When training your dog there are a number of areas to consider. It is important to understand how a dog learns and the process involved in teaching a dog certain behaviours or extingishing unwanted behaviours. The following is a brief overview of important information you need to know to help you on your dog training journey.

Operant Conditioning

Behaviour = Consequence
Operant conditioning is a learning process in which the likelihood of a specific behaviour is increased or decreased through positive or negative reinforcement each time the behaviour is exhibited. Below are some examples of how this may be used in dog training.

When training dogs we focus on the positive reinforcement quadrant of operant conditioning as it communicates to the dog what we want them to do so the desired behaviours increase.

Ways to achieve a behaviour

In order to reinforce a behaviour that is desired we must first get the dog to perform or offer that behaviour. There are a number of ways to do this and below are some examples:

Adding a cue
Almost any behavior can be put on cue. If you are training a new behavior make sure the dog is offering the correct behavior by using one of the methods explained above before adding the cue. Cues can be verbal, physical or visual.

Marking the behaviour
Think of marking a behaviour like taking a photo of the desired behaviour. Using a marker like “Yes” or a click communicates to the dog that they have done the right thing and they will be rewarded for it. It is essential to condition the marker (see Clicker Training handout) for it to be effective.

Proofing the behaviour
It is important to teach each behaviour in at least five different environments for it to be generalised. Consider adding distractions, duration or distance to each behaviour but not all at the same time.

Counterconditioning and desensitisation
Counterconditioning is the process of replacing an unwanted behaviour or response with a desired one. Desensitising is the process of lessening a dog’s reaction to a particular stimulus.