"Let's learn tricks"

I have mostly just been sharing information of my pets, clients, hints, tips, and tricks on the blog, but for the next few weeks I am going to start some sharing training ideas. I will be sharing things that I have learned over the years and some of the information will be coming from a book.  Dr. John C. Wright's "Ain't Misbehavin" is a wonderful book with great information on having happy, well-behaved pets. 

So lets get started, when is a good time to train your dog? Should you begin when she's finished playing or eating her main meal? This is not the ideal time to start teaching your pet because neither toys, nor a playful person, or treats, will likely motivate her to behave and learn a new skill. A better time to teach a new skill is before her meals or as a part of social play (that's play with someone, as opposed to solitary play with a toy) or prior to social play. Take advantage of your pets bio-psycho-social needs in deciding when to schedule a training session, to maximize your and your pets training success. 

Using motivation is always a great way to teach your pet. Either with small tidbits of treats, or play with a special toy, or just an enthusiastic verbal praise all of which are excellent motivators. I would attempt to use the verbal praise for it is always readily available and there is no need to wean your pet from the motivation. Toys are great for play time tricks and such, but you may not always have it with you, there for you still need to wean them from it to maintain skills all the time. Using treats is always a great item, for most pets are food motivated, but you have to wean them so that they are not expecting treats every time they sit, stay, or come. But you have to use which every motivation you pets respond to the best and you can mix them up to accomplish the task at hand. 

When you begin training your pet you should start with the basics, these commands are essential to a well mannered pet, and will make you life much easier and may even save your pet's life. These basic commands include come, sit, off, and of course your pet's name. 

The first thing your pet should learn is their name.  An 8 to 10 week old puppy is probably not wedded to any name yet but if he's come with a name that you can live with, why not use it. 

Dr. Wright has two techniques helpful in teaching a pet his name. The first works by call his name abruptly and with great anticipation and expression. Do this when he's  a foot or three  from you and you are sitting on the floor with him. When he look in your direction, point your finger at your face, so he will get used to looking at you when he hears his name.  He will pay attention to your hands because, for him they are source of pleasure, and important "stimuli" that move.  He will also see your "smile face", which he will learn precedes things that feel good to him. Now, at the same time that he looks at your eyes, give him some whooping big social praise: "Go-o-od (pets name) 

The second technique is call his new name softly, in a whisper. At first, do this when he is lying calmly, then work up to more normal household ambient noise and situations, keeping your volume the same.  Repeat it in the same manner- sitting close to him on the floor- and with the same hand gesture you used with the first technique.  You may be surprised at how well he pays attention when you make it fun- there's something in it for him-but it also depends on your acting ability. He has to be convinced your are just thrilled that he looked at you when you whispered his name. 

Now if your pet already knows his name this post probably is not going to help you out much, but the next ones will.  

Another thing to think about choose your words wisely. Think about what word you are going to use for each command.  Try and make each one different or doesn't sound too similar.  One I used to always have trouble with was off or get down.  Does off mean "get off me" or "get off the couch"? Same for get down. So set down and think about what words you want to use for each command.  Get the family involved and make it a fun thing to do, and make sure everyone that is involved with the pet uses the same words, always for each command, that way there is no confusion. 

Our next post will be a very important and tough one to learn. Come!

Hope this helps some of my readers out and I look forward to hearing about any successful training.  

Susan

KCPS