posted 11-29-2003 03:58 AM         

Positive Reinforcement

To train a dog most effectively we need to understand how dogs learn. Learning in the ‘doggy world’ consists of trying out new behaviours and seeing what happens as a consequence of this behaviour. If the behaviour (action) is followed by a good consequence, this behaviour will be repeated. One example could be begging at the table which is rewarded by getting food. If the behaviour (e.g. the begging) is, however, followed by a negative consequence (in this case, no food given), the behaviour will eventually be stopped. Effective training should work on the same principle and should be a combination of information (what you want the dog to do), motivation (a reason for your dog to do it), and timing (when to reward a good action).

‘Clicker Training’ encompasses the principle of positive reinforcement. A ‘clicker’ is a small plastic box containing a strip of metal, which produces a ‘click’ when pressed. The vital first step to ‘Clicker Training’ is finding the dog’s motivation, which for most individuals tends to be a tasty snack or play. The next step is to associate a positive meaning to the ‘click’, telling the dog ‘Yes, this is right, you have done the right thing and a reward will follow’. The first stage is therefore to associate the sound of the ‘click’ with something positive. This information needs to be delivered within very short timing (within seconds).

A simple exercise to try with your puppy with the ‘Clicker Training’ method is teaching him to sit: