Training is essentially communication. Training of any animal consists of give and takes, rewards and punishments, and eventually it becomes a language of its own. To communicate with our animals we have to be more clear than we usually are, and it is absolutely possible for every person to learn to do. The goal is to keep it simple! So let's break down exactly how to start speaking dog.
I used to refer to this as "Command Structure" to give people the idea that everything they say to their dog matters. If we are careful about what, when and how we communicate , then it becomes easier for our dogs to learn what we mean. Knowing what to say is the easy part (usually!) but the timing and tone will determine our dogs reactions. I have found, so have many other trainers and dog behavior experts, that there is a standard way of communicating that all dogs can figure out and retain. It goes like this
Command, Marker, Reward, Release
Command: This is what you are either trying to teach your dog or what your asking your dog to do. Commands should be given audibly, positively, and only ONCE. Remember that simplicity is the goal so only giving your commands once allows your dog the opportunity to figure out what that word means. Ex: Sit, Down, Here, Stay...
Marker: A marker can be both positive and negative. If your dog responds to your command in the way that you were hoping than a positive marker needs to be said to your dog. I usually say "Good!" with a very severe upward inflection, I'm trying to convey happiness with my tone of voice. If your dog does not respond to your command in the way your were hoping, than a negative marker needs to be said. Negative markers are meant to communicate an error; they are not meant to punish your dog. I usually use a short, sharp and negative sound like "Aht" or "eh-eh". Remember markers are to communicate, so stay clear and calm the entire time. Repeat if your dog needs it!
Reward: This is the most important part! If you've given the command, followed up with a positive marker, and got what you asked for, then the reward is the next step. If your dog did not respond the way you were hoping, do not reward your dog. The title of this post is The Power of "Yes!" for a reason; using a reward word like "Yes!" makes it incredibly easy for your dog to know exactly what they did right! Eventually, the word "Yes!" becomes the reward and you and your dog are speaking the same language. To implement this with any dog, just start saying "Yes!" before you hand them their rewards and they'll figure it out in time.
Release: Once the reward has been given there is a very special moment that most dog owners miss out on. When all dogs are given something tasty to eat, get a nice rub down, or play a fun game of tug they want it again right afterward; they want the fun to keep going. If we never keep the conversation going after the rewards our dogs will learn that once the job is done "people are boring and I'm going to find something to do". We need to avoid allowing our dogs to learn that lesson. The way to do that is to use a release word like "Ok!" or "Done!" after giving the reward for the command we're working on. To help your dog get the idea faster, give another reward immediately after the first, then another, then use the release word. After the release, put your treats/toy away and turn your body away from your dog as well. Your dog should quickly learn to wait for the release before walking away from a training session.
This method of communication is the foundation of how we should train and live with our dogs every day. Implementing this info into our daily interactions with our dogs will drastically improve our relationships, our dog's responsiveness and understanding, and will (hopefully!) prevent us from getting too frustrated! Feel free to ask questions in the comments! Thanks for reading.
