Whenever I introduce a new skill or behavior, I present it in a way that motivates the dog to want to do it. The dog will do the task on cue every time but also look forward to doing it… because we’ve made it fun.
This can mean prepping by practicing similar behaviors ahead of time, showing excitement and celebrating every time it’s performed, and breaking the task into steps. And it can mean having special high-value reinforcers. Find the right time of day, and the appropriate environment to do the lesson. Keep unnecessary talking and movement to a minimum - they can distract the dog. Remember – It’s not about corrections or focusing on mistakes. It’s about setting your pup up for success and celebrating the accomplishments.
Teaching dogs is a lot like working with young kids. Use language the kids understand. Walk them through the task, and maybe have a friend or a sibling be part of their team. Teach in the morning or after rest time, with the TV and other distractions turned off. Take photos, and put them on the refrigerator, so the kids can see themselves being successful every time they walk by. It’s fun and they feel good.
I’ve been involved in the martial arts (aikido) for more than 32 years. Aikido is powerful, but very cerebral when compared to other martial arts. It’s called The Art of Peace, and it’s like a physical form of conflict resolution. Here’s an interesting fact – I’ve learned a lot about teaching aikido by observing kids and dogs – seeing what motivates them, and studying how they think and learn.
I set the aikido students up for success by building on techniques that they already know, and then having them think about the techniques from a completely different perspective. I make it fun. Most of the students have backgrounds in other martial arts. One is an ex-marine, one was a bouncer in a nightclub, and another is a bounty hunter. They have never been taught a martial art this way. They totally enjoy this new mindset, and they’re learning and progressing fast!
By observing your dog, discovering how he/she thinks and learns, you can make training fun. The result will be a happy, thinking, active learner. Dogs – like kids (and martial artists) – can feel your excitement (or your disappointment) during the training. Keep it interesting and fun.
I want your dogs to present their paws to you because they look forward to a nail trim, sit when a new person approaches, bring you something you dropped, all without being told. Keep your lessons entertaining and exciting.
They’ll have confidence. They’ll want to learn. They’ll want to please you.
Because it will be their idea.
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