Training Techniques
Our facility uses a positive training method known as clicker training. It is
based on the idea that when a behavior is rewarded it will be repeated.
Although this method of training was established with marine animals it is still
very effective with dogs. They find it fun and mentally stimulating.
Dogs learn through two methods. The first is classical conditioning which is
when a dog understands a simple association such as the sound of the bell
means they will receive food. As a result the dog will salivate at the sound of
the bell whether or not there is the scent of food in the air. The second is
operant conditioning. This is when a dog understands that performing a
particular behavior results in a particular response. For example if a dog walks
up to a person and sits the person will pet them and not turn away.
Clicker training works by establishing a marker signal, the click. The marker
signal is a conditioned reinforcer which tells the dog a reward is coming. Most
often the reward is a treat. The click is a great marker because it is not heard in
normal day conversation and sounds the same no matter who is using it. Once
this association is made it is easy to communicate to the dog which behavior
you liked. You click as the desired behavior occurs and then reward them after.
The dog will then learn that desired behaviors are rewarded and will begin to
offer them for you.
Although clicker training works great with the majority of dogs and owners there
are some instances in which different methods need to be used. In these
situations we will find a different positive method that works for both you and
your dog.
based on the idea that when a behavior is rewarded it will be repeated.
Although this method of training was established with marine animals it is still
very effective with dogs. They find it fun and mentally stimulating.
Dogs learn through two methods. The first is classical conditioning which is
when a dog understands a simple association such as the sound of the bell
means they will receive food. As a result the dog will salivate at the sound of
the bell whether or not there is the scent of food in the air. The second is
operant conditioning. This is when a dog understands that performing a
particular behavior results in a particular response. For example if a dog walks
up to a person and sits the person will pet them and not turn away.
Clicker training works by establishing a marker signal, the click. The marker
signal is a conditioned reinforcer which tells the dog a reward is coming. Most
often the reward is a treat. The click is a great marker because it is not heard in
normal day conversation and sounds the same no matter who is using it. Once
this association is made it is easy to communicate to the dog which behavior
you liked. You click as the desired behavior occurs and then reward them after.
The dog will then learn that desired behaviors are rewarded and will begin to
offer them for you.
Although clicker training works great with the majority of dogs and owners there
are some instances in which different methods need to be used. In these
situations we will find a different positive method that works for both you and
your dog.
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