PetLifeRadio.com - Episode 20 Training Session #1 - Getting Off to a Good Start

Training should be fun for both you and your dog. Positive
reinforcement training to shape your dog's behavior encourages
upbeat, enthusiastic responses and ensures that your dog will enjoy
learning. First of all, we will talk about rewards. Getting the
right reward will motivate your dog to perform that behavior again
in hopes of getting another reward. You will find your dog’s
motivational triggers, learn how to rate your rewards and when and
how to use them. Now you need a signal to tell your dog what he
just did was right. Learn about marker words and how to use them
correctly. Teaching "take it" and "give" are critical in developing
a respectful relationship with your dog. Dogs that will not
willingly give up objects when asked can end up sick, require
surgery or bite. The best way to teach this is by playing Tug! Once
your dog learns the rules and plays fairly and politely, this will
probably end up on the top of your list to use as a reward. Pia
will carefully go over the rules to effectively play tug with your
dog.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Training Session #1 -
Getting Off to a Good Start - with Pia Silvani on PetLifeRadio.com