***NEXT CLASS BEGINNING June 4th! Call now to reserve your spot!***

Proximo classe comenzando 4 de junio! Llame ahora para reservar su espacio!

This six lesson class will meet twice per week in Rincon. There are a maximum of ten spots available, so call today to reserve your place! 787-235-6736

Este classe de seis lecciones estara dos veces a la semana en Rincon. Hay un maximo de diez espacios disponible, asi que llame hoy para reservar su espacio! 787-235-6736

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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5vaPjXkTr4

Tulip was rescued about one week ago. She has already been practicing hand targeting and has now begun to grasp the cue for the behavior “lie down.” One thing you should remember with training is that it takes consistency and repetition.

Tulip learned to lie down with a cue in the kitchen, but that didn’t mean that she could do it automatically on the porch. Cues must be practiced in different locations-preferably beginning with a quiet spot without distractions. Then, slowly, you will want to practice behaviors in new places and eventually while adding distractions-again starting from minor and moving to bigger things that might catch your dog’s eye/nose.

You should practice all around your area and in as many locations (indoor and outside) as possible. You should also gradually add new distracting elements to your environment and repeat short practice sessions often. When it comes to your dog listening to the cue that you give for “sit” instead of chasing a squirrel or a chicken (in our case) if you have practiced many places and with many things going on and many, many times, you should have built up a good “bank” of reinforcements that will help your dog to make the correct decision.

Luna is available for adoption through ARF www.arfrincon.com
Photo curtesy of Lauren McLaughlin photography www.photographyLAM.com.

Often folks are encouraged to let dogs know that they are displeased or prefer that they don’t continue with certain behaviors by saying the word, “no.” The word, “no,” however is one that you might consider eliminating from your vocabulary with your pup.

“No” doesn’t tell the dog what exactly we don’t want him to do. It doesn’t let her know what we would like her to do. And, bonus, saying “no” actually acts as a reinforcer for the dog. When you say, “no” you are paying attention to your dog, you are speaking to your dog, and often the word is exclaimed with great enthusiasm which may seem exciting to your dog as well.

Instead, consider ignoring a behavior that you prefer not to see repeated. Without reinforcement, research shows that the behavior will extinguish. Furthermore, you can teach and put on cue an incompatible behavior as just as you can’t be in two places at once, you can’t do two opposing things at the same time (think sit & jump up).

Finally, catch your dog doing something right and praise and reward. After all, if you change your vocabulary to include more of the word, “yes” you will find you have a happier, healthier relationship with your pet.

PAW can help you get started on these changes today!