How do I train the Hounds, and why?On this post, I'll be explaining the basics of the methods that I use to train the Hounds. These methods are ethical, safe, and repeatable. However, I will not be going into intricate detail, as it's very involved and I also don't want to share everything because some of the methods were taught to me by others and I was asked not to share those methods with others. Yes and No: Marker TrainingThe first thing I teach the Hounds is the basis of Yes and No. Marker training, usually also referred to as clicker training, is the method of teaching an association with a marker, or sound/cue, and either a positive or negative connotation. Let me explain: > You have your dog on a walk. The dog potties on the grass. You tell the dog "Yes!" and give the dog a treat once they're done pottying. > You have your dog on a walk. The dog tries to chase a squirrel, and pulls on the leash. You tell your dog "No!" and walk the opposite direction so the dog will follow you. These two actions are opposite, and have opposite reactions. It teaches the dog something you want, or something you don't want, depending on what action is taken. Not complicated. Guide the Dog: LuringLuring involves taking a valuable item, such as a treat or toy, and guiding the dog into the position you want. This is fairly easy, but can be difficult depending on what you're working with: > You have a treat. You guide the standing dog's head back with the treat, eventually getting the dog to sit. You tell the dog "Yes!" and give the dog the treat. See it, Mark it: CapturingCapturing involves watching the dog, and when the dog does something desirable (or undesirable), you use your Marker training to encourage or discourage the dog from repeating it. Let me give you an example: > You see your dog lay down on their own. You tell the dog "Yes!" and give them a chew to enjoy. > You see your dog begin to chew on a broom. You tell the dog "No!" and take the broom away. This is honestly one of the simplest ways to teach a puppy manners in the home. You utilize what they have already learned to guide them in their own time. Change the Behavior: ShapingShaping involves teaching another behavior to replace an offered behavior. Let me explain: > You see your dog chewing on a broom. You tell the dog "No!", take away the broom, then give the dog a chew to enjoy. When the dog begins to chew on it, you tell the dog "Yes!" to encourage them. > You see your dog begin to squat to potty on the floor. You tell the dog "No!" then quickly take the dog outside. When the dog potties outside, you tell them "Yes!" and give them a treat when they're done. This method also works well when teaching Service Dogs in Training. When a SDiT begins to alert or respond to your medical conditions in their way, it might not be the way you'd like them to. You encourage them to perform another behavior instead, without giving a negative marker so you don't discourage the alert; just teach them a more fitting behavior. Let me explain: > You're watching your heart rate on a Pulse Oximeter. Your heart rate begins to rise due to your medical issue. Your dog begins to whine and nose nudge your arm. You ask your dog to "Paw". The dog paws at your leg instead of nose nudging, and you tell the dog "Yes!" and give a high-value treat. After several repetitions, the dog learns to "Paw" instead of their original behavior of whining and nose nudging. This can also help dogs learn to bark in response to you falling, or any other possibility you can think of! 1 + 1 = 2: ChainingChaining involves, well, chaining several behaviors together to get a desired result. It's complex, but useful! Let me explain:
> You ask your dog to "pick up" an item. You back up a few steps, then ask them to "come" to you with the item. You do this a few times and add in a new cue, "Bring". The dog learns that "Bring" means to pick up an item near them and bring it to you. > You ask your dog to "Come" to you. You then ask them to "Heel" and they move to stand at your side. After a few tries, you add in a new cue, "Return". The dog learns that "Return" means to come to you and go into "Heel" position. > You ask your dog to "Tug" on a rope tied to a door handle. The dog tugs, and when the door opens, you Mark and Reward them. After a few repetitions, you also ask the dog to "Tug" on another rope tied to the opposite door handle. After a few tries, you add a new cue, "Door". The dog learns that "Door" means to open the door, come through, then close it behind them. A lot of Chaining is used during Service Dog training, for good reason. Being able to combine several cues into one is a very useful thing. But, you can use Chaining for a lot of things, including teaching your dog to bring you a drink from the fridge, or being involved in dog sports!
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November 2023
CategoriesAuthorMyranda Miller |