TulsaPets Magazine September 2021

36 TulsaPets • September/October 2021 TRAINING TIP Combine Play with Training for Positive Results by Mary Green CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed CDBC: Certified Dog Behavior Counselor CNWI: Certified Nose Work Instructor K9 Manners & More Broken Arrow, Oklahoma I f I asked you which your dog prefers, training with you or playing with you, how would you answer? Many of you would respond, “Playing with me, of course!” What if training with you and play- ing with you are the same thing? From the dog’s perspective, training that uses positive reinforce- ment is like play. You might think of positive reinforcement in terms of cookie (dog treat) training, but it is so much more than that. The term reinforcement is used instead of reward because rein- forcement implies strengthening, which is our aim in training our dogs. Positive is simply the addition of something the dog deems pleasurable. This can be verbal praise, pats and touches, the toss of a toy, a quick game of tug, a race around the yard, freedom to do her own thing, and of course a dog treat. There are many ways to incorporate play into your training sessions that keep your dog engaged with you and accomplish your training goals. Some behavior problems can be improved greatly with playful training rather than corrections or punishments. Here is an example of using play in training to solve a common behavior problem of the dog not coming to you when you call her. There are several common reasons why dogs do not come when they are called. The dog might be having a grand old time doing her thing, and coming when called would mean “the End of All Things Fun.” Or perhaps you have called her to you after she has done something naughty, and you are angry with her or punish her, causing her to become suspicious. And sometimes she has some- thing she does not want you to know about! You can create a solid recall behavior with play and positive re- inforcement. Instead of a formal command of “Windy, come,” use something less formal such as “Let’s go, Windy.” Praise her for every step she takes in your direction — don’t wait to praise her until she is on top of you. Encourage her and let her know she is awesome the whole way. Play hide and seek with your dog. You can tell her to stay or send her to her mat or even have a helper gently restrain her while you hide. Call her to you or whistle, and let her find you. Have a huge celebration when she finds you. Another great strategy is what we refer to as “catch and release.” Each time I call my dog to me, I praise her, touch her collar gently, then let her go. I can do this several times in a session, and when I do need her to come to me and stay with me, she is happy to do it because it has no negative association. If you are struggling in your training and your dog is frustrated or disinterested, think outside the box and try play!