Catching a Behavior for Training

When there is a command or act that you wish your companion to learn, it is best to "catch" that behavior when the dog accidentally displays it.  As an example, a dog needs to learn the sit command, the old fashioned way of teaching this was to place the dog into position, or push down on the hind end, then praise when they are sitting.  Newer methods have resulted in faster learning and more consistency. 

First step is to find out if a pet is food or toy or praise motivated.  Once it has been established which is the strongest motivator, let's use food as an example, the food/treat is withheld until the dog performs the action.   When using food as a motivator it is strongly recommended that you withhold the morning feed until the ten minute training session is finished.  This makes the dog more eager to comply.  Another motivator is to isolate the dog for about an hour either in a room or crate where they can not touch you.  Again, this motivates the training because the pet is eager to be with you again.

Begin the lesson with the dog leashed, inside the house, or inside some place (preferably climate controlled) where there are no outside distractions, such as barking dogs, running cats, birds, or the like.  In this example, the companion is motivated by food and has been isolated for about an hour and not feed the morning meal yet (or afternoon meal if training at that time of day).   Never attempt any kind of training if you are not in a relaxed, calm, peaceful mood otherwise that tension transmits directly to the dog. 

Stand quietly with your pup, leash in hand, and allow them to explore the area you are in.  After they get bored pull out your bag of treats.  I recommend ones that are easy to break into small pieces and that smell good.  Something like soft chicken strips, tiny broken up pieces of beggin strips, or hot dogs cut into small wheel like sections.  Allow the dog a quick sniff of the contents then wait.  In your mind, decide ahead of time on a few hand signals to use to associate with each command.
As the dog becomes frustrated at not getting the treats it will begin to "offer" you various normal positions such as sitting, laying down, or even barking.  Try to pick a one word command to go with each action the dog offers. (Saying "lay down" and/ or "get down" just confuse the dog)

Let's say the dog barks at you, be ready with the treat in hand, depending upon the sensitivity of your particular dog, either use a great deal of enthusiasm or, for shy dogs, speak calmly and quietly saying the one word  "Yes" and give the treat.   During one ten minute training session the dog may offer many behaviors.  Each time repeat only the "Yes" and treat. 

The next training session works on associating the one word command and a hand signal when the dog offers the behavior.  For example, dog barks, you say "Yes Speak" , making a hand signal gesture with your right hand, then treat.  This combination of words, hand signal and treating should go very quickly so the animal comprehends it is all relates to the one behavior.   If the dog sits, say "Yes Sit", hand signal with right hand, treat.   The reason I say use only the right hand is so as not to confuse the dog.  If you are left handed do all your hand signals with that hand.  Switching hands usually creates confusion.  Some examples of  hand signals used for sit: palm open facing downwards, move hand down a bit then make a smooth sweet upward as you turn your palm to face the sky.  Down command, use an open palm facing opposite shoulder of the hand you have chosen to use, sweep downward and back to straight arm position.  Speak, hand faces towards dog, all four fingers straight and thumb underneath, make an opening and closing motion. 

This method of "catching" behaviors encourages your dog to "think" and work out how to get the treats, toys, or praise that you are withholding.  Some dogs will even offer playing dead, play bowing (two front paws to elbows down on floor, hind end raised) begging, or "giving five", fetching and dropping their toys at your feet.   Be patient, and reward even small efforts that look like they are moving in the correct direction.  The dog will learn the hand signal far faster than the verbal command.  Soon your companion will be looking like a genius to all your friends and family.  


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