Consistency is Key

Regardless of whether you use your voice or a clicker, the most effective way to train your dog is to use a combination of primary and secondary reinforcers that are consistent.

If you'll use your voice instead of a clicker, choose a phrase and use it exactly and consistently. Dogs are not people, remember? Words are just noise to them. They have no idea that "Good girl," "Great job," "Way to go Molly" or other phrases all mean they did the right thing. Pick your praise phrase, and make sure you (and others in your family) use that exact phrase or word every single time.

Then, several times a day, say your praise word or phrase and immediately give your dog the primary reinforcer (such as the treat you know he loves).

Do about five repetitions, two or three times a day, for two days. You can also use your praise word or phrase when rubbing her belly, when she's eating his dinner, or any other time you're sure she's enjoying something she loves. Within a few days, she'll learn to love the secondary reinforcer (the praise phrase or word) and will be eager to hear you say it.

(Throughout the training course we'll use the example of "Good," but substitute your own choice of secondary reinforcer. Remember to use it?and only it?consistently.)

During early training, the combination of the primary and secondary reinforcers will be extremely powerful and effective... more so than using either form of motivation alone.

Treats Won't be Needed Forever

Don't worry that you'll have to carry treats around in your pocket all the time to get your dog to behave. As your dog learns, her obedience will eventually become habitual. You won't need to consistently use treats or other primary reinforcers for those behaviors beyond that point. (You'll need to use them consistently whenever teaching something new, though.) It will always be a good idea to continue using the secondary reinforcer ("Good!" or whatever). You're basically thanking your dog for doing what you asked... simple common courtesy is always a good thing!

We'll tell you when you can start decreasing the use of treats or other primary reinforcers. But for now, and whenever you're teaching your dog something new, be sure to use both forms of positive reinforcements as instructed.

OK, now that you know the basics of rewards and timing, you're ready to begin training your best friend!