Operant Conditioning In Dog Training: Explained With EXAMPLES!

[@BonnieKopplin-n5k]

We have three doberman, the youngest is a 15 month Euro male. He has been a barker ever since we got him at 12 weeks, he is our 6th doberman and we've never had a barker like this, although our previous have been American Dobes. This big guy barks for everything, to get out of a room, to get closer to me, to eat, to drink...you name it. He is barking at the other two dogs all the time for a toy or to play, just sooo much barking. I have tried redirecting him which does work sometimes but not 100%. We also use a spray bottle as well but he is still as barky as ever. I even find that my female who is almost three is now barking more too, mostly for attention from my husband and I. How do we get the barking to stop???

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Hi Bonnie! I would suggest focusing on two main things. First, do a lot of calm training. I would use calm praise as the reward and no treats during training. Make your goal of each session to leave him much calmer than you started. If he doesn't know the place command you could add that to the routine. Here is a video on how to teach place: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpyXinxsdrSDd9k Also, if he doesn't have a rock solid heel command I would put a lot of emphasis on it. Heel is inherently calming when done correctly. The second thing I would work on is proofing the word no. He needs to learn that no means something. You could leave a collar and short leash on when you are home and if he barks give a sharp no along with a tug on the leash. If he is too worked up you can use the heel command to calm him down. This works wonders once you get comfortable with it. Let me know what questions you have!

[@1915FadedBelly]

This made a lot of sense. Will give it a go on the crazed Poodle we came accross at 6 months old. Locked in a kennel for the first 6, no trainīng at all. She is very different from our Rotti and Staffy who have passed on. She's good on the lead, very smart. I can barely get her to sit for a treat unless there is only me there. There's a lot of negative behavious, always growling and worrying if I put different shoes on, change a jacket, etc. Anyway will try it out and let you know.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Sounds like she is keeping you busy! Definitely start with a solid heel command and teaching her to be calm on leash. This will make all of your follow up training much easier. When a dog is walking well, sit becomes fairly easy. If they are wild and pulling it can be difficult to get a good sit or down. What kind of collar do you use with her?

[@1915FadedBelly]

@@SuburbanK9DogTraining just a normal one. We tried a harness, not so good. Haven’t done a choker yet because she’s good on the lead.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Agreed on the harness. They are not our favorite training tool. If she is good on the lead then no need to make a collar change. That being said, if you do decide to change collars you may want to consider a martingale collar. They are similar to a normal cloth collar but make a little noise if you give a tug which can really help get the dogs attention. Sometimes we see dogs that don't pull on leash, but still haven't learned to focus or heel. It can be very helpful for them to learn how to turn left, turn right and get back into the heel position. This teaches them to think and listen and really does help with follow up training. Have fun with your dog and reach out with questions any time!

[@alfreditoab48]

Good video bro!💪🏼

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!!!

[@NomadMonster]

If you understand accounting debit and credit, this should be easy.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

That's a great comparison!

[@Swiftrswampr]

I’ve started to notice all dog training methods and techniques at the base are really just associations, whether via something like operant conditioning, or classical conditioning. It is all repetitive association.

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

Totally agreed! We always explain to clients that dog training isn't rocket science. You just need a method that works and then you apply the method consistently. If you do, your dog will do great!

[@tinafernandez4138]

promo sm

[@kellyreigner2879]

So, if someone’s begins to pet a dog, and he growls, you should then withdraw your affection immediately and say NO!?

[@SuburbanK9DogTraining]

It really comes down to why the dog is growling. If it is fear based I would not tell them no. I would just stop petting and then call them to me to get petted. If it is your dog and they are grumpy and growling then telling them no is probably the right move.