Training Tip: Leave something in it for the dog

“Dog training somehow became really complex. It shouldn’t be. Here, gleaned from some of the masters, are my simple rules to training a dog:

1. Be as kind as possible and as firm as necessary.
2. If it worked, it was right (if you followed rule number one).
3. Leave something in it for the dog.”

-- Monique Anstee, As a Dog Thinketh

Two of my dogs -- six-year-old Nemo and seven-year-old Rosie -- have spent the better part of their lives teaching me #3. Their “somethings” are so different from each other.

Some of the best parts of Rosie’s day is when we physically connect. She loves to greet me with a forehead-to-forehead mind meld in the morning, and her biggest reward in training is being invited to jump into my arms and lick my face. Pieces of steak or cheese, or treats of any kind, are worthless as training rewards, as far as Rosie is concerned.

On the other hand, Nemo lives for treats. I’m afraid I made a mistake, early in our loose-leash training, rewarding him with tiny biscuit treats when he walked calmly and didn’t pull. Now our walks are an embarrassing nightmare if I don’t have those biscuits, as he barks and barks and barks, proclaiming my failure to all who can hear. If I try to make it up to him by petting him, he ducks his head and turns away. Nemo simply doesn’t appreciate pats on the head, or really any other public displays of affection.

I generally don’t like hugging people, even if they are my best friends. My dearest friend hugged everyone. I don’t know why people are one way or the other -- nor do I know why dogs are one way or the other. (Or, as in the case of every cairn terrier or Westie I’ve ever known, why they like it all. Kisses and treats and belly rubs, all the time please!)

"I've been so good! Can I have a treat AND a belly rub, please?"
-- Maybelle (CP Mayfly)

Rosie and Nemo have made it clear what they want as rewards, as their “something in it for the dogs.” If I don’t pay attention, if I keep trying to pet Nemo or offer biscuits to Rosie, I’m not rewarding them. I’m actually punishing the behavior I wanted to reward.