Positive reinforcement, science based training has some real super stars! In fact, in December, 2015 Karen Pryor Academy graduated its 1000th Certified Training Partner.

There is a lot of conflicting information available online about “how to train dogs”. In order to focus on some great work being done by some fantastic trainers I wanted to publish a series highlighting some colleagues and friends.

Our first featured trainer is Jay Andors. Not only is Jay a KPA certified trainer, but he is also a master level groomer.

 What was your route to positive reinforcement training?

“For me it was an evolution. Like all of us we started out using corrections and molding in order to get behaviors, which by the way worked to some extent, but not to the point where where I could get really high levels of finish to the behaviors that I was training.

It was at that stage that I started to research more and more. I joined the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (now the Association of Professional Dog Trainers), went to conferences, attended lectures, and bought books. One book in particular made a tremendous impression on me,”Don’t Shoot the Dog,” by my mentor Karen Pryor. This book changed my life! I went on to become a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Today for me there is no other way to train.”

Were you always interested in science or did behavioral science peak your interest at a later time and how?

“I was always interested in science. My interest in behavioral science came along my route to positive reinforcement training. When I had my first “ah ha” moment that sealed the deal. Now I am what you might call “a behavioral science junkie.” I attend lectures, seminars, and take ongoing continuing education courses through the Academy. The more I learn, the more I’m interested.”

Are there specific skill sets from previous career paths which have aided you in your current role?

“I am a Master Groomer on all breeds of dogs. I use positive reinforcement in my grooming practice. I am a clicker trainer. I also studied flute, piano, and acting which, I guess made me creative and good with my hands. Since animal training is an art and a science and a mechanical skill, this has helped me.”

What is one piece of advice from someone that you consider a “mentor” that you’d like to share?

“I consider my mentors to be Karen Pryor, Ken Ramirez, Dr. Susan Friedman, and Steve Benjamin. There is a line of thought regarding training that runs through them all, “break behaviors down to the smallest parts and train each part separately until you put them together to reach your goal.”

What is your favorite part of your day?

“My early morning walks with my dog Meiko. I love him so much!”

What do you find to be the most challenging in working with people and animals?

“Of course people, as they have the most baggage. The fun part is working with the animals. People are always a challenge, although Tag Teach has helped me a lot with people.”

What are some key skills required for animal training?

“Observation, patience, having a good training plan, developing good clicker mechanics, and the ability to change and re-evaluate when something is not going as you would’ve liked.”

Thank you to Jay for taking the time to share! If you would like to learn more about Jay you can connect with him at: https://www.facebook.com/nyclickertraining/?pnref=lhc, http://www.nyclickertraining.com

Note: For anyone out there who is looking to become a certified, professional, positive trainer, come and join me in Miami! Applications being accepted now: https://www.karenpryoracademy.com/dog-trainer-professional/national/miami-fl

Are you interested in learning something new? Would you like to invest in your skills & knowledge? Do you want to have a better understanding of animal behavior, training, and modification, learning theory, and canine body language?

Join me for the Karen Pryor Academy “National” course in Miami Fl, June 2017!

The course features a great combination of online learning with an engaging curriculum. There is one on one student support, a hands-on workshop where you will meet with others in your class, practice, hone, and test your skills culminating in Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner status.

Which leads to an amazing and large world-wide network of expert level KPA trainers who share a marketing infrastructure, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a passion for science based communication and education.

Click on the link to learn more about Karen Pryor Dog Training and apply today!

Marking and Reinforcing Behavior Photo credit: Lizbeth Santiago

When working with your dog and reinforcing behavior, the saying goes that we “mark” for behavior and “reinforce” for position. At the start this is often a new concept for clients.

An example of the usefulness of this behavior can be demonstrated as follows. The pup in the photo has jumped up on to the table to (reportedly) eat the cat food. Often we might see folks attempting to scold or physically remove the dog.

But, what does that teach the pup?

Instead, I suggest finding some behavior that we like (eye contact, orienting to name, collar grab) and then marking that behavior right where the dog is, but (key point here!) — tossing the reinforcer on to the floor!

You may need to repeat this process a few times. You also want to be sure that you are working with high value reinforcers, as you are competing with the “score” of finding the cat food on the table. However, eventually, that ever-growing pile of goodies (reinforcers) on the floor will become so tempting that the dog will jump down.

This is the point to mark again (yes! the dog now has four paws on the floor where you want them!) and reinforce. I suggest repeating this marking/reinforcing (click/treat if you like) over and over in quick succession several times in a row to strongly communicate that good things really DO happen on the floor and that the floor IS the spot to be!