Understanding our dog’s behaviour …the first step to helping them behave better!
When a dog perceives an event, there’s an outcome …a behaviour.
That behaviour depends on the brain concepts that are strongest in that dog and what the dog rehearses most often
…the more a dog does something the more they become it!
If we need a different behaviour, we have to grow our dog’s in the right direction. Grow the right concepts, limit rehearsal & set them up for success!
Positive reinforcement & making the most of your daily food
Science tells us the most effective way to train a dog is to use positive reinforcement, rewarding your dog for good choices with something of value to them.
Ditch the bowl & you get a whole pot of value to spend in the right way! But what are you spending your dog’s daily food allowance on?
Reinforcing good choices & growing great concepts in your dog’s brain!
Just pop in the message if you feed raw!
Training that’s real life ready for a happy dog!
Our dog’s brain is made up of concepts, & all the concepts make up their personality as a whole.
How skilled your dog is at particular concepts influences the choices they make in daily life. Everything from their genetics, breed, hormones and past experience can influence this. And the more a dog rehearses a behaviour, the stronger they make that neural pathway for in the future.
But our brains are trainable and changeable!
These concepts can change naturally over time & they can be actively changed. They are mouldable & you hold the key to transforming them.
With Game Changer Dogs you’ll play games and train in a way that develops each concept & you’ll grow your dog’s brain the right direction.
All the time having fun and growing a positive relationship with your dog!
Set you and your dog up for success!
Use your dog’s daily food in training - see the E Book. Incorporate puzzle feeders, scatter feeding & rewarding games to encourage calm, build relationships & enrich your dog’s life.
Manage their environment to minimise rehearsal of behaviours you don’t want, leave them with good choices to make. Train for the situation rather than in it so your dog can learn rather than just react.
Use what your dog finds rewarding to reinforce behaviours. Use clear, proofed marker words to give your dog clarity. Catch them being good!
Have training treats to hand, in pockets and pots everywhere! Train little and often. Make it a fun time, not a long time. Play while the kettle boils, train in the adverts, on walks & at home.
Your dog’s experiences all pay into their bucket = mental load. Keep an eye on your dog’s arousal & learn their triggers. Remember stress hormones can be present for 72 hrs afterwards.
Don’t use methods that work by applying fear or pressure. No choke chains, spray bottles, harsh corrections, etc. Follow the science advocating positive training & build your bond.
Every dog is an individual, learn what lights your dog up & what their fears are. Be aware of their breed traits but always work with the dog in front of you. And always celebrate the successes!
Next steps?