The Canine Paradigm

Episode 247: Answers that dog trainers want to know

01.30.2023 - By Glenn Cooke & Pat StuartPlay

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As a dog trainer, you have a crucial role in helping dogs and their owners resolve behaviour issues. To be successful, it is vital to have answers to life's questions, particularly when it comes to markers, cues, and primary reinforcer's.

First, you need to understand what the dog's behaviour problem is. Is the dog aggressive, destructive, or fearful? Once you have identified the problem, you must determine its root cause. This could be lack of exercise, insufficient attention, or a medical condition. With this information, you can create a plan to have answers to the problem.

Next, you must choose the right technique to modify the behaviour. Positive reinforcement, counter-conditioning, and behaviour modification are just a few of the methods available. You must understand these techniques and select the one that best fits each situation.

It is also crucial to know how to teach the new behaviour. What steps should you take and how will you reinforce the behaviour so it becomes a habit? The answers to these questions will guide you in your training efforts.

Markers, cues, and primary reinforcer's play a significant role in dog training. Markers are signals, such as a clicker or a sound, that signal to the dog that a behaviour is correct. Cues are commands that tell the dog what to do. Primary reinforcer's, such as food or toys, provide motivation for the dog to perform the desired behaviour.

Having answers to life's questions is essential for dog trainers. Knowing the behaviour problem, the right technique to modify it, how to teach the new behaviour, and the importance of markers, cues, and primary reinforcer's, will help you be more effective and make a positive impact on the lives of dogs and their owners.

We did another episode on all life's answers right here

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