How Pups Learn

How Dogs Learn

Association: is it safe or not

• Make training fun
• Dog will develop a positive emotional response 
• Dog enjoys being with you and returning to you

Consequence: good or bad for me

• Reinforcement increases behavior
• Always reinforce a recall with high value reinforcer

Reinforcers:

• Must be something the learner (your dog) LOVES
• High value
• Dogs perspective of high value
  • Food is primary reinforcer
    • Some learners love play like tug or ball

Timing:

• Dogs learn in the now
• Reinforcement must be immediate