What does “learn to earn” mean?
“Learn to earn” refers to a reward-based training program in which dogs learn to engage in calm, desired behaviors to get access to the things they enjoy. Puppies and dogs easily learn that their behavior choices in certain situations will predictably lead to something they love — food, pets, praise, and play, for example. By rewarding the behaviors you would like to see, you can encourage your dog to repeat these wanted behaviors more frequently.
Why do dogs repeat “nuisance” behaviors?
Dogs repeat behaviors because there’s a reward involved. Consider a situation in which a dog jumps up excitedly for greetings. For a person, the sequence may look like this:
- Person appears > dog jumps up > person speaks to dog and pushes them off.
For a dog, this sequence might look like this:
- Person appears > dog jumps up > person pays attention to the dog
For a dog who likes attention and touching, any attention rewards jumping — even negative attention, such as being pushed. Successful trainers see the world through the dog’s eyes.
The best way to determine whether a behavior is being rewarded is to measure the behavior over time. Reinforcement teaches and maintains behaviors. If the behavior happens with increasing frequency, intensity, or enthusiasm, or if the behavior happens for longer periods of time, in more circumstances, or in more places, then it is likely that, from the dog’s perspective, he is being rewarded.
What should I do when a dog jumps up?
To change your dog’s behavior, you must first change your behavior. That means refraining from accidentally rewarding undesirable behavior and instead, teaching and rewarding an acceptable alternative behavior.
To begin, choose the behavior you do want the dog to perform in this situation. Maybe you would like your dog to stand with all four paws on the ground when greeting, or you might prefer that he sits. Once you decide your preference, you can inform your dog by training him to do that desired behavior. Dogs can learn to sit, stand, or even lie down to be greeted.
Be prepared: have your dog’s favorite rewards ready as she is about to greet someone. Your dog must receive the reward BEFORE she begins to jump. That way, you can quickly ask for and reward the desired behavior — either a “sit” or “four feet on the floor”.
Sample Sequences:
- Person appears > Dog approaches> Person shows treat and delivers it before the dog has a chance to jump up >Dog eats treats while all paws stay on the floor
- Person appears > Dog approaches > Person shows dog treat and cues “sit” using a cheerful tone of voice > Dog sits > Person gives treat and attention
If the dog jumps up accidentally, simply stand quietly until the dog resumes a quiet sit or stand, then reward. If the dog continues jumping up enthusiastically, either the reward is still happening, or there is a strong learning history of the behavior being reinforced. The more times a behavior has been rewarded in the past, the more patience you will need when trying to change the behavior.
What is a trained cue?
A trained cue is a signal, usually a word or hand gesture, that has been associated with a specific behavior. Dogs learn that when they perform a cued behavior, they are likely to receive a reward. For example, if you would like your dog to “sit” on cue, you begin by luring your dog into a sit and rewarding. Then, you introduce the cue “sit” just as your dog is about to move into a sit position. Now, “sit” is a trained cue — you can simply say “sit” and your dog will quickly move to a sitting position in anticipation of a possible reward.
"Cues help improve communication between a handler and their dog."
Cues help improve communication between a handler and their dog. Perhaps you would like your dog to wait quietly while you open the door to let her outside, instead of jumping up and down or barking as you reach for the doorknob. Gaining access to the outside is rewarding (positive reinforcement), so your dog is learning that jumping and barking are the best behaviors to do to get the door to open.
- Sequence: Handler goes to the door and reaches for the doorknob > Dog jumps and barks > Handler opens door > Dog runs outside > Jumping and barking are reinforced
Your dog has no idea that the door would open even if she sat quietly, nor does she know you would prefer that she sit quietly and patiently. You can easily communicate this message by using the “sit” cue before opening the door — asking for and rewarding this calm, alternative desired behavior.
- Sequence: Handler goes to the door and asks the dog to “sit” > Dog sits > Handler touches the doorknob and opens the door > Dog runs outside > Sitting is reinforced
Can training my dog to respond to cues decrease \"nuisance\" behaviors?
Teaching a variety of cues to your dog, such as “sit,” “down,” or “go to bed,” can provide clear communication and predictability within the relationship. Predictability reduces frustration and conflict between people and dogs. Before using cues to manage a dog in a tricky situation, the dog needs to understand the cue in a quiet environment. Then gradually add in distractions over time until the dog can respond to the cue in a variety of situations. Strong cues the dog understands well will give you the tools to help your dog navigate many different environments and events.
For families new to dog training, the process can feel confusing and frustrating for both the people and the dog. Professional coaching is encouraged to guide training and help everyone involved enjoy it more.
Why is predictability important?
Predictability builds trust and confidence. When you provide cues to guide your dog, it helps them learn about your expectations and, eventually, they can offer desirable, trained behaviors before you ask for them. For example, if you consistently use the cue “sit” before opening the door to the yard, your dog will learn that sitting by the door predictably leads to the reward of outside play. Over time, when you invite your dog to play in the yard, they will begin to spontaneously sit by the door, correctly predicting that this behavior is the key to accessing the yard.
When you provide a reward in response to a desired behavior, your dog also learns that their choices control outcomes. Having choice and predictability helps dogs feel more relaxed and comfortable.
What rewards can be used for training sessions?
Rewards are anything your dog likes that you can deliver quickly. The easiest rewards to use are treats, toys, attention, praise, and petting. Your dog determines if something is a reward and can be used to reinforce behaviors. Watch the dog’s body language when you present a variety of possible rewards. Choose the ones the dog seems to like best.
One common misunderstanding between people and dogs is the use of petting or touching as a reinforcement during training. Petting feels great to humans most of the time, but this is not always true for the dog. Monitor the dog’s position:
- Do they lean closer when petting is offered, or freeze/lean away?
- Is their body loose and soft, with eye contact and neutral or alert ear position? Or do they fold their ears and glance down or away?
Be ready to adjust reinforcement plans throughout a session based on what the dog prefers. The dog’s preference is always the right road to choosing reinforcers.
Rewarding with food is often the easiest strategy: Cue > Behavior happens > Treat is delivered. In addition, it is usually easy to control access to treats by keeping them in a training pouch or pocket, so your dog doesn’t accidentally receive treats when they perform unwanted behaviors.
Providing a high rate of reinforcement (i.e., frequent treat delivery) is particularly important when training new behaviors. If the rate of reinforcement drops too low, the dog may wander off, lose interest, become frustrated, or simply give up. For some dogs, toys can be great rewards. Before using toys as a training tool, you will need to teach your dog some foundation toy skills:
- Waiting to take the toy until cued to do so
- Tugging the toy when invited
- Letting go of the toy when asked
- Retrieving toys that have been tossed
Do not starve your dog to make her love treats more; similarly, do not remove all toys so you can use them only when you are training. Always provide an enriched environment and add in special treats and structured play with toys to enhance training opportunities.
How can I give treats while keeping my dog slim and fit?
Learn to assess your dog’s body condition score and check it monthly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on your dog’s ideal weight and calorie intake. For many training situations, fully balanced kibbles can be used as training rewards. That way, it is completely safe to reduce the size of your dog’s meals while staying within her calorie budget. Keep in mind that most treats will not provide your dog with necessary vitamins and minerals.
What if my dog does not listen to me?
There are many reasons that your dog might not follow a trained cue. Here are some possibilities:
- Your dog is distracted
- Your dog is not entirely clear what behavior you are asking for
- Your dog has not practiced the cue in the current location or environment
- There is competing motivation (something else has the dog’s attention)
- Something is frightening your dog
- Your dog is physically, emotionally, or mentally fatigued, or over-excited
- Your dog is experiencing or anticipating pain or physical discomfort
Successful training takes time. Be patient while your dog learns to follow cues in increasingly challenging situations. If your dog does not respond, it is not because he is stubborn or does not want to listen — he is just not ready for the challenge. Try to help your dog through the situation. Do not scold or repeat cues, as this will only increase frustration and could even frighten your dog. And most importantly, do not use physical force. It is better to step away with your dog or help him focus by guiding him with a treat or toy.
