Training Tips and Techniques

Small Animal Management

Today we will…

Explain the difference between positive and negative reinforcement.

Explain how to use positive reinforcement when training dogs.

Identify techniques for training a dog.

Evaluate case studies and provide feedback.

Why should you train your dog?

Build a stronger bond between you and your dog

Have your dog under control and responsive to your commands

Ensure the dog’s and other people’s safety

Improve your dog’s social skills

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement:Positive reinforcement works by presenting a motivating/reinforcing stimulus to the animal after the desired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior more likely to happen in the future.EX: Giving a dog a treat (positive stimulus) when they lay down (behavior).

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement

Negative Reinforcement:Negative reinforcement occurs when a certain stimulus is removed after a particular behavior is exhibited.EX: Blowing an air horn (negative stimulus) until a dog lays down (behavior).

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

Classical Conditioning

Classical ConditioningA process that involves creating an association between a naturally existing stimulus and a previously neutral one.

Example of Classical Conditioning

Pavlov’s Dogs

Operant Conditioning

Operant ConditioningUtilizes reinforcements and punishments to create an association between behaviors and the consequences for those behaviors.

Example of Operant Conditioning

A dog sits and becomes calm before getting a leash put on to go for a walk. In this case the dog must perform a voluntary action of sitting and relaxing. If he complies, he is rewarded with going for a walk.  If he doesn't sit and relax, he is denied the walk (which is a punishment). Either way his behavior results in a consequence.

Dog Training Rules

1. Focus on the behavior you WANT.

2. Use force-free methods.3. Reinforce GOOD behavior.4. Set up training for success.5. Teach your dog self control.6. Consistency!!!

1. Focus on behavior you WANT

Decide exactly what behaviors you want your dog to exhibit BEFORE you begin training. Ex: How do you want your dog to act when

someone rings the doorbell? Or How do you want your dog to act when they see another dog or animal?

When training only reward when the dog does the behavior you want.

2. Use force-free methods Use positive reinforcement. Punishment does not teach more

appropriate behaviors and can result in fear or aggression in the dog.

Punishment for an incorrect behavior should not be a spanking it should be a lack of reward.

3. Reinforce GOOD behavior Use a reward your dog gets excited about.

Ex: Treats or toys Find your dog doing something right!

Reward positive behaviors even when they occur outside of a training session.

Ignore bad behaviors.

4. Set up training for success Break training down into baby steps. Keep training sessions short.

No more than 10-15 minutes Make sure the puppy or dog is enjoying

the training session. Reward positive behaviors even when

they occur outside of a training session.

5. Teach your dog self control

Realize that your dog ultimately controls his/her own behavior.

You can only sometimes control the environment.

Teach your dog that calm, controlled behavior will get him/her what they want.

6. Consistency!!!

From the very start you need to decide exactly what you are trying to teach or control and how you will do it.

Being inconsistent can result in confusion for the dog.

Use the same phrases or hand gestures for each command.

Dog Training Videos

How to Crate Train a Puppyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W058M4Qdyc

How to Potty Train a Puppyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_X13V54idk

How to Train a Dog to Stop Barkinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vtn8NhofOw

You just got a job at Dog Fancy Magazine as a columnist! You have been assigned the column entitled “Perfecting Your Pitiful Pup” where you respond to peoples emails and offer them training advice. You have just received an email from someone needing advice on training their dog not to bark. Respond to their email by:

1. Telling them what they are doing wrong in their training.

2. Telling them what they are doing correct in their training.

3. Explaining steps and techniques they can take to train their dog.

Today we…

Explained the difference between positive and negative reinforcement.

Explained how to use positive reinforcement when training a dog.

Identified techniques for training a dog not to bark.

Evaluated a case study and provide feedback.