Training Techniques and Rewards
Following up from the post about mindset of wording, we wanted to tap into another element of successful set ups! Our new puppy program is a more in-depth explanation of how our puppies learn, ways we can teach them things and the different techniques used to achieve our goals! We’ve posted about rewards in the past, so this is more about the techniques with a sprinkle on value perception.
We are always going to be a reward based training method user and through that, there are three main ways we can get our pups to do the skills we need for life, plus those extra cool things like tricks, dog sports and even scent work!
These techniques are:
Luring: This works by the handler using a treat on the dog's nose to lead a dog to move their body in a specific direction.
Capturing: A technique used to reinforce a behavior that a dog naturally performs. The idea is to wait for the dog to perform the behaviour and then reward them immediately.
Shaping: With shaping, you don't teach the final behaviour but rather break it down into smaller steps that build toward the end goal.
With all our training, there must be rewards! A reward can be anything the dogs perceive as valuable. But in the early days, we are heavy on the treats and encourage pawrents to continue this through the years as the pups grows
Value Perception:
Every dog, every puppy and every human has a perception of value. If you were to pay me in weetbix, I probably wouldn’t want to work that hard. But if you gave me a slab of chocolate every time I did something you wanted - you’d having me working till the cows come home!
Dogs are the same, and it varies between each dog! Fly, as you all know was Queen Bee and her value perception reflected that! She wouldn’t work for liver or kibble.. it had to be something high value! So cheese, roast chicken and Prime 100 roll were the bees knees. Whereas Aurora and Eric, their perceptions are a little different. So more willing to work for those liver treats, even out in the world but we know that isn’t going to be forever - variety is key
Once we transition out into the world, these perceptions change again! At home, where life is predictable, safe and known with less distractions the value of rewards is more neutral.
If you head out down the street, to puppy class or even to your front yard, you might find the kiddos “lose focus” - this can be a couple different things, but the one we’re focusing on in todays post is the reward! You may need to upgrade from the liver treat, to a tasty snack of roast chicken!
Variety is also key! Have a range of snacks with you when you go out, load up those treat pouches with many tasty things and offer your pup something different each reward to really help lock in, and help maintain that focus!
With the changes to our Perfect Puppy Program, we really dive into rewards during our first class on a dog nerd level so that you are fully set up for success. As always, we’re always a message away to help and if your brain is ticking about your dogs focus or value perception - reach out!