Lure Reward - Based on the principals of operant conditioning. When the dog gets something good (a treat, for example) after a certain type of behavior, it increases the likelihood that the puppy will repeat the behavior. When we lure or guide a puppy, we want the puppy's head pointed, and attention focused on the reward in your hand. Luring dogs is a quick way of getting them into positions such as sit, down, and stand; so that we can reward them. This increases the likelihood that the dog will repeat these behaviors.

Correction or Punishment - When something negative happens immediately after a behavior, it decreases the likelihood that the dog will repeat that behavior. When correcting your puppy, make sure to act immediately; timing should be swift. Never correct your puppy when you are teaching any new exercise. Be sure to train with your brains and keep corrections at a minimum.

Extinction - Many bad habits such as begging, pawing, and barking for attention, can be unlearned by simply ignoring the behavior. Most often we have created these habits by feeding the dog who's begging or petting the dog who paws at you. Stop these behaviors in their tracks. The longer you let them go on, the harder it is for the dog to unlearn them. When we use the extinction process, your dog will work harder at first to get your attention, this method takes patience, but it is kinder than correcting.

Reinforce Good Behavior - Watch your puppy carefully and praise him whenever he is doing something you like. Let him know that you approve of his behavior.

Socialization - You must socialize your puppy with all kinds of people and and in many different places. Take your puppy to three or more new locations each week. A few good examples are soccer games, and the center of town. Bring treats with you and have people feed them for good behavior. The idea is for your puppy to have as many pleasant experiences as possible. Go through your closet and take out old hats. Don't frighten them--have fun and laugh, and they will laugh back.

Children and Puppies - When playing or interacting with dogs, children must always be supervised by an adult. In addition, children should be ten years-old, or older, when training a dog. It takes a lot of patience and coordination, and is too much to ask of anyone under ten years of age.

Last updated on 6/18/00.

Keep in Mind...

You can't provide good training for your puppy without the use of positive reinforcement.

My belief is that there are times when you need to correct, but if you train with your brain, you can limit those times.

When you're training a dog or puppy, there's a lot to remember.

Be sure to review your reference sheets at least once per week!

Other Tidbits....
Clicker Training
Housebreaking
Vocabulary

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