Ever attempted to interpret instructions communicated in a foreign language? 

 A human baby takes at least 2-3 years to understand their parents instructions so why do we expect a 12 week old puppy to understand commands like No, leave it, sit, stay etc.

 I tend to summarize dog training as translation, consequence and memory.  

1. The trainer translates his requirements into a language that the dog can interpret.
2. The trainer moulds the situation to set the dog up for success. The dog enjoys a positive consequence of action (i.e. a reward) 
3. The dog’s memories trigger enjoyable stimuli that affect his future responses to the trainer’s instructions.  

Here are some key words I use when describing dog training. 

Interpretation: Interpretation is the process of establishing oral or gestural communications between two or more parties who are unable to use the same set of symbols.In simple terms interpretation means the dog has to work out what the trainer is asking of him.

The dog does not understand English so he has to interpret the trainer’s requirement.  

Consequence: Consequence of action is a great tool to use when dog training. The important thing is that the trainer has the ability to control the consequences of the dog’s action.

Clever trainers use consequence to mould positive behaviours by building confidence and eliminating fear.Traditional training commonly uses negative consequence of action.

We’ve all heard of “Rubbing his nose in it” when he messes the house. This is a poor method of house breaking and does more damage than good in respect to building confidence. 

A positive slant would be to ignore the odd little mistake and reward him for being clean and eliminating in the desired area.  

Memory: In psychology, memory is an organism's ability to store, retain, and subsequently recall information.From a dog’s point of view, memories may consist of  “The last time he said “NO”, I got blasted with an electric shock.

Alternatively “The last time I heard “Well Done”, I was rewarded with some tasty treats and praised.  Memories affect all of us ranging from our  first visit to the dentist to our first taste of a particular brand of chocolate.

Dogs are no different from us in that respect and situations trigger memories that form the foundation of confidence, fear, pleasure or pain. 

For every negative problem there is usually a positive solution. For example, instead of scolding him for jumping on the sofa, reward him for standing on the floor at the side of the sofa or sitting on his cover.  

The end result is the same; it’s just much more amicable to use the latter method to obtain the result. The consequence of the dog standing at the side of the sofa or sitting on his cover is a reward with a tasty treat. Incidentally, the dog’s memory of being rewarded encourages him to respond favourably to subsequent requests. 

So an intention to stop a negative behaviour can be manipulated into an opportunity to let the dog succeed by performing a positive replacement behaviour. It is important to make each session a positive experience for the dog.  

A good trainer will shape the training session to set the dog up for success. The traditional approach bases itself on correcting undesirable behaviours.

This can lead to the dog being tentative, wary and often results in inconsistency and trepidation.  By making each training session enjoyable and involving the dog positively, we build confidence and enthusiasm.

This forms the basis of my training methods.