BML1--Class #2

Basic Manners -- Level One, Class #2

Such Good Dogs Basic Manners Class #2

Commands & Cues:

All commands or cue words like Sit and Come should be said ONE TIME and ONE TIME ONLY.  Never repeat your command word.  Instead give your No Reward Marker, move positions, and then try again.

Marker Word:

Use your chosen marker word:  “Good” or “Yes” (or the Clicker).

This is the word (or sound) that says to a dog, “Yes! That is exactly what I wanted you to do!” and is then followed with a reward.

No Reward Marker:

This is what we do when the dog does not do what we are looking for.  Try using an “Uh-oh” or “Eh-eh.”  This will let the dog know that the behavior just performed is not what we wanted, while still encouraging the dog to continue to try.  After using the NRM, physically move places (both you and the dog should move) to help “re-set” the training, then try again.  Never repeat a command more than once.

Food Lure:

This is something we use to teach many new behaviors and commands.  A food lure involves getting the dog to follow your baited hand into a desired position.

Look / Watch Me:

We want a dog who looks to us for direction and permission.  Having a dog that is well focused on the owner will give you control over many situations.  This is the exercise you will practice when your dog becomes distracted during training.  This is meant to help focus (or re-focus) the dog back to the owner.

To do this, we place the treat directly in the dog’s nose then raise it straight up next to our eye, while standing back up.  As you raise your hand give your command word, “Look.”  Eventually we want the dog to look directly in our eyes, but to begin with, it they look anywhere in the general area of your head, say your “Good” and give the treat.

If your dog remains in position but is not looking at you, do NOT repeat your arm movements or verbal command.  Instead, hold the treat in position next to your eye while looking at the dog and WAIT.  You will wait 30 seconds to a minute.  If the dog still has not looked, give your No Reward Marker or “Uh-oh,” move positions, take a breath, and then try again.

Watch a VIDEO teaching the "Look/ Watch Me" Cue in Basic Manners dog training class.

Come when Called:

The Rules:

1.  Always have a leash (or fenced-in area).

2.  When you say come, you have to see it happen.

3.  NEVER punish a dog for coming to you.

The Steps:

1. Say the dog’s name, and Come.  ONE TIME ONLY.
2. Have a party.
3. Lure the dog back to you.

When first teaching a dog Come when called, we start with step 1 & 3.  Standing directly in front of the dog (No distance), put the treat in the dog’s nose, say the dog’s name and Come (one time), then quickly back up a few steps.  When the dog follows, stop, say “Good!” and give the treat.  (Explained & Demonstrated in training.)

Loose Leash Walking:

Loose leash walking (LLW) means that a dog walks nicely, not pulling on the leash, and not completely all over the place.  LLW is not the same thing as Heel.  To teach a proper Heel, you must first teach LLW.

Consistency is very important when teaching LLW.  Doing this technique is actually very easy, but does require a LOT of patience.  Remember to stay calm.  If you are calm and consistent, your dog will be walking nicely on a leash in about a week.

To begin, go out for a walk with your regular 4-6 foot leash and buckle collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck (so they can’t slip out).  As soon as there is tension on the leash, you have two options:

When the dog pulls:  1)  Stop and wait for the DOG to move in a way that releases the tension.  When s/he does, continue walking.

2)  Say “Let’s Go!” and walk off in the opposite direction.

It is best to try and do option #1 as much as possible.  Be sure that when you stop and wait, you do not move in a way that is releasing the tension on the leash…the dog must do it.

REMEMBER:  Patience!  Patience!  Patience!

Meeting new friends.

Boone, Koa, & Maybe...these three are excited to play!

BML1--Class #1

Basic Manners -- Leve One, Class #1

It's a new year year and we have started another new Basic Manners Level One dog training class.  Therefore I have decided to share the information from these classes.

Each week we will share the notes and pictures from that class.

Basic Manners Level One is a 6-week, one hour per week class. Each week you will learn new things to take home and practice with your dog. Handouts will be given at the end of each week and a certificate is given upon completion. Basic Manners is taught using positive reinforcement training, combined with energy balance. Classes will be held outdoors in the Lahaina area.

Items covered in this Basic Manners--Level One dog training class include: Food lure, marker word, no reward marker, watch me/ look, come when called, loose leash walking, impulse control, sit and auto-sit, down, stand, stay, drop it, and leave it.

For the first week's class, clients do not bring their dogs.  I have considered changing this approach many times, however, I have found that it is much easier to get people to listen to the most important information without the distraction of their dogs around.  The first week of class, clients fill out paperwork, I ensure that the dog is up-to-date on all shots by checking vet records, and I give out the most important information on dog training.  

Below I have shared the notes given to each person for the first week's class.

Such Good Dogs Basic Manners Class #1

Dog training lessons are about training the HUMAN, and teaching the human how to communicate with the dog so we can motivate the dog to work and learn.  When a dog misbehaves it is really a breakdown in communication.  Dogs do what works for them, don’t assume they know better.

When training a dog of any age, you must start at the bottom and work your way up.  Basically, we are starting in Kindergarten.  Remember to move training at the dog’s pace, not your own.  Keep calm and do not do repetitions too many times.  It’s better to quit while you are ahead, than to push the training further than the dog is ready for.  The dog will lose interest and stop learning.

Such Good Dogs uses Positive Reinforcement Training.

Positive Reinforcement Training means making the dog work for something s/he likes.  We give the dog reinforcement at the moment the dog performs the desired behavior to increase the likelihood that the dog will perform the behavior again.  Dogs must WORK for everything they get.  Dogs should not get ANYTHING for free! (This includes:  toys, treats, regular food, water, sleeping arrangements, etc.)

Energy Balance

It is important to always be aware of what energy you are projecting anytime you interact with your dog.  It is vitally important to remain calm, but firm when teaching your dog new things.  Dogs will NOT follow or listen to a leader who is not calm.  If you are angry or frustrated, your dog will sense this, and your training session will not go well.

3 Things on our body that are Rewarding to Dogs:

1.  Voice

2.  Eye Contact

3.  Touch

Anytime you engage your dog in one of these things, you are rewarding them and encouraging whatever behavior they are currently doing.  This is important to keep in mind so you do not unintentionally reward bad behaviors.  Example:  when a dog jumps up to greet you, the proper thing to do is cross your arms and turn your back while saying nothing.

What do you do with behaviors your dog does that you do not like?

1.  Ignore

2.  Avoid

3.  Re-direct

It is important to manage your dog’s behavior in between training sessions.  You must help prevent bad behaviors from occurring.  Behaviors usually get worse before they get better.  You must catch a dog “in the act” within 2 seconds to change the behavior.

What motivates your dog?

To begin training, we first must know what motivates our dog.  Humans need motivation, so do dogs.  Would you go to work every day if you didn’t get paid?  Some common reinforcers for dogs include:  food, petting, toys, & praise.  You must also have a variety of rewards from “ok” to “really awesome.”  Your dog decides what 

s/he likes best  What is your dog’s Like It? Love It? Gotta Have It?

Marker Word:

Choose your marker word:  “Good” or “Yes” (or the Clicker).

This is the word (or sound) that says to a dog, “Yes! That is exactly what I wanted you to do!” and is then followed with a reward.  The more you mark the good behaviors, the more your dog will want to engage in these behaviors.  To “charge up” the Marker word, say your word, give a treat, repeat.  Example:  Say “Good”, give treat, Good, treat.

Things needed for Training:

Remember to have 2-4 different kinds of rewards on hand (several types of treats).  

Regular buckle collar and leash (easy-walk harness or gentle leader), NO Flexi-leash.

Water for both you and your dog.  Poop clean-up bags (ALWAYS pick up after your pet).

Most importantly, always bring a good sense of humor, LOTS of patience, and a calm energy.

Keep Training Going:

Proper Exercise:  Every dog should be walked every day!

Good Relationship with the owner:  When you get frustrated, remember why you got your dog, he’s your buddy, he’s your pal.  Don’t take set-back’s personal.

Socialization:  It is very important to have a dog that is comfortable in as many different situations as possible.  Take your dog everywhere you can, but proceed at your dog’s pace.

Consistency:  Everyone in the household should have all the same rules, all the same cue words and commands, ALL THE TIME!

Generalizing:  Dogs do not generalize well.  It is important to practice everything you learn, everywhere you go.

Training Sessions:  Keep them short and sweet.  3-5 minutes a few times a day.