When talking about dog training it is common for people to use the word COMMAND when talking about teaching behaviors, or referring to behaviors that dogs know. It is a word that is spoken probably without giving it any more thought than that, often, even by people who are using positive reinforcement to train behaviors. However, it is a word I focus on avoiding in my work. Instead, you will hear me use the word CUE frequently talking about learning and teaching. [Read more…] about Cues vs Commands In Dog Training
Ask Yourself, “What Is In It For Your Dog?”
Just a reminder – your pet is always asking, “What is in it for me?” [Read more…] about Ask Yourself, “What Is In It For Your Dog?”