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Q: How do dogs learn?
A: Dogs learn just like all other animals. They learn by trial & error and by repetition, which are components of operant learning. Animals also learn by association, which is classical conditioning.
In operant learning dogs repeat a behavior that has a good consequence and they discontinue behavior that does not have a good consequence. Dogs are opportunists. Whatever precedes the behavior (antecedent) and the result of
their behavior (consequence) usually influence the behavior. It's all about them! Dogs learn to counter surf because they can see or smell food and they are successful in obtaining the food. Friendly obedience training is
accomplished by controlling the antecedent and the consequence. If we praise all wanted behavior and discontinue reinforcing misbehavior, we can shape the wanted behavior we desire. PAW (praise all wanted) Behavior is the key to
friendly dog training!
Classical conditioning is learning by association. Dogs learn to associate a stimulus as a predictor of another stimulus. Doorbells predict someone at the door. Leashes predict a walk is forthcoming. Going to the refrigerator
predicts there may be a food treat. A telephone conversation with the pizza guy coupled with placing money on the table by the door is a reliable predictor of a pizza! A click from a clicker predicts a food reward. For a dog
that is house trained to eliminate outside in a grassy area, a full bladder and feet on grass predict that relief is near!
It is valuable to understand how dogs are learning and what dogs are learning in order to train them or modify their behavior.
Q: How soon should I begin training?
A: Years ago trainers suggested that obedience training should begin at 6 months because the methods were based on force and young puppies could not withstand the physical corrections. The techniques used by How's Bentley
and many other friendly trainers involve rewarding the puppy for wanted behavior. Since no pain or force is used, you can begin training as soon as you bring him home! It's very easy to teach any age dog to sit and down in just
a few minutes.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from jumping up on me?
A: Jumping up on people is normal canine behavior. The primary reason puppies and dogs jump up is to receive attention. We reinforce the behavior by petting, praising, yelling, or using our hands to push them away. If
consistently used, there are several methods to stop your pup or dog from jumping up that are effective. See which one works best for your dog.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from mouthing and play biting?
A: Mouthing and play biting are normal canine behaviors. Since dogs do not have hands and opposable thumbs, they use their mouths to explore and interact. You can quickly learn how to prevent, interrupt, and redirect
mouthing and play biting.
Q: Why does my puppy eliminate inside right after we have been outside?
A: Your puppy has not learned where to eliminate. If we provide many opportunities for our dog to receive praise for eliminating in the correct location, and we provide zero opportunities for eliminating in the wrong
locations, our dogs will learn the appropriate location by repetition and association. Punishing your puppy for housetraining errors will only escalate the problem.
Q: My puppy is shy, what should I do?
A: Dogs progress through a sensitive period of socialization from early puppy hood to 12-16 weeks and should be exposed to as many different types of persons and new surroundings as possible. If your pup exhibits signs of
escape or submission in new situations, do not reassure him that it is ok by petting and coddling him. Do not force him to approach or interact with anything / anyone that seems to be frightening him. Instead, act silly, play,
and distract his attention away from the source of fear. The idea is to teach him that new situations are fun and there is nothing to fear.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from stealing laundry or other non food items?
A: There are several reasons a puppy steals objects. One reason is for the exciting chase or attention that ensues, and another reason is because of the appealing texture and smell. It's best to puppy-proof and keep all
items out of reach. Never give your puppy an old shoe or sock to chew, but if your puppy happens to steal a sock and run away, don't give chase. Pick up your puppy's favorite play toy and begin playing with it. Soon your puppy
will loose interest in the sock and will come play with you. To prevent your puppy from stealing items to get your attention, always ask him to sit before you offer any attention. Teaching your puppy to defer to you by sitting
for anything and everything he wants (nothing in life is free) is a great method to establish and maintain social order.
Q: Why is my puppy trying to mount my leg?
A: Mounting is a normal part of puppy play months before they are sexually mature and is usually an attention-seeking manipulative behavior, not sexual behavior. Later, mounting becomes part of normal behavior and is seen
in social and sexual contexts. If your puppy mounts, just redirect the pup to sit or lay for your attention. Teach your puppy that nothing in life is free by asking him to sit for anything and everything he desires. If
growling or aggression accompanies the behavior, consult a behavior counselor.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from eating feces?
A: Coprophagia is normal canine behavior. Bitches eat their puppies' excrement when their pups are still nursing and unable to leave their den. Since pups do not have any hands, they use their mouths to investigate.
Although there are many theories about why pups eat feces, there is no definitive scientific evidence to indicate that lack of nutrition is the primary cause. The best method to stop coprophagia is to clean up the feces before
your puppy eats it.
Q: My puppy barks and whines at me, what should I do?
A: Your puppy is training you to play, give him a treat, or offer your attention on command! He discontinues the obnoxious behavior when you "give in" and play. If he does it enough, you will learn by repetition to play,
give him a treat, or offer your attention as soon as he starts whining or barking. You will be well trained! Switch places and use positive reinforcement to teach him how to solicit your attention by following the rules for
nothing in life is free. Ignore your puppy when he becomes obnoxious and demands your attention. When he gives up, wait a few minutes and then solicit his attention by asking him to sit or down. When he complies, play with him.
By adding playtime to reinforce and increase the quiet behavior, you are using positive reinforcement. | 
