10 Reasons Why

1.  Rewarded behavior is more likely to be repeated. Dogs respond to what benefits them: if sitting earns praise and treats, they'll sit again; if jumping brings attention, they'll keep jumping. This principle is central to reward-based training.

2. Dogs learn through association. Rewards should immediately follow the desired behavior—for instance, praise your dog right when he sits, not afterward. Reprimanding a dog for actions done earlier is ineffective; he won’t connect your reaction to his behavior and may simply grow anxious about your return.

3. Reward desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones. Many people focus on their dog's mistakes but often overlook rewarding calm or good behavior. For example, yelling at a barking dog gives attention to negative actions, while ignoring calm moments misses an opportunity for positive reinforcement. If your dog does something disruptive, use a brief verbal interruption, redirect them, and offer an appropriate activity or chew toy. Prioritize noticing and praising positive behaviors to encourage them.

4. Extinction When a behavior is ignored, it eventually disappears. For example, if you try to buy a soda from a vending machine and nothing happens, you might repeatedly press buttons or even kick the machine—this escalation is an extinction burst. Ultimately, you leave without the soda. Similarly, if you ignore your dog's unwanted actions, the behavior may temporarily intensify before stopping. It's important not to give in; each time, the behavior fades faster.

5. Positive reinforcement means using something your dog actually likes. Expensive treats aren’t rewarding if your dog ignores them. Rewards can include petting, praise, toys, games, sniffing, or social interactions. Choose what motivates your dog for best results.

6. Jackpot! A jackpot is an extra-special reward for your dog when they do something exceptional. Use favorite treats or toys as jackpots. For example: if your dog sits quickly after a cue, give several treats in a row and lots of praise. Jackpotting highlights great behavior and encourages your dog to repeat it. The reward doesn’t have to be food—if your dog loves playing ball, use that instead. Choose what motivates your dog.

7. Find an alternate behavior. Redirect your dog from unwanted actions to ones that are incompatible. If your dog jumps, ask him to sit; for chewing furniture, offer a chew toy. Make a list of behaviors to change and note alternatives beside them. You'll discover creative solutions without needing punishment.

8. Raise criteria gradually in small steps, building on each success. For example, when teaching your dog to stay, start with a three-second stay and increase by one or two seconds at a time. If your dog struggles, go back to the last successful step rather than correcting. Progress slowly and only raise expectations after consistent success—this approach reduces the need for correction and helps your dog succeed.

9. Proper training means a dog’s behavior won’t rely on food rewards. By gradually replacing treats with real-life rewards like petting or play, your dog will obey even without treats. Begin with frequent treats to teach new behaviors, then shift to random rewards and natural motivators. Just as continued recognition is important at work, occasional rewards keep your dog motivated.

10. Training should be fun!

• - Keep training sessions short; three to five sessions of three to five minutes a day is fine.

• - Focus on one new behavior per session.

• - Keep an upbeat attitude when training. Don’t train when you’re cranky!

• - End each training session on a successful note. Did your dog just do ten good sits, with the last one being really great? End the session there.- As each behavior is learned, incorporate it into your daily routine as often as possible.                     

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Above all, BE KIND TO YOUR DOG AND HAVE FUN!