Remember: DOGS WILL ONLY DO WHAT WORKS!

If barking gets you to look at him, then he has just figured out how to get your attention.
If you pat your dog when he jumps on you, then yell, "Down" when you've had enough, you've given many mixed, but reinforcing messages! On the other hand, if you wait for a sit before putting his dinner down, he will try that sitting behavior again next time.

** Any behavior that is reinforced will be repeated. **

What Are Reinforcers?
Eye Contact: is a great way to reinforce behaviors you like. You can also take it away, by turning your face, for behaviors you don’t like.

Verbal Praise: can be very reinforcing for many dogs. If you notice your dog give you attention, you can reinforce with a “good boy!” or “nice!” You can also take away verbal praise, by stopping any verbal sounds, for behavior you don’t like.

Touching: Putting your hands on the dog in any way can reinforce any behavior they are showing at the moment. Therefore, if your dog is showing signs of fear or anxiety and you are petting them, you are inadvertently telling them to be scared and anxious. If, on the other hand, you choose to only touch them when they are calm and confident, you will help to reinforce these behaviors instead. Offer calm physical praise like, a gentle pat on the side or a back massage.

Treats: You can use low-power treats, like kibble for easy stuff and in low distraction areas. Make sure to use high-power treats, like freeze dried liver for more difficult behaviors and in high distraction areas. Treats can be any food your dog likes, but small in size (the size of a pea).

Toys: There are a variety of toys and uses for them. For example, a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and treats can give your dog something to do when you need a moment for yourself. Small squeaky toys or a ball can fit in your pocket and be used in training as reinforcers. Simply ask your dog for a sit, and then toss the ball. There are some toys used for exercise like a herding ball, Frisbee, or tug toys. Find out what your dog likes the most and then use it to reinforce behaviors like good attention, sits and downs.

Other Important Reinforcers: Going out the door is very reinforcing to most dogs, so ask for something first like a sit, and then give access to the outdoors as the reinforcer. Giving your dog access to play with other dogs, play with people, walking, running, or any thing they desire is a reinforcer. Every dog is different, so be on the lookout for what your dog finds most rewarding. Offer these rewards only when your dog is behaving appropriately.

How to Use the Clicker
The clicker is simply a noisemaker that you use each time your dog does something that you like, regardless of whether you requested it or not. The clicker alone, however, means nothing to a dog.
You must pair that click noise with one of his reinforcers every time you click in order to have a powerful training tool in your hands. That click noise is an isolated, quick marker of the exact behavior you want the dog to remember and repeat. Mark any behavior you like, such as eye contact and follow up with a reinforcer appropriate to the behavior and distraction level at the time.