Pups and Pooches Dog Training. Unlocking Puppy Learning: A Guide to Puppy Training with Marker Words, Reinforcement Schedules, and More!

Reflecting on my time as a first-time puppy owner, the adventure of training my little was both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Puppies are curious creatures, and understanding how they learn can make a significant difference in shaping their behaviour. This guide will share my experience with marker words, reinforcement schedules, and other key training methods. Let’s jump right in!

Puppy Training ~Marker Words and Their Use

Marker words, a word or a sound such as that made by a clicker, are crucial in puppy training. A marker word is a verbal signal that helps your puppy know they did something right. My favourite marker word is "yes!" which I use alongside a tasty treat to reinforce the desired behaviour. When I say "yes!" right after my puppy performs the desired action, it helps create a strong connection between the particular behaviour they are learning and the reward which follows.

A helpful tip! Don't forget to charge up your marker, using classical conditioning we say 'yes', wait for puppy to look at us and reward with a treat, repeat several times to allow puppy to make a connection or pair the marker word with the arrival of a treat.

Consistency is key in this process. For example, when my puppy sits on request, I say "yes!" as their bottom touches the ground and then give her a treat. Research shows that clear and timely feedback can speed up learning. The quicker I celebrate her good behaviour — within a second or two — the clearer the message is for her.

But!!!!! and there is always a but, once puppy has mastered that particular skill, it's time to change it up in terms of how often and how quickly they receive the treat. Paying out at random is the most effective form of reinforcement, just like us waiting for a pay out from a slot machine we carry on feeding more coins in, we're hooked waiting for the next fall of coins, just as puppy continues the behaviour waiting for their next treat.

A curious puppy hearing a marker word during training.

Puppy Training ~Schedules of Reinforcement

Next, let’s dive into reinforcement schedules. This aspect is essential for any puppy owner who seeks lasting results. Reinforcement schedules can be either continuous or intermittent. In the early stages, using continuous reinforcement, which means rewarding puppy every time she attempts or succeeds at a requested behaviour.

Just to point out that some behaviours such as turning left or right in a full circle may take some practice, so rewarding a puppy for a quarter turn, then on achieving a half turn etc until they master then full turn helps them to remain motivated. This approach helps to build trust and promotes learning.

When puppy becomes more familiar with basic commands, switch to intermittent reinforcement. Instead of rewarding her every time, vary it. Sometimes puppy should get a treat, and other times, just offer praise. This unpredictability keeps puppy engaged. Studies show that intermittent reinforcement can lead to faster learning and more robust retention of behaviours. It encourages puppy to respond even on days when a treat isn't guaranteed.

An eager puppy waiting patiently for a reward during training.

Puppy Training ~Treat Tests to Rate Comparative Value

One exciting part of dog training is discovering what truly motivates my puppy. I often conduct "treat tests" to find out which treats excite puppy the most. For this exercise, I present puppy with several treats, presenting them 2 at a time (one in either closed hand) and observe her reactions.

For instance, if I offer a known favourite chicken treat in one closed hand and a less enticing piece of dry kibble in the other, it’s easy to see which one puppy chooses first. This method ensures I always have the most appealing treats on hand to maintain puppy motivation during training sessions, always reserving the favourite treat for new behaviours being learned and lower value treats for behaviours she has already mastered.

A study by the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour showed that using highly valued rewards can increase learning efficiency by up to 50%.

A note of caution! Lets not forget our puppy's' waistline here, when using food for reinforcement remember to adjust what is given in puppy's' bowl to avoid giving too many calories which will result in weight gain over time.

Puppy Training ~Understanding Training Methods: Capturing, Luring, Shaping.

As described in more detail in a previous blog, using different methods can significantly improve outcomes. Here are three core techniques I rely on:

• Capturing: This involves waiting for your puppy to show a desired behaviour naturally. For example, if my puppy lies down on her own, I quickly mark the behaviour and reward her. Capturing allows dogs to think for themselves and encourages them to offer behaviours voluntarily.

  
  

• Luring: This method uses a treat to guide your puppy into the correct position. For instance, I might hold a treat above her nose and move it back over her head to encourage her to sit. This physical guidance helps her learn the desired action. Be careful to consider this when using food for reinforcement, the food should be out of sight until the behaviour is completed otherwise we may be unwittingly luring our puppy, rather than rewarding behaviour.

  
  

• Shaping: Shaping breaks down complex behaviours into smaller steps. For example, when teaching my puppy to roll over, I start by rewarding her when she lies down, then for just turning her head, and gradually build up to the complete roll. This step-by-step approach makes learning more manageable and less frustrating. This method of training builds confidence and independence , qualities that make for a robust and resilient adult dog.

  
  

Each technique has unique benefits. By mixing them up, I keep training sessions enjoyable and stimulating for both of us.

Puppy Training ~The Importance of YOU: Engagement

Finally, let’s touch on your role in training: your engagement and energy matter a lot. Puppies are wonderfully aware of their owner's emotions, they are gifted with a sense of smell which can sniff out how you are feeling!. When you show genuine excitement and positivity during training, it reflects back in puppy’s responsiveness.

Using a cheerful tone, animated body language, and playful sounds can turn training into a fun experience. Puppy will be more focused and eager to learn when I you are fully engaged. Patience is essential; puppies take time to understand what you want and are known to need in excess of 50 repetitions to learn a skill.

So.....being patient and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial.

If you start to feel frustrated, STOP. Try again another time.

Additionally, starting in a setting free from distractions is imperative and will greatly enhance your puppy's ability to focus on you. This simple change can lead to much smoother training sessions.

Wrapping Up

Training a puppy is a rewarding journey full of learning and shared moments. By understanding how puppies learn with marker words, reinforcement schedules, and various training techniques, you set the stage for a wonderful bond with your companion. Remember to keep training sessions short, fun and lively, remember to engage wholeheartedly, and discover what motivates your puppy. If you discover that a toy / game of tug motivates puppy, then use it to reward puppy and to reinforce desired behaviours where appropriate to do so.

With consistency, patience, and positivity, you will both enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

Happy training!

A playful puppy engaging enthusiastically in a training session.