Absolutely the best way to train any dog is by use of a system called "markers".
Many dog trainers and dog owners use a system based on reward and punishment - i.
e.
when the dog does something good he gets a reward and when he does something bad or doesn't do something good he gets punished.
And to quite an extent this works.
However, the problem is that the dog my become nervous and confused when the punishment is dished out.
He just got a smack on the nose and he doesn't understand why.
It may also serve to make the dog either timid or even become more aggressive Using "markers" is a system where the dog gets a reward for doing something good, but - and here's the point - does NOT get a reward when he does something wrong or doesn't do what is wanted.
And this is so easy to learn.
Suppose we want him to sit? We use the command "Sit" and if he sits we use a "marker".
I like to say "YES".
Then immediately (and this is important) he gets a treat.
If he doesn't sit, we say "NO" and he doesn't get a treat.
He soon discovers that he likes to hear "YES" and he doesn't want to hear "NO".
Let's take kerb training.
I use the term "Hold it" (where most people use "stay").
If he holds it "YES" and he gets a treat.
If he doesn't hold it and tries to keep going, then it's a "NO" and he doesn't get a treat.
So he gets a "YES" for doing it right and gets a treat and a "NO" for doing it wrong and he doesn't get his reward.
Obviously, when kerb training you will want to use a leash.
However, the point of kerb training is that you want to be able to stop your dog from rushing across the road when he sees another dog, cat or whatever it is that seems so exciting - and be able to do it instantly.
So, you can very quickly teach your dog what you want him to learn, and do it without resorting to punishment.
The only other equipment you need is a small supply of treats.
Very quickly, any dog will learn that "YES" gives him his reward and "NO" doesn't.
Simple.
Effective.
And much more pleasant for both dog and owner.
Many dog trainers and dog owners use a system based on reward and punishment - i.
e.
when the dog does something good he gets a reward and when he does something bad or doesn't do something good he gets punished.
And to quite an extent this works.
However, the problem is that the dog my become nervous and confused when the punishment is dished out.
He just got a smack on the nose and he doesn't understand why.
It may also serve to make the dog either timid or even become more aggressive Using "markers" is a system where the dog gets a reward for doing something good, but - and here's the point - does NOT get a reward when he does something wrong or doesn't do what is wanted.
And this is so easy to learn.
Suppose we want him to sit? We use the command "Sit" and if he sits we use a "marker".
I like to say "YES".
Then immediately (and this is important) he gets a treat.
If he doesn't sit, we say "NO" and he doesn't get a treat.
He soon discovers that he likes to hear "YES" and he doesn't want to hear "NO".
Let's take kerb training.
I use the term "Hold it" (where most people use "stay").
If he holds it "YES" and he gets a treat.
If he doesn't hold it and tries to keep going, then it's a "NO" and he doesn't get a treat.
So he gets a "YES" for doing it right and gets a treat and a "NO" for doing it wrong and he doesn't get his reward.
Obviously, when kerb training you will want to use a leash.
However, the point of kerb training is that you want to be able to stop your dog from rushing across the road when he sees another dog, cat or whatever it is that seems so exciting - and be able to do it instantly.
So, you can very quickly teach your dog what you want him to learn, and do it without resorting to punishment.
The only other equipment you need is a small supply of treats.
Very quickly, any dog will learn that "YES" gives him his reward and "NO" doesn't.
Simple.
Effective.
And much more pleasant for both dog and owner.
Source...