Before you jump right into having fun training sessions with your pet, we would like to go over some basics that will set you up for success in your training endeavors.
1. Exercise your dog: Before any training session begins, make sure your dog has had a good long walk or play session. A dog may become unfocused if they have too much pent up energy.
2. Find the perfect training environment: While training a command for the first time, start in an environment free of distractions and familiar to your pet (Living room, with no toys laying around). If possible use a room with carpet down as some dogs are sensitive to cool surfaces like hardwood or tile. As your dog gets better at her commands start practicing in different areas around the house, then work up to outside or at the park. Dogs are greatly effected by their environment and if you only practice their commands in one location they will only associate that command with that specific location.
3. Have rewards on hand: Have some high value treats on hand (treats that are soft, darker brown and fragrant) Natural Balance food rolls work great (just make sure you are chopping them up into small pieces). You may also use meats or cheeses like turkey, boiled chicken, or string cheese for some added motivation. If you dog is more motivated by play time than food, then use her favorite toy as your reward instead!
4. Establish a secondary reinforcer: When training our dogs, we don't want to reward them with a treat every single time they perform the correct behavior. If we do, then when there are no treats on hand your dog will be less likely to listen to you. To avoid this we must establish a secondary reinforcer, for us at City Sniffers we use the verbal cue, "Yes." You may also use another phrase, or a training clicker, but we've found that a firm "Yes!" works great. To establish this secondary reinforcer we must say "Yes" after our dog has exhibited a behavior we like. After saying "Yes" we may reward with a treat. Once you've had several training sessions your dog will associate your chosen secondary reinforcer with getting a treat. Thus when you say the word "Yes" your dog will know that they have done something you liked. Establishing a secondary reinforcer is classical conditioning, as you may know from the Pavlov's dog experiments.
5. Reward Sporadically, and give "jackpots:" After we establish our secondary reinforcer we can stop rewarding our dogs with a treat after every single "yes!" and instead reward them sporadically. Sometimes reward them after 1 command sometimes wait for 3 or 4 successful commands. We want to be unpredictable. By rewarding sporadically we keep our dogs on their toes. they will continue working for a treat even if you don't give it to them immediately. They know it will come at some point. Also reward with different amounts of treats. Sometimes give your dog a "jackpot" reward by giving them three or four pieces of a treat after performing a correct command.