by Phillip Paris

Have you ever wondered how dogs learn? What is so unique about how they perceive what it is you are trying to teach them? Did you ever think that math could be a part of that answer? I know what you're thinking, "Oh no, I hate math!" Let me explain.

Many times we try to create a very elaborate system by which to train, assuming that the dog needs such a system. Although the canine species is incredibly intelligent, simple processes go a long way. A dog's way of learning is quite simple and easy to modify for most behaviors. All you need is a little creativity and a simple math equation!

I like to teach my clients a little formula that I developed to simplify the dog training approach and keeps it simple to understand. Here it is:

DOG BEHAVIOR + RESPONSE = TRAINING

Wow, simple huh? Let's break it down a little. DOG BEHAVIOR can be anything that your dog does, whether good or bad. RESPONSE is whatever response he gets during or immediately after the behavior. This response can be an environmental (self rewarding or self correcting stimulus not directly applied by you) or can be a direct response from you that tends to reward or correct a behavior. TRAINING is simply moving in the direction you want to be with your dog in regards to how he behaves and responds to you.

Here is an example: Your dog "Fluffy" is a jumper! He jumps on everyone all the time because he is so excited to see them and desperately wants their attention. Let's use our math equation to explain how this behavior is rewarded and corrected. The reason that most dogs like to jump is because it gets them closer to the sources of attention they seek, such as our hands and face. If you pet of give attention to this type of dog, or your correction is not interpreted properly by your dog, then you are inadvertently rewarding him. Remember his jumping or standing on you (BEHAVIOR) plus the petting or acknowledgement, or lack of correction (RESPONSE) equals the dog wanting to repeat the behavior (TRAINING) which is a negative behavior. Training does not always mean that it is positive behaviors.

Now, let's look at that same behavior using the same equation to correct the jumping.

Fluffy jumps or stands on you or others (BEHAVIOR) and you have him on a leash and training collar and you apply a correction as soon as he stands or jumps up (RESPONSE) which shows him that jumping up is an undesirable behavior, equals TRAINING! Other responses for this behavior could be ignoring him until he sits down in front of you and then praising him. It could be that you respond by given him a sharp verbal correction.

When using this formula, creativity and timing are essential. If your response is more than about two seconds after the behavior, then the dog may not understand why he was corrected or rewarded. Dog training is very reactive in response to what the dog does, however, your training should be proactive in nature so that you are prepared to deal with certain behaviors that your dog will commit. What I mean by this is that if you know your dog will jump on people, be ready with a plan and training equipment (dog on leash and training collar) and be ready to RESPOND. Remember, lack of correction can equal reward to your dog. If he is committing a behavior, there is usually some perceived reward in it to him and your lack of corrective action could continue the problem.

The second form of this training equation is as follows:

COMMAND + BEHAVIOR + RESPONSE = TRAINING

All we are changing in this equation is adding a commanded behavior. Example, you command "Fluffy" to sit (COMMAND) and he sits (BEHAVIOR) and you immediately give him a treat, toy or praise (RESPONSE), he will be more apt to repeat that behavior upon command (TRAINING)!

Now, for this equation to have meaning and results with your dog, you have to be consistent and persistent! If you only apply this part of the time, your dog will only mind you part of the time. Be creative in your application of this and soon you will find yourself fixing some of your dog's behavior or teaching your dog things you never thought possible.

This is not a cure all formula and some dogs will need special attention, however, it's a great place to start! Use this equation and let me know some of the ways you have used it and I'll discuss them in future articles!

You can email me at phillipparis@verizon.net!