Reward what you want to see
Dogs repeat what pays off. Mark the right moment with a word like “yes” and follow it with a small, tasty treat, a toy or praise.
Training
Training is how we explain our human world to a dog. Done with rewards and patience, it makes life safer and more fun for both of you, at any age.
The ground rules
Dogs repeat what pays off. Mark the right moment with a word like “yes” and follow it with a small, tasty treat, a toy or praise.
Five to ten minutes, once or twice a day, beats one long session. Stop while your dog is still keen, on a success.
Everyone in the home should use the same words and the same rules. If jumping up is sometimes allowed, it will keep happening.
Where to begin
Practise each one somewhere quiet first. Once your dog gets it reliably, add distractions and new places step by step.
1
Say your dog’s name once. The moment they look at you, mark and reward. This is the foundation for everything else.
2
Hold a treat at your dog’s nose and move it slowly up and back. As their bottom touches the floor, mark and reward. Add the word “sit” once they’re doing it reliably.
3
Start a few steps away indoors. Call cheerfully, reward generously when they arrive. Never call your dog to scold them, and use a long line outside until recall is solid.
4
From a sit, lower a treat slowly from the nose to the floor between the paws. Mark and reward as the elbows touch down.
5
Close a treat in your fist. When your dog stops nosing at it and backs off, mark and reward from your other hand. This one can keep them safe on walks.
Why rewards
Harsh methods such as shouting, leash jerks, shock or prong collars and physical corrections can stop a behaviour in the moment, but research has linked them to more fear, stress and aggression in dogs. They also damage the bond between you. Major veterinary behaviour organisations recommend reward-based methods instead. If your dog does something you don’t like, calmly interrupt, then show them what to do instead and reward that.
Common challenges
Stop walking whenever the lead goes tight; move on when it’s loose. Reward often when your dog is next to you. A well-fitted harness can help while you practise.
Turn away and wait for four paws on the floor, then greet calmly. Ask visitors to do the same, and reward sitting to say hello.
Work out the cause first: boredom, fear, alerting or wanting attention. More exercise and enrichment help many dogs, and so does rewarding quiet.
Chewing is normal, especially for puppies. Offer safe chew toys, put valuables away, and swap the forbidden item for a toy rather than scolding.
If your dog shows aggression, severe anxiety (including when left alone), or a sudden change in behaviour, start with a vet visit to rule out pain or illness. Then look for a qualified, reward-based trainer or a veterinary behaviourist.
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