Part Two

“The Dog Whisperer” - Talking to Your Dog

Dog training and dog potty training can be enjoyable. According to experts there are four important messages that we can train our dog with:

“Reward marker” for correct behavior. Your dog has earned a reward. For example, the words "Free" or "Okay" followed by a reward.

“Keep going” signal for correct behaviour. You want the dog to continue and it will earn a reward. For example, "Good" or "Come on".

“No reward” marker for Incorrect behavior. You are telling your dog to Try something else. For example, "Uh-uh" or "Try again".

“Punishment marker” for severe incorrect behavior. Your dog has earned punishment. For example, a stern "No" or more specific commands like "off," "out," or "leave it."

It is important to use consistent signals or words for these messages, this enables the dog to understand them more quickly. If you sometimes says "good" as a reward marker and sometimes as a keep going signal, it is difficult for the dog to know when he has earned a reward.

It is important to note that there is a difference between a reward marker and a dog's reward. The reward marker is a sign that tells the dog that he has earned the reward. So you may say the reward marker then the reward will follow - "Free" or "Okay" is the reward marker then give him praise or a treat or food.

Many new dog owners make the mistake of using lots and lots of verbal praise as both the reward and the marker which can confuse dog and owner. Remember dogs can only retain and therefore respond to 20 to 30 words at a maximum so choose your words carefully.

More tips to follow…..