So, you are ready to start training your dog but let's take a look at 3 things you'll need for everything that you teach.
A 'Cue' or 'Command'
A cue is a word, noise, action or environmental trigger that communicates to your dog what you would like them to do.
Cues can also be called commands, though it is less about commanding your dog to do something and more about requesting it from them in that moment.
Cues are often words like 'sit', 'come' and 'stay'. We now know that dogs understand a lot more than we think they do and they are quick to pick up on words and phrases that we use often.
They can also be a visual signal such as a raising your hand, holding your arms out wide or pointing. Dogs are very quick to pick up on visual cues. Sometimes even the way that you get up from the sofa can give them an idea of what is going to happen next.
Environmental cues are things that change in the environment around you dog which gives them information. Some example of this include - picking up your keys means that you are leaving; the sound of your alarm means that you are waking up; the noise of the fridge opening means its food time!
When training, choose a cue that makes sense to you to pair with the action you would like from your dog. Keep cues consistent and clear and everyone in the family can use the same ones.
A Marker
A marker is a word or action that helps your dog understand that they've got it right. Most people use 'good', 'yes' or 'nice'. Markers can also be a sound such as a clicker or a visual marker such as a thumbs up.
As with our cues, it doesn't matter what it is but it does help to keep it consistent and easy for your dog to understand.
Timing is everything when it comes to markers. You want to mark the exact moment your dog does what you ask them to do. Think of it like taking a picture at that exact moment.
A Reward
A reward is something that is perceived to have value to your dog. It is important to understand that it is value from your dog's perspective and not ours. What we might think is rewarding, may not be for them.
Most dogs find food, praise or play rewarding but rewards can also be situational. For example, if your dog wants to go into the garden and they wait nicely by the door, their reward will be you opening the door for them to go out.
Rewards are a key part of positive training as your dog will not only be motivated to work with you, but they are likely to enjoy it and want to keep doing it! An action that is rewarded is likely to be repeated.
Put it this way - if someone gave you a £50 note every time you walk past a lamppost, you'd be walking by lampposts all day long!
Once you have your cue, marker and reward, you can apply them to pretty much anything in your training. They will be slightly different for each scenario so get clear on what cue, marker and reward you are using for each thing that you teach.
If you need any help at all with your dog or would like more help and advice, please do contact us by dropping us an email at bookings@annabalchdogtrainer.com
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