Is your training motivating a transaction?

Many years ago, at a large dog trainers conference I observed a man walking his small dog through the trade show in the exhibition hall. They would occasionally stop at booths before continuing on down the aisle.  As he walked with the dog in close proximity, he continually clicked a clicker as he mostly ignored his dog. He rarely looked at his dog and I believe he “rewarded” his dog with a single food treat once or twice as they walked up the aisle.  I could only guess he thought he was “marking” the moments his dog was dog was doing what he wanted. I suspect the man was not a dog trainer but rather lived close by and learned of the conference and trade show at a dog training class he was attending.

Far too often I witness people engaged in sterile transactions with their dog. What’s a sterile transaction? It’s when people don’t smile and praise their dogs when their dogs cooperate or BEFORE giving them a “reward”, e.g. food treat.  

Far too often there is no smile, praise or engagement that produces enthusiasm when people are interacting with their dogs. This can produce a dog that is indifferent and unreliable. Enthusiasm and relationship are the foundation for achieving control and cooperation. Poor training motivates transactions, good training produces enthusiasm and builds relationships.

If you want to achieve control & cooperation, not submission from your dog, get started today with our online course “On The Right Track” so you and your dog can have a more abundant life!

You’re already training; the question is, are you going to get better at it?

https://homeskooling-4-dogs.thinkific.com/courses/on-the-right-track